Upgrading vs Outright points

[Rusty776]

Looking for member help with a couple of things. Firstly some background, I'm a Bronze Qantas Frequent Flyer and unlikely to go higher as we don't fly much for work and probably take 1-2 flights per year interstate/overseas.

I'm collecting points and will have 200k. I'd like to fly (with the wife) in Business to Singapore (outside school holidays) with Qantas some time in the future. From what I've read on here my chances of buying an economy ticket and upgrading via points to business is pretty much impossible (due to bronze status).

So I should be planning on booking a flight a year out of possible and using 200k of points for both of us return? Just wanted to check people's thoughts as upgrading saves a lot of points but no guarantees and I'm way down the pecking order.

 

[Hvr]

Yes, look at using points for the trip rather than an upgrade.

You've correctly identified the issues you face trying to get an upgrade.

 

[sudoer]

I should be planning on booking a flight a year out of possible and using 200k of points for both of us return?

Two people return in J is 240k.

One way J one way Y+ is 210k.

One way J one way Y is 176k.

 

[RichardMEL]

The points cost is high but you know you will secure the seats vs the upgrade lottery, which will be very difficult for two without status on flights, specially if they are connecting flights, such as QF35 (connecting to QF1 and other intra Asia flights). If you can save the points with that goal in mind then yes.. grab the reward seats when you can (noting the very florward time window you would likely need to secure the seats).
Good luck!

 

[Rusty776]

Thanks everyone.. good to know my reading is making sense. I'm off to keep spending and churning!!

 

[Danielb56]

Looking for member help with a couple of things. Firstly some background, I'm a Bronze Qantas Frequent Flyer and unlikely to go higher as we don't fly much for work and probably take 1-2 flights per year interstate/overseas.

I'm collecting points and will have 200k. I'd like to fly (with the wife) in Business to Singapore (outside school holidays) with Qantas some time in the future. From what I've read on here my chances of buying an economy ticket and upgrading via points to business is pretty much impossible (due to bronze status).

So I should be planning on booking a flight a year out of possible and using 200k of points for both of us return? Just wanted to check people's thoughts as upgrading saves a lot of points but no guarantees and I'm way down the pecking order.

Don't hold your breath...You may also find booking a direct flight with Qantas to Singapore may be difficult because that's how Qantas do it. They may throw at you Jetstar or another alternative like British or via HKK with Cathay or KL with Malaysia...even 12 months out. Give it a try you never know they may have a meltdown and give you the best option...

 

[KSC]

Fellow bronze member here.
I have recently booked Singapore return for 2 people business class during Chinese New Year about 5 months out with points.

I originally had a booking with cash in Y+ about 10 out but had to cancel as we were going to change our plans. 10 months out I could get a the Mel-Sin leg with points in J but not Sin-Mel.

The later in the year Sin-Mel was easy to get but not Mel-Sin lol.

I prefer to do outright in points as its guaranteed. I don't like my chances of upgrades as a Bronze.

If you face the scenario that you only have availability for one leg, you could book points one-way and cash the other or take a bit of risk book one leg and wait for availability for the other leg.

With more A380’s getting refurbed (which have more J and Y+ seats), a slow down in travel due to the economy you have good chances.

Also Y+ Mel-Sin is easy to get availability as a Bronze.