Using QFF points on CX to Europe

[lang_13]

Hi. I haven't put any effort into collecting QF points, but with new Cathay Pacific routes to Europe, specifically Dublin it may be more appealing, given wide selection of sign-on bonuses. I was wondering is it possible to redeem on this route using Qantas points? I had a look online and it looks as if only routing available is on Emirates via Dubai. Do I need to call? If anyone could share their experience it would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[Dr Ralph]

I believe it is possible to redeem on this route. But remember it's often difficult to get flights on popular routes. It may be worth calling, but CX routes, if available, usually show via the online search. Having status will help open up more flight opportunities.

Also, sometimes searching for separate flights (eg Sydney to Hong Kong and then Hong Kong to Dublin) may yield more useful results.

 

[lang_13]

I believe it is possible to redeem on this route. But remember it's often difficult to get flights on popular routes. It may be worth calling, but CX routes, if available, usually show via the online search. Having status will help open up more flight opportunities.

Also, sometimes searching for separate flights (eg Sydney to Hong Kong and then Hong Kong to Dublin) may yield more useful results.

Thanks for the pointers. Could see availability on Asia Miles site but nothing on Qantas. It's a shame Asia miles are so difficult to accumulate once the Amex bonuses are exhausted! I don't travel for work anymore, so status is not something worth chasing at the moment. Will keep playing around with the search and see what comes up before I look to accumulate QF points. Cheers

 

[Dr Ralph]

Will keep playing around with the search and see what comes up before I look to accumulate QF points. Cheers

Good luck. It's definitely a time sucking activity.

 

[lang_13]

...and they certainly don't make it easy!

 

[LadyC]

I believe it is possible to redeem on this route. But remember it's often difficult to get flights on popular routes. It may be worth calling, but CX routes, if available, usually show via the online search. Having status will help open up more flight opportunities.

Also, sometimes searching for separate flights (eg Sydney to Hong Kong and then Hong Kong to Dublin) may yield more useful results.

I second Dr Ralph's comment. To get visibility to CX availability, you need to search via multi-city. You will also need to plan well ahead as many awards ex-AU get snapped up pretty quickly, especially around peak periods.

ExpertFlyer may also be worth considering as I believe you get much better award visibility in a simpler fashion (I used it a few years ago when I was redeeming a lot of QFF awards). I understand that CX isn't on ExpertFlyer but a lot of the other Oneworld partners are. It is a paid subscription though.

 

[Franky]

BAEC is also useful for CX and most other OW options if you can join up..

 

[I love to travel]

For some reason seems to be easier from Europe to OZ rather than simply than Oz to Europe.

 

[lang_13]

Will sign up to BA - availability on partner airlines mirrors that of Qantas? Many thanks for all the info ...

 

[grussellt]

If you don't mind a long hop you can also travel SYD-JFK-DUB (avoiding LHR) on QF/AA for 60,000pts.

 

[GoldCanyon340]

Will sign up to BA - availability on partner airlines mirrors that of Qantas? Many thanks for all the info ...

Bear in mind you can't sign up to BAEC with an Australian address.

 

[lang_13]

lot of info to take in! have redeemed mostly on EY to Europe to date... will definitely take some time to look at options. Hong Kong (or even New York) are definitely more enticing stopover destinations with 1 stop to Dublin.

 

[Franky]

Bear in mind you can't sign up to BAEC with an Australian address.

Many say this, I just checked mine as I opened it a year or two ago, and noted that I had entered my Perth home address up to post code, then country of residence as UK, and my mobile with a 61 code. Have been able to use it extensively and have gained a lot of great information from the site. Being in Perth means you have to look far and wide for options.

 

[lang_13]

Many say this, I just checked mine as I opened it a year or two ago, and noted that I had entered my Perth home address up to post code, then country of residence as UK, and my mobile with a 61 code. Have been able to use it extensively and have gained a lot of great information from the site. Being in Perth means you have to look far and wide for options.

Thanks. Have a sister over there so can add her address

 

[Mumanddad]

So if you see award availability through BAEC or AA Advantage, does that mean you can ring and ask Qantas to book you one of these seats. Or doesn't it work that way?

Doing some exploring on AA today and I can see lots of availability not showing up on Qantas.

 

[coyote25]

Definitely use the multi city booking tool. You can create options that the one way engine won't list.

Also if your stopover is less than 24 hours the two legs will be priced as one. HKG is a great city for a short stopover, try to get 16-23 hour stopover and there are heaps of options for the stopover.

 

[jetpack]

Not sure about other oneworld carriers but I have noticed that Qantas now uses married segments on award availability. The tried and tested method of searching award availability one sector at a time may no longer be effective in capturing all award availability.