Which flight to book with Rewards

[XavierP]

G'day,

I have a return flight to Manila coming up in April. Since it is quite expensive to book it, I am opting on paying it for one way and getting a rewards flight for the other. My questions are:

1. Should I get rewards for the most expensive route or for the cheaper one? It might be clear to some of you but it is unclear for me. It is around 81K points one way and under 60K points for the other

2. I have opted to stay overnight in Manila. Any suggestions of something good not too far from the airport? I mean I have a bit of time to do some sight-seeing next morning so wouldn't have to stay that close to the airport. Are Taxis, Ride-share etc. reliable in Manila?

Thank you.

 

[Montien]

Calculate the Cents Per Point. To do this: (Cash Price - Taxes & Fees) ÷ Points Required. Usually, the most expensive flight in cash offers the best value for your points.

Head to Bonifacio Global City or Makati. They are 15–30 mins from the airport via the Skyway. BGC is ultra-modern, walkable, and very safe.

Only use Grab (download the app before you land). It is the only reliable way to ensure a fixed price and a vetted driver. At the airport, look for the official Grab Booth. Don't let the yellow/white taxi touts talk you into a "fixed price" of 2,000 Pesos; a Grab to BGC should be closer to 400–600 Pesos.

 

[clifford]

Why would you not go for the cheaper points flight?

When overnighting at MNL T3, I usually stay at the Savoy hotel. Within walking distance and quite good quality and rates. No point in going downtown, unless you're after something else.

 

[jase05]

1. Should I get rewards for the most expensive route or for the cheaper one? It might be clear to some of you but it is unclear for me. It is around 81K points one way and under 60K points for the other

Entirely your call.
There are often cheaper flights ex MNL than into MNL so go by the best option and one that saves you the most

 

[MEL_Traveller]

I recommend the Belmont Hotel, attached to the terminal. I was off the plane and in my room within 15 minutes… hand luggage only.

You say one flight is 81k points and the other 60k. That suggests different products, or different airline combinations.

What are the two options you have?

 

[XavierP]

I have almost 20hrs by the look of it; haven't book the outboud flight from Aus.. So I am planning to do a bit of sight seeing the top half of the morning next day.

 

[PERLHR]

I was also thinking of a quick visit to Manila as never been. JQ have a direct from PER around 800 dollars return. PR has a direct at around 900 dollars. Looking at biz fares and even with via a one stop shop...it's over 4K!! .

 

[SYD]

G'day,

I have a return flight to Manila coming up in April. Since it is quite expensive to book it, I am opting on paying it for one way and getting a rewards flight for the other. My questions are:

1. Should I get rewards for the most expensive route or for the cheaper one? It might be clear to some of you but it is unclear for me. It is around 81K points one way and under 60K points for the other

2. I have opted to stay overnight in Manila. Any suggestions of something good not too far from the airport? I mean I have a bit of time to do some sight-seeing next morning so wouldn't have to stay that close to the airport. Are Taxis, Ride-share etc. reliable in Manila?

Thank you.

I assume that’s a return trip?

Those points don’t sound quite right and the higher points option might be via somewhere? eg SYD-BNE-MNL v SYD-MNL (nonstop).

If QF price the trip more or less the same for each sector (Oz to MNL and MNL back to Oz), then I’d be taking the lower points option plus pay the other.

 

[elanshin]

Are you sure the points you're looking at is for classic rewards and not a classic plus?

Also did you do a serach as a return. One way cash pricing can be vastly different to return. Its definitely a lot cheaper than 2 one-ways added together.

 

[XavierP]

Yes i did as you guys said above, I think its because of my dates around Easter.

 

[XavierP]

For example... :/

 

[SYD]

For example... :/
View attachment 494612

and those whY seats are selling for ~$900+ (booked as a return trip).

But MNL-BNE is selling for ~$450 (as part of a return) but I can see days with CRs for 23k pts + $100.

If there was a CR seat on the outbound, obviously an option is to take that and pay for the return.

I wonder if you could try calling QF and try and get BNE-MNL CR seat released (as WP) and get them to add the $ fare for the return (all as one booking)?

I've never tried to do that but others might know if it's possible over the phone?