J classic awards are often cheaper than yasas
A classic award is an idea, but it depends on what if any goals the OP has.
Working assumptions
As there's little background to go on other than OP is QPNB, I'll assume that he'd at least like to go QPPS for a while and will do this as a points plus pay to reduce the costs.
Summary
Here's my thoughts in summary on the proposed travel option.
- Should I go ASA or a Classic award? This depends entirely on your goals. If you are looking to attain QPPS, then a ASA booking for the proposed trip could get you there. If status is not your goal, then it's far better to go for a classic award.
- Could I attain higher QFF status by booking this as an ASA? Depending on travel plans during the qualifying year, this is possible.
- Is a PER-xSIN-LHR return ASA possible? Yes
- How much could it cost me points/cash wise? See my workings below.
- Will using an ASA provide a financial advantage to me? Compared to a regular ticket price, you will be saving between 50-75% assuming the scenario outlined below.
- Can I fly the A380? If offered, yes. This could cost you an extra 10000pts.
- Is there value going for A380 flights compared to other aircraft types? IMHO If they are the newly configured 747's - then the only difference you'll notice in Y is the lack of a snack bar. Seats are the same.
Working calculations
This is based on information provided today (24 Nov 2010) by the QF website. The points cost of ASA tickets can change at a moments notice depending on multiple factors, so this scenario and calculations is valid only as long as the stated points values line up with today's prices.
I'd like to do this up as an organised table, but it's not really possible here. Check out my spreadsheet (link in my signature below) if you'd like to do this.
PER-xSIN-LHR return is a Zone 9 * 2, which will return the following SCs;
- Y- - 100sc
- Y - 200sc
- Y+ - product not available on PER-SIN, so scenario ignored.
- J - 400sc
This would deliver the following return points wise**:
- Y- - 18048
- Y - 18048
- J - 22560 (inc. cabin bonus)
**These amounts could increase by 25% depending on current SC balance for qualifying year as one of these flights could push into QPPS level.
In terms of raw points cost, this is the best straight points cost for what I was getting for return fares per pax booked in June 2011:
- Y- - 204669 (need to check what metal)
- Y - 464179 (check metal per previous)
- J - 819709 (confirmed SIN-LHR-SIN scheduled as A380 metal)
A minimum of 112000 pts must be used for this itinerary, so assuming he used half his balance on this itinerary (137500pts), a cash outlay of the following would be required per ticket:
- Y- - AUD740.02
- Y - AUD3264.25
With J, the minimum points outlay goes up to 224000pts per ticket, meaning on the points balance the OP could only book one ticket as an ASA and would have to pay cash in full for the other.
Therefore assuming that minimum points only were used for a single ticket, cash outlay would be as follows:
I hope this helps you think it through and work out which option for booking these tickets is best for your individual circumstances. Best of luck.
