Best value flight redemption for long haul international

[lovetravellingoz]

We are a family of 4 and I was looking in April 21016 school holidays. I was quite happily impressed.

Booking that far out I would be impressed too

Perhaps booked in Cryogenic Class?

 

[razors_girl23]

I couldn't find a specific thread, so risking ire by asking here what is the chance of booking to HNL w' Velocity points J especially?

I don't find it good value at all for the amount of points they expect; especially considering how cheap you can book the flights for in Y. It would almost be better to book VA to LA if you did want to fly J and getting a cheap flight from LA to HNL. Long way around, but much better value. Hawaiian first class is basically the same as Domestic J in Aus. Compare that to International J on VA and it's a whole different and much better experience.

 

[Dannyism]

Hi All,

I wanted to resurrect this thread because I'm having some second thoughts....
I've learnt a lot over the last few months about points, and here is my pickle.

I booked a return MEL - LAX for 94000 points and ~$230, this flight is about $1250 outright. So I calculate about 11c/point.

I'm concerned this isn't good enough value to justify redeeming points... I'm thinking about cancelling and booking using $$ to save points.

On the other hand, saving $1000 is pretty neato, I don't need the status credits because I've already requalified for gold..

Help me plz

 

[GarrettM]

Hi All,

I wanted to resurrect this thread because I'm having some second thoughts....
I've learnt a lot over the last few months about points, and here is my pickle.

I booked a return MEL - LAX for 94000 points and ~$230, this flight is about $1250 outright. So I calculate about 11c/point.

I'm concerned this isn't good enough value to justify redeeming points... I'm thinking about cancelling and booking using $$ to save points.

On the other hand, saving $1000 is pretty neato, I don't need the status credits because I've already requalified for gold..

Help me plz

Are you sure that 94,000 points doesn't equate to a J class seat? Because the cash price of that seat would be a whole lot more than $1250.

 

[GarrettM]

Apologies noted you said MEL-LAX return. But if you are using points for an economy ticket than yes you'll probably find very little value in that method.

 

[andye]

Hi All,

I wanted to resurrect this thread because I'm having some second thoughts....
I've learnt a lot over the last few months about points, and here is my pickle.

I booked a return MEL - LAX for 94000 points and ~$230, this flight is about $1250 outright. So I calculate about 11c/point.

I'm concerned this isn't good enough value to justify redeeming points... I'm thinking about cancelling and booking using $$ to save points.

On the other hand, saving $1000 is pretty neato, I don't need the status credits because I've already requalified for gold..

Help me plz

Personally, I wouldn't redeem at that level but there have been times in my life when I have needed the cash more than points

 

[Ausbt]

You stated you like Asia, I'd be transferring to Krisflyer and booking J via SIN. Probably 110K Krisflyer points + taxes each for each pax return, at a classic saver level. Organise a nice long layover in SIN and do the city tour, spend some Changi dollars or just do some lounging. I guess you need to be the judge of whether that is a good spend or not. Accom prices in Thailand in July/August are pretty cheap, you could book with VA's link to Agoda and as an SG get bonus points per dollar spend to earn some back.

 

[hummel]

Apologies noted you said MEL-LAX return. But if you are using points for an economy ticket than yes you'll probably find very little value in that method.

Rule 1 - Don't redeem points for Y tickets unless left no other option.

 

[lovetravellingoz]

Hi All,

I wanted to resurrect this thread because I'm having some second thoughts....
I've learnt a lot over the last few months about points, and here is my pickle.

I booked a return MEL - LAX for 94000 points and ~$230, this flight is about $1250 outright. So I calculate about 11c/point.

I'm concerned this isn't good enough value to justify redeeming points... I'm thinking about cancelling and booking using $$ to save points.

On the other hand, saving $1000 is pretty neato, I don't need the status credits because I've already requalified for gold..

Help me plz

Well 11 cents/point would be excellent value. But $1000 for 94,000 points is 1.06 cents per point.

You desirbaly probably want achieve at least 2+cents/ point unless you can easly earn low cost points. Some "buy" points from the ATO and pay more than 1 cent per point to get them.

When comparing value of points I would compare this to the cost of discount purchased tickets (factor in too any taxes and charges), or what you can buy points for. Some of this forum compare it to full-fares, but I think that they are kidding themselves in doing so.

I tend not pay for my points at all except for token amounts and through SQ I redeem after paying taxes and charges for a total cost of about half to two thirds of a discount long-haul flight on a quality airline but fly in the comfort of J. That to me is excellent value.

 

[Dannyism]

Thanks everyone for the feedback.

I've decided to go with a $$ booking instead of points and I'll save those points towards 2+ cent/point redemptions.

 

[Fiches Mouser]

Thanks everyone for the feedback.

I've decided to go with a $$ booking instead of points and I'll save those points towards 2+ cent/point redemptions.

Good call Dannyism. I would have done the same. Saving $1000 is awesome, but even more awesome is flying long-haul J. That never gets old.

 

[clipped_wings]

Don't forget: if you're relying on NAB for Velocity bonus points, best to allow at least 4 months after you've qualified all criteria (including first statement AFTER $1500 drawdown on credit card). They are currently advising next round of points will be allocated late August 2016.