A million Qantas FF points but almost impossible to use for flights.

[kangarooflyer88]

I don't believe there are any restrictions on classic awards because it's treated like buying flights with cash (just with a very poor exchange rate). I recently managed to redeem about 450k FF points on a trip to Europe. In comparison, the upgrades should obviously benefit the status travellers, as they contribute most to revenue...

Technically that's not correct. Using Qantas miles to redeem for classic awards is different than using the points + pay to buy a ticket.

Classic awards are fixed to travel distance, not the cost of the ticket itself. It's why you can book Sydney to Lord Howe Island return for around 12,000 miles whereas the cash fare for such a ticket is north of $1,000. However, availability of classic rewards is limited to whatever Qantas, or OneWorld partners set it to (typically a couple seats per flight). Classic awards also have a set of features you may or may not find in a points + pay booking such as free checked bag and better cancellation policy.

On the other hand, points + pay, however, is tied to the cash price of the ticket, roughly close to a mile being worth 0.7 cents of cash fare value. There are some benefits to points + pay, namely that you have access to all flights that have seating available, not just the couple seats QF has designated, which can sell out quick. You can also earn status credits and frequent flyer miles on the flight since it's treated like a cash ticket. However, you are also tied to the rules of the fare you purchased. For instance, with a JetStar starter ticket, seating and bags will cost you extra and the cancellation policy will be the same as had you booked a JetStar starter ticket with cash.

The idea of waiting on the chance of last minute availability may suit some. It’s okay for those who can travel in the next day or so. I’m not really in that position, so I tend to plan these things as far out as I can. And it tends to provide more options.

Speaking of, that's also a great use of frequent flyer points, close-in award bookings where the cash fare is expensive but for some reason there is still saver award availability. Fortunately, I haven't had to use my miles for a family emergency or anything like that, but I have had occasions where I was flying a discount airline who left me stranded somewhere and having the option to use miles to bail myself out was a godsend.

-RooFlyer88

 

[RichardMEL]

Everyone works differently or has different restrictions which then has an effect on how flexible they can be or alternatively how flexible they CAN be in terms of travel - I mean for some zipping off to SIN or LHR in F a few weeks out works great, others must plan things out, evenmore so when it comes to limited award space on various carriers.. Specially for significant occasions or set events like say a concert or sports event or something.

For example I have a friend who ONLY flies on award tickets with various airlines so he plans and books as soon as space opens up - both to go places or in relation to events he wants to attend. I don't think he even thinks of close in rewards as he plans it all out a year or more in advance as much as he can. So for him, close in rewards are probably not even a thing.

OTOH a lot of people like to do the spontaneous thing and hey if there's space to go somewhere then zip off with little notice.

And that works too with some lifestyles and personal situations.

Others such as those with work commitments and limited ability to be flex with leave or even applying for it and getting approval etc then that wouldn't really work for them either (unless they suddenly got rather ill.. the doctor's certificate from Manilla may be a bit of a worry though )

so really it just goes to show everyone has different needs and priorities.

 

[DC3]

* We're OK in economy if all else fails, it's not the end of the world, it's part of the whole game.

Yes, we are all different and have different priorities.

 

[DC3]

… I have a friend who ONLY flies on award tickets with various airlines so he plans and books as soon as space opens up - both to go places or in relation to events he wants to attend. I don't think he even thinks of close in rewards as he plans it all out a year or more in advance as much as he can. So for him, close in rewards are probably not even a thing …

Sounds like a smart guy. Knows what he wants and knows how to get it, without having to settle for less.

 

[RichardMEL]

Sounds like a smart guy. Knows what he wants and knows how to get it, without having to settle for less.

He is also a comfortably well off person who does not work so can afford to play the game ufll time. Buys miles across various programs and thus can redeem on multiple airlines - all J/F all the time.

Not the situation most of us are in of course. He definitely enjoys playing the game for the maximum bang for buck. Airlines, hotels etc.. the whole thing.

 

[Mattg]

Or you could alternatively wait for the next Qantas Points Auction!
I bought the SA holiday prize. Not exactly the best value but I figured out I wasn't going to have enough opportunities to use them on round the world business class trips!

Hey @vicsta, just wondering if you've claimed this prize yet and if so, how was your holiday?