Worthwhile joining QFF?

[jasyoung]

My wife and I are about to go to the US in two days time and have just found out that the group booking tickets we are using are eligible for Qantas Frequent Flyer points. Using the website tables, that would give us about 14000ish points each. I believe I can register us both using the website but would like some advice if possible

1. We have 5 internal flights with a NorthWestern eticket. Can someone confirm that these are not eligble for frequent flyer points

2. Is it correct that have to register both myself and my wife so this would mean two memberships (approx $165)

3. We charge everything ($4500ish a month) on the credit card to maximise our offset home loan. I don't mind changing credit cards as the home loan should be paid off within 12 months (thank god!). Is there a credit card we should look at which would help maximise our potential points

4. We try and take an overseas trip every 12-18 months but usually go with whichever airline is cheapest.

5. Is it worth our while joining or is the $165 going to be wasted money?

Any advice would be glady appreciated.

 

[Maca44]

I don't know how long you are travelling to the USA, but according to the terms & cond's you have 30 days after joining the Qantas FF program to earn your points..make sure you retain your boarding pass to verify your flights should you wish to do this, so there is no rush in joining with only two day to go prior to your flights. However, I don't think North Western is a partner of QF so you would not earn any points flying with them.

You would have to register both to obtain points from both, and then later you can transfer points from one membership to the other for sufficient points, if necessary, for a flight.

Insofar as credit card for earning points you need to check the various threads here as I know Amex have changed their points earn, and I believe ANZ is still 1:1

 

[jasyoung]

We are away for 25 days so I was thinking that unless we registered first and told them the number at check in, then by the time we get back we may miss out on the points. Would this be the "safer" option?

 

[N860CR]

If you're after a credit card with awards points, the Earth+ card from Westpac gives free QFF membership.

it's not the highest earning card, but at 1:1 on the AMEX its not too bad plus you get a Mastercard for the times when you cant use AMEX (only 2:1 though). Also has a low fee ($79pa) plus free insurance and low intl transaction fees. I'm pretty happy with mine.

 

[dajop]

Are you visiting a relative or close friend who resides in the US, where you could "live" for a while? Are you aware that QFF joining fees only apply to residents of Aus/NZ? I am not going to advocate any particular approach, but you can probably get my drift.

 

[jasyoung]

No, we are not "staying" with anyone so that's not a possibilty anway. I think I will join via the net today, get the points and then look at changing CC's late this year or early next year.

On another note, can the duty free stores at Syd airport enter the QFF number manually if we purchase things or do they need a card to register the points?

 

[simongr]

On another note, can the duty free stores at Syd airport enter the QFF number manually if we purchase things or do they need a card to register the points?

I was told I needed the card when I passed through recently. However I was able to claim online after the event and was fully credited teh correct number of points - including a bonus offer they had.

 

[jasyoung]

Thank you. I already know the wife is planning on buying a stack of makeup and stuff on the way out.

 

[Skyring]

My wife and I are about to go to the US in two days time and have just found out that the group booking tickets we are using are eligible for Qantas Frequent Flyer points. Using the website tables, that would give us about 14000ish points each. I believe I can register us both using the website but would like some advice if possible.

I think others have answered most. Where are you going?

You only need activity every three years to retain your QFF points, so even if you fly United or something for two out of three yearly trips, you'll still keep your points. If you use your credit card to gain points, that counts as activity.

There's no annual fee, so once you're in, you'll inexorably accumulate points one way or the other. At some point you'll use them, and the free flight or whatever will probably be worth more than the initial cost of joining, so you are ahead that way.

Probably the most cost-effective use of points in in upgrading Economy sectors to Business, which can be a real bonus on a long leg, say to the US or the UK. Economy is about enduring the travel, Business means you can enjoy it.

Alternatively, if you are contemplating a reasonable amount of travel - and in my opinion, one big overseas trip a year makes it worthwhile, you might like to join the Qantas Club. You get an immediate increase in baggage allowance, but best of all is the lounge access. I've spent two many long evenings in LAX T4 waitiing for the night flight home to contemplate spending that time anywhere other than the club. You get a quiet place to wait, free coffee, drinks and snacks, internet access, and perhaps best of all, showers. A shower between two long flights is just heaven.

If you're travelling together, the member can guest the spouse into the club.

However, if you are travelling in two days time, you won't have time to get a card. Perhaps something to think about for the future.

 

[QF WP]

It could be worthwhile joining Northwest's Worldperks FF program for your NW flights, as they have an Asia Pacific promotion on the go at present:

Join Miles To Go promotion to earn WorldPerks® Bonus Miles and move closer to your next award travel.

Simply register using registration number "9119" and collect points in a variety of ways, including Northwest flights, hotel stays, car rentals, credit cards, using our online services and much more. Your points will then be converted to WorldPerks miles at the end of the promotion - up to a grand total of 50,000 Bonus Miles!

Miles To Go runs through October 31, 2008, so register today and start earning Bonus Miles.

So register fro this promo and this will allow you to earn bonus miles on top of the mileage earned for the 5 flights you and your wife have in the US.

For example:

Enroll in WorldPerks 25
Sign up for NWA Email Express 10
Sign up for NWA Travel Alerts 10

means an easy bonus 1,000 miles each for you and your wife (using the table in the link above).

The good news is that you don't have to fly to the USA to use the points - you can use on their partner airlines ex-SYD.

Also, are you aware of this announcement (if it affects you):

Customers traveling with tickets purchased on/after July 10, 2008 for travel on/after August 28, 2008, are allowed one piece of checked luggage for a fee of US$15 each-way and a second piece of checked luggage for a fee of US$25 each-way. Third and subsequent pieces will be assessed a fee of US$100 per piece each-way

 

[medhead]

Thank you. I already know the wife is planning on buying a stack of makeup and stuff on the way out.

Be careful makeup and such is treated as a liquid, so if you have to transit anywhere that requires security screening and can't get it into your checked luggage you'll have to throw out all the stuff.

eg if you go SYD Europe via SIN and buy makeup in SYD you would likely lose it in Singapore

 

[mole]

Be careful makeup and such is treated as a liquid, so if you have to transit anywhere that requires security screening and can't get it into your checked luggage you'll have to throw out all the stuff.

..........and purely from a shopping point of view I wouldnt buy makeup in Australia as it is so much cheaper in the US (esp. Estee Lauder,Clinique,Mac etc, eg Clinique Moisturiser A$78 vs US$23). Just got back from New York with a few cosmetic bags full (enough to last until next year!!!). I tend to buy at Macys and Sephora and pack into my checked luggage.
Oh and as far as credit cards go we are pretty happy with the Qantas Amex card 1.25 points per $ spend and no monthly limits. If you check the qantas website they often have an offer for bonus points when signing up.