Time to burn the points? Like 500 000 of them??

[mumof2sydney]

Hi all- party of 4 (two adults, 2 kids) -want to do the whole disneyland thing. Travel syd-lax (or las or sfo) open jaw fine - hiring a car whilst there. Here is the problem- cost of airfare in school holidays (mid sept- return early oct- stay 14-21 nights) is ridiculous- over 1700 per pax. Have a lot (500000 points) sitting in citibank rewards. Have spotted a few award seats on VA - even in prem economy which seems almost worth it. And can get all 4 on one flight. Can also do on QF but its via BNE overnight which is annoying. What to do? Used to subscribe to First Class Flyer and he would say something like- transfer all the points to mexican airlines or something and book that way...advice appreciated.

 

[Hvr]

Have you considered school holidays next year and book at 353 days out?

Anything for this year is long gone. Especially for four people in a popular time such as school holidays.

 

[mumof2sydney]

Hi Hvr- the award seats are actually available...

 

[DaveB]

Hope you took the tickets - VA beats QF not just in redemption costs.

 

[Robert K]

what airlines can you transfer the points to

 

[mumof2sydney]

what airlines can you transfer the points to

virgin, krisflyer, qantas

 

[Robert K]

how many citi points to FFP?

 

[mumof2sydney]

depends on your credit card level- either 1.5 credit card points : 1 FF point or 2: 1, but again airline dependant

 

[Robert K]

I want to know what your card's conversion rate is so i can help!

 

[mumof2sydney]

I want to know what your card's conversion rate is so i can help!

oh! mine is 1.5 citibank reward pts to 1 virgin point...so i am transferring 750 000 points...10 years worth...

 

[mumof2sydney]

https://www.citibank.com.au/AUGCB/I...ipper_content/travel_catalogue&layout=success

 

[Reggie78]

Hopefully you have an old card that can transfer to QF, cause the newer ones can't unless you have specified QF only. Your best bet would be VA.

I too have a Citi Signature Visa card, but I only got it to use where AMEX isn't available, and will be using points from it in Asia. Asia Miles via AMEX MR (get the Platinum Edge) would be your best bet for a US trip in the future IMO.

 

[mumof2sydney]

what annual fee are you paying for the amex? What route do you take to USA with asia miles on which carrier?? Citibank lets you tf miles to asia miles BUT only on "select"card- not signature (on which i pay no annual fee- finally) Thanks for the info!

 

[drewbles]

VA is a no brainer, if they travel the route you want. Availability is typically excellent, and fuel fines/surcharges/taxes are significantly less than any for QF (international at least).

 

[Reggie78]

what annual fee are you paying for the amex? What route do you take to USA with asia miles on which carrier??!

The Platinum Edge card has annual fee of $195, which includes a return domestic flight per year with VA - which essentially pays for itself and then some. I booked MEL-CBR Return recently, and it would have cost $350+

Asia Miles (Cathay Pacific) could potentially be flying direct to US with QF (if you can find award seat availability) or via HK with CX.

 

[mumof2sydney]

thanks reggie- as an update- i have literally just burned the points - somehow managed to score 4 premium economy seats on VA all award seats- 564000 points IN SCHOOL HOLIDAYS- total fees with credit card surcharge was $560. route- syd to lax...disneyland here we come...

 

[smit0847]

thanks reggie- as an update- i have literally just burned the points - somehow managed to score 4 premium economy seats on VA all award seats- 564000 points IN SCHOOL HOLIDAYS- total fees with credit card surcharge was $560. route- syd to lax...disneyland here we come...

Great result! Enjoy your trip.

 

[Reggie78]

Nice one! Hope you enjoy the trip, I know your Kids will

 

[mumof2sydney]

thanks reggie and smit- not sure who is more excited- kids or parents- the sweating it out waiting for the points transfer was painful- logged into account 50 times over the last 2 days...luckily seats were still there...cant quite believe there were 4 premium seats on one flight- that would NEVER happen with QF...