File 51,
Points for RTW Economy are generally 150,000; Business Class RTW is 300,000; First is 400,000. I took advantage of a Business Class RTW points redemption ticket in July 2001, but points won't have changed. If you go over the allowed miles (26,000 miles for QF only flights or 31,000 for oneworld travel), then it will be another 30,000 points. Refer to the Frequent Flyer Benefit Book - page 51 for FF points needed for QF flights, page 66 for oneworld.
About when to book - no time like the present, but I suppose it depends on the sectors you are flying. If a busy one, try your off-peak times (if your timing allows it). When I booked mine (early July for an August departure), I got lucky - 21 sectors out of 22 I got the Business Class points seat from the flights that I wanted to take - only once did I have to settle for a non-desired (time) flight. I stress I was lucky - many aren't. Mine had stops in Asia, London, Europe, South America, USA and New Zealand. but be prepared to look at Cathay and BA as very viable alternatives to Qantas..and AA in the USA. Not sure whether this works on points tickets - but look at whether the flight has a codeshare flight number, as points may be different between the carriers.
Shillard is quite correct with his AA information about First and Economy (or as they so quaintly use the term "Coach") - but First beats cattle class any day. Some sectors (long haul like JFK/LAX on AA3, you'll get the new First Class seats) - see my post in other section about "Review of oneworld carriers".
I also remember somebody posting a message about a saving of 10,000 point when utilising a point ticket to London, using QF and another oneworld carrier rather than QF all the way. Think it was a flight Aust-London. Sometimes this can be very true, quirks of the system.
Don't forget that as Platinum member, when you ring up and enter your FF number, you are automatically connected to the Premium Desk. They will certainly have had requests like yours before (after all, they had mine last year). I tend to ring after 10pm when they generally have more time to discuss and try the options for you (and if the person is on shift for a while yet, they'd rather take your call - that's been my experience as a Platinum member).
Also, you could utilise the service that Australian Frequent flyer are offering - see below, taken from last newsletter:
"Next time you have to fork out cash, try our new Flight Booking service. Your request will be forwarded to one of our specialist frequent flyer travel consultants who will ensure that your booking earns the maximum number of points or is best suited for your individual circumstances.
You will be surprised what a little bit of inside knowledge is worth! And best of all its a free service to all clients who make their reservation with us. This service compliments our popular Award Booking service which has been featured on National TV."
I've never used it, but heh, worth the option to look at it. Best of luck in getting your desired sectors with decent flight times :wink: !!