Travel LHR (or AMS) and return

[pangwen]

Hi everyone,

I'm currently trying to plan a trip to Europe ex BNE around this time next year (Sept-Oct). I've decided to use up a load of my FF points to travel in comfort (at least Y+), but unfortunately, they are spread over multiple programs, so I will have to mix and match a bit. In addition, I won't have enough points (I think) to go all the way there and back, so I will need to pay for some portion of it. I would like to keep the pay part of it below $AU3000 in total.

I think I've worked a couple of options out so far, but having little experience flying in long haul Y+ or J with any carrier, I would appreciate your opinions.

What I have to spend:
- ~75,000 Velocity points
- ~70,000 QFF points
- ~40,000 Amex MR points
- ~ $AU3,500 (my flight budget)

My plan so far:

BNE <-> HKG
One way would be a combination of DJ and VS, the other way would be either QF or CX, i.e:

Option 1:
BNE->SYD in DJ J (using 13,800 velocity points)
then
SYD-> HKG in VS J (using 57,800 velocity points)

Return would be HKG->BNE in QF or CX J (using 60,000 or 65,000 QFF points)


Option 2:
BNE->HKG in QF or CX J (using 60,000 or 65,000 QFF points)

return would be
HKG->SYD in VS J (using 57,800 velocity points)
then
SYD->BNE in DJ J (using 13,800 velocity points)

Total points/money used: 60-65,000 QFF points and 71,600 velocity points (taxes approx $200 each way = $400 total)

HKG<->LHR or AMS
The idea is to pay for a return Y+ between HKG and LHR or AMS.

CX is approx $AU2,400 to AMS
VS is approx $AU2,700 to LHR

I would be able to upgrade one of the legs in CX to J using 40,000 Amex MR points (converted 1:1 to Asia Miles)
I would be able to upgrade both legs in VS to J using 30,000 Amex MR points (converted 1:1 to Flying Club)

Total points/money used: $AU2,400 + 40,000 MR points (Y+ one way, J the other in CX) OR $AU2,700 + 30,000 MR points (J both ways in VS)

I would really appreciate someone giving me their opinions on the following:

1) Are there any other ideas where I use the same or fewer points to get the same or better result?
2) Which option should I choose BNE<->HKG? (VS/DJ there and QF/CX back or vice versa?)
2b) Is QF or CX better between BNE and HKG?
3) Which option should I choose HKG<->AMS/LHR (VS or CX, bearing in mind that if I go CX, one way will be in Y+)?

Thanks

 

[lovetravellingoz]

I did it on SQ which is nota direct help to you.

But an option that I did is to fly in to England...and back from AMS.

This then avoids the costly UK greenhoise tax that is only charged on departing flights.

In my case we caught the train to Paris from London, and then up to AMS to vist both cities.

There are many economical ways though including ferries and s o ut largely depends what you wish to see.

The fast trains booked online via the Eurpean booking engines are cheap if you do it well in advance. Avoid the Austrlian and USA sigtes as they have large mark-ups.

 

[pangwen]

Hmm.. thanks for the tip regarding train bookings! I was considering a Eurail pass, but might take a look at the individual operator prices, could be a bit cheaper..

 

[Pollywaffle]

Hmm.. thanks for the tip regarding train bookings! I was considering a Eurail pass, but might take a look at the individual operator prices, could be a bit cheaper..

Not just "could" be cheaper but will be.

Most train fares go on sale approx 12 weeks out from day of travel. Read up as much as you can on European train travel but start with The Man in Seat Sixty-One (The Man in Seat Sixty-One...). A lot of great info.