Qantas Club and other lounges how do they measure up

[NM]

Snap - we even posted at the same time

So is this a case of Great minds think alike? or is it Fools never differ?

 

[markis10]

I agree - paying annual or (multi-year) club membership for just a couple of visits a year is not worth it. For more frequent travels it certainly is (to me) - but fortunately I dont need to pay for it as it comes free with airline status.

Have used Diners lounges and paid for an extra guest occasionally, and it was worth it after a long day on a show floor, then travelling to another country to connect to a flight home. Sometimes the shower after such a day is "priceless" although the wait for the showers in QF lounge in HK is certainly not priceless! Have also occasionally used the priority pass lounges for the same reason (travelling with 3 guests so no QP/CX access).

 

[NM]

... although the wait for the showers in QF lounge in HK is certainly not priceless!

That's when I head for the tranqility of the Cabanas at The Wing lounge and a long soak in a bath .

 

[JohnK]

This Etrade offer is having me ask questions - 2,000 bonus points for each trade in your first two months, and it only costs $30 to trade. So efectively, you can get 50,000 points (limit) for around $600.

That's pretty damn good if you ask me, though more investigation is needed.

And just think of how much money you could lose on the market in that time with 20 poorly timed trades!

Not only that but assuming that you bought shares in 20 different companies then you are also up for $30 each trade or $600 when you sell.

You then need to remember to include them in your tax return as a capital gain or capital loss. Capital gains are allright as you pay what tax you owe right now whereas capital losses are accrued yearly until such time they can be offset against a capital gain.

If you would normally do the trades required to earn 50,000 points then is probably a good deal otherwise not worth the effort.

Everyone values points differently but the way I value them is simply a return airfare to Singapore from Sydney. Low season costs $960 or requires 60,000 points + $320 in taxes and charges. With 50,000 points, you need another 10,000 points from somewhere, in effect you have gained $800 out of that $960 airfare to Singapore but are paying $350 in taxes and charges so in effect a net saving of $480. It has cost you at least $630 up to $1200 to trade and sell the shares, not including any risk on share price, for that 50,000 points gain. By my calculations you have outlayed more than the points are worth.

I am sure you can value it other ways but in my opinion clearly not worth it.