Split between One world & Star Alliance

[vicki]

Hello,
I have alot of questions, hope someone can answer all or a few..
I have 90K qantas points, 40K altitude points, 91K United points and 13K Amex points. Is it possible to purchase two economy return flights to europe in July? On the same airline? Failing that going at around the same time? Is it better to purchase one ticket and use points for the other? Using points for bus class upgrades seems impossible on qantas, is it better on other airlines (ie sing or thai?).. Is there anyway to quickly earn United points?
thanks!
-vicki

 

[shillard]

Hello,
I have alot of questions, hope someone can answer all or a few..
I have 90K qantas points, 40K altitude points, 91K United points and 13K Amex points. Is it possible to purchase two economy return flights to europe in July? On the same airline? Failing that going at around the same time? Is it better to purchase one ticket and use points for the other? Using points for bus class upgrades seems impossible on qantas, is it better on other airlines (ie sing or thai?).. Is there anyway to quickly earn United points?
thanks!
-vicki

Ok, answers in order....

1) Yes, with dollars - not with the points that you have. You would do well to pick a programme, and stick to it to maximise your points earning and redemption. If you live in AUS, I would advise QF - it's the only sensible loyalty programme decision for Australians, or for anyone travelling on routes serviced by OneWorld.

2) It is better to purchase the ticket for yourself. and use points for your partner/ friend. This is what my wife and I usually do - I'll book a J ticket for her on my points (she is QF Club Bronze), and buy a ticket for myself so I earn more miles & credits on the trip.

3) Using points for upgrades is NOT impossible on QF, I have done this MANY times between SYD-PER, SYD-AKL and SYD-CHC. If you insist on travelling at peak times on popular routes, your award flight/ upgrade opportunities WILL be limited. This is true of all airlines.