Best FF program to use for economy flights

[k3nnis]

Hi All,

I was wondering is there such a program out there? I am asking this because I don't think I can save enough FF points to travel in J for a family of 3 in a reasonable amount of time.

Generally speaking ex SYD to Asia and USA. and maybe Europe.

Thanks,
K.

 

[Mwenenzi]

Could you earn points/miles from credit cards, shopping, hotels, car rentals, and/or other ?
I note you have VS, QF, NZ, SQ, CX, MH. A big overlap in OneWorld (3) & Star Allliance (2). What points do you have ?

 

[k3nnis]

Hi,

Yes I mainly earn via credit card. Hotels, car rental mainly only twice a year when I go on holidays.

I only have miles in MH, VS and QF. But with QF I will only get it via the EDR and also mac bank visa plat. But I mainly only earn Amex membership rewards and altitude points via my Westpac black cards. But I can transfer to most programs from AMEX Ascent Premium.

 

[Supersonic Swinger]

With economy redemptions I think it comes down more to the fees and taxes payable compared to the points levels. Programs which don't charge a fuel surcharge such as the US ones are better in this regard. There are quite a few threads in the Qantas forum to the effect of "What's the point of an Economy award ticket if the fees are almost the same as a revenue ticket".

 

[nonpop]

I only have miles in MH, VS and QF. But with QF I will only get it via the EDR and also mac bank visa plat. But I mainly only earn Amex membership rewards and altitude points via my Westpac black cards. But I can transfer to most programs from AMEX Ascent Premium.

You may want to consider focusing on one program / airline (alliance) of your choice. Have a look at what programs that fit your earning best i.e can you earn enough points within the period. Keep in mind some airline points will expire after a period of time whilst others remain live subject to regular earn / burn.

3 x J tix is a lot of points and can be a challenge during peak periods or popular routes. But don't give up.

For long haul J reward flights, as you look through their programs you may like to consider the option of a BFOD flght to Asia i.e SIN, BKK, HKG, NRT etc then a rewards redemption from there. If that is something you would consider then look at some of the 'foreign' airline programs where you can transfer you Amex points.

Or if you think your points earning may not be fast enough, then consider the idea of actually having to buy tickets all the way. But you still collect points (focused earn) and then burn them on things you'd either normally spend on such as food and booze 'cash' shopping credits (not a collection of toasters). As you redeem points for 'cash' then stick that cash into another back account. So when it comes time to buying tickets it eases the pain. And if buying tickets you could consider LCC 'business-style' seats or may be Y+ on a premium carrier.

Just because you can't collect fast just means you need to adjust your strategies and play to your earning strengths. But I find that focus is usually the key unless you are manufacturing points by the squillions.

 

[k3nnis]

Thanks for the ideas. I tend to use VS because the miles don't expire as long as I have activity. But the flights are very limited in terms of south East Asia. It only goes to HKG from SYD.