QFF Vs Velocity vs other programs

[SOPOOR]

hi everyone,
still a newbie in this discussion,

after recent CBA conversion cuts, im evaluating the best program for me now

can a few experts recomend the best program for my sitatuon, (quite simple requirements)

- Want to use points only for business class flights or economy to business class upgrades
- Happy to convert to other means, eg gift cards, cash if the ratio per point is better then flights

im feeling that the QFF program with the taxes of $1000+ for a return busincess class trip for melb to EU is a bit extreme too, and im feeling a bit unloved/shafted

any feedback is appreciated

 

[casanovawa]

It really can be how long is a bit of string sort of question....

Do you do much international travel?? Qantas, being part of the One World Alliance + Emirates, can offer many more destinations than Virgin's quasi alliance/partnerships...

VA's surcharges component often looks to be much less than QF, but then if you take other OW coarriers than QF or Emirates the surcharges can be quite a bit lower although the points required can be a bit higher... But yes some of QF's surcharges are a rip off...

Qantas have just introduce changes whereby QF points are going to be able to upgrade both cash and award fares, not sure upgrading the award fares are going to be competitive with just originally booking the higher/premium award... Not sure if VA points and award fares are quite so flexible...

Domestically QF and VA might be much of a muchness, QF's route network might be a bit bigger...

 

[JohnK]

For your situation QFF could be the best fit. You would need to do some calculations on which routes interest you and what they would cost in each program.

QFF fuel surcharges are extremely high but that's slightly offest by the Oneworld alliance and the fact some routes are an anomaly and fuel surcharges are low.

 

[serfty]

I differ - VA is better because they do not assess fuel surcharges on their awards bookings.

Aside from that the OP express EU as a specific desire.

For example Mel to Paris return in Business class with Velocity is from 250K Velocity points and $240 in +++. There's no YQ in that.

Qantas Frequent Flyer will charge 256K points and $900+

 

[travelislife]

I agree serfty with Virgin being the positive for lack of charges but after the changes to the award chart there is no way to get to Europe for 250k return in business class.

 

[SOPOOR]

hi everyone, sthanks for your answers

i do travel to asian countries however I find that on special jetstar etc are pretty hard to beat, plus the trips are short so I dont mind flying economy,

hence my preference for EU and USA long haul in business class

so do you guys think the virgin program or qantas program are better

a few are saying that even though qantas' surcharge is far higher, it works out better which I simply dont understand.

 

[serfty]

Not sure - I am WP in both Velocity and QFF but case Velocity of QFF points when I can.

The mention of oneworld - it does give more options to those places NZ, SQ, DL, EY, VX etc. don't fly.

 

[quokka77]

Do you fly alone or with family? If flying with family VA has family pooling which in my opinion would tip the balance to them. On the other hand if you fly alone and already have club access, significant points and/or status with QF, that might be enough to keep you with them (inertia). You also need to consider your favourite specific routes (domestic and international) and who serves you best, your current and future credit cards. All of that. Good luck.

 

[bwhouse]

I agree with virgin being a better option, mainly because I have had fair better luck booking international award tickets with them than with QFF.

I agree serfty with Virgin being the positive for lack of charges but after the changes to the award chart there is no way to get to Europe for 250k return in business class.

You can still transfer your velocity points to krisflyer and provided you get the online 15% discount you can net Europe return for 218k velocity points return. You will be paying a far higher taxes as SQ hit you with fuel surcharges, but still a good option in my opinion.

 

[TheAirman]

Still undecided about the two programs.

 

[SOPOOR]

Do you fly alone or with family? If flying with family VA has family pooling which in my opinion would tip the balance to them. On the other hand if you fly alone and already have club access, significant points and/or status with QF, that might be enough to keep you with them (inertia). You also need to consider your favourite specific routes (domestic and international) and who serves you best, your current and future credit cards. All of that. Good luck.

thank you

I fly alone, but not often, however I do spend upwards $10k per month on amex and visa combined (mostly visa)

I dont travel for work at all,

I holiday in asia alot but I always buy them on jetstart specials,

so for me the only thing is business class trips to EU and USA that I intend to do with my points accumulation

I dont know much about the beneifts or even rations per dollar plus redemption plus taxes for the virgin program,
so hence posted here

 

[lovetravellingoz]

Why stop at one?

Personally for me I accumulate points at Krisflyer, VA and QFF.

I award points to the program that gives me the most bang for my buck for that particular spend/flight/hotel/ promo. Some points can only go to one FF program (so if nota member of that FF Program/Alliance you miss out completely) and sometimes there is a choice.

I redeem with FF program ( and remember to think Aliance and Partners too and not just the original airline) that delivers the most value for the flight that I want (J or F) and this will take into account point cost, fuel fines & fees, availaibity and convenience (ie more direct routing, shorter stopover or even the reverse where you may gain a free stopover).
On really popular routes this can increase the chances of getting something suitable.

It also allows you to take advantage of various specials. ie I swapped some J redemptions from Qatar (made from QFF) to Etihad as VA had both a transfer from CC and discount of flight awards so that the fligts were cheaper in both point cost and fees than my original booking despite the QFF cancelation fee PLUS I gaineda flight exactly on theday I wanted witha shorter stop-over.

This supercharges both my "earn" and "burn" as well as availability and convenience.

Caveat: If your point earn is very low then one FF program may be best. But with CC churn etc it is not hard to keep at least 2 FF programs ticking along.