Best steps for a beginner?

[neek0la]

Hi all, i watched a video on travel hacking and travel ninjas on youtube and got very excited and i am so glad that i have found the AFF Forums.

Im just hoping you guys can be patient with me and help me out with starting this adventure.

I guess my first and foremost question would be is how do i get started? Do i sign up to every rewards program ie. Velocity & Star alliance? And then go about with getting a CC with high bonus points and the go about paying all my bills etc on that cc so that i can receive the points. Up until now i have payed for everything by cash, so i angry with myself for not looking into this sooner.

Im sorry about the noob question, its just that i have been searching the forums and cant seem to find any posts for beginners.

Please help and thank you in advance.

 

[JessicaTam]

Hi neek0la, and welcome to AFF.
I would suggest that if you have a preferred carrier (QF or DJ) just join that one for starters (assuming you are in Australia). Then look at a credit card that earns points for that carrier. Then look at any purchasing point earn scheme such as Every Day Rewards (EDR) or Fly Buys. Points are a good way of helping gain status with QF for example, so that may influence your decision.

When you have narrowed those choices down, this forum can provide lots of advice as you can search for a specific scheme.

If you don't fly much then it is not worth joining too many carriers' schemes as you would be spreading your earn too thin.

 

[Moopere]

There is a very similar thread to this here: http://www.australianfrequentflyer....stion-how-start-earning-42086.html#post659786

Similar language being used too, so I suspect the youtube video in question has really got out there and got people interested.

The answer to the OP is to snoop through the wealth of knowledge already provided on this forum. Thats how I started, then ask directed questions which the myriad highly experienced folk who frequent here will be happy to answer.

 

[TheStudent]

If I remember correctly there was a small fee for signing up to QF's frequent flyer program, while Virgin was free. So I would sign up for velocity right off, and then QF if you think your going to do a bit of flying with them.

Keep in mind that frequent flyer points really aren't all that valuable, so I wouldn't just go out getting credit cards linked to a frequent flyer program (usually they have a higher interest rate), you really need to look at if your going to get your moneys worth, just like with all things.

QF points also don't expire if you do have a linked credit card or fly more then about once every two years. Worth keeping in mind as well.

 

[Moopere]

DOn't pay the QFF joining fee - get a Woolworths Everyday Rewards card ... its not a credit card, its a no-money-involved store loyalty card - will grant you free entry to QFF and help you earn a few QFF points whilst you are at it.

 

[JohnK]

Welcome to AFF neek0la!

Do as much research as you can before deciding which program will be best suited to you.

Look at what flights you can redeem, the network available, allows credit card transfers, bonus partners etc.

Be careful about paying everything by credit card as some companies have surcharges that may not make the points worthwhile if you can only redeem those points for a SYD-MEL flight.