Best way to convert 500k points into a holiday?

[gdaypikachu]

Hi everyone,

So I have accumulated around 500k Amex points on my Platinum Business card, and I am looking to see what is the best way to convert that into a holiday next year, prefer somewhere in Europe. I am not too fussed about business class (I know that gets you the best bang for buck points wise), but more than happy with Economy, if I can get some more flights out of it

Thanks so much in advance for any tips or pointing me in the right direction

 

[Tiki]

170k Amex = 85k QR Avios which gets either a RT to IST in Y or one way in J (might be a bit more for other Europe).

 

[Coops1]

Hi everyone,

So I have accumulated around 500k Amex points on my Platinum Business card, and I am looking to see what is the best way to convert that into a holiday next year, prefer somewhere in Europe. I am not too fussed about business class (I know that gets you the best bang for buck points wise), but more than happy with Economy, if I can get some more flights out of it

Thanks so much in advance for any tips or pointing me in the right direction

Just bear in mind, at best your getting 1c per point using the points for international economy flights, as you still have to pay taxes on a lot of redemptions.
Usually you can get a sale economy fare for cash which is much better value

Depends on how much you value your points and how much you spent to get them.

 

[gdaypikachu]

I just had a look at a return redemption on say Emirates from Sydney to London, 100k points + $1,200 cash, is that cash component normal for redemption flights (I have never redeemed a flight before, so a bit of a newbie), or specifically high for emirates?

Post automatically merged: Today at 11:20 AM

Just bear in mind, at best your getting 1c per point using the points for international economy flights, as you still have to pay taxes on a lot of redemptions.
Usually you can get a sale economy fare for cash which is much better value

Depends on how much you value your points and how much you spent to get them.

Thanks buddy!

Most of my points is from the sign-on (350k points) and then just normal business spending where I am paying a surcharge regardless, so not really trying to force the points...

 

[MEL_Traveller]

I just had a look at a return redemption on say Emirates from Sydney to London, 100k points + $1,200 cash, is that cash component normal for redemption flights (I have never redeemed a flight before, so a bit of a newbie), or specifically high for emirates?

Post automatically merged: Today at 11:20 AM

Thanks buddy!

Most of my points is from the sign-on (350k points) and then just normal business spending where I am paying a surcharge regardless, so not really trying to force the points...

It is unusually high on Emirates for most of their flights (there are some exceptions, like the fees ex SIN for only $90!)

The 100k plus $1200 is likely to represent poor value given you could buy an economy flight for not much more.

Any points you spend you should be looking to get at least 2 cents value from. So the emirates ticket would need to be at least $3200 to make it a worthwhile redemption.

 

[gdaypikachu]

It is unusually high on Emirates for most of their flights (there are some exceptions, like the fees ex SIN for only $90!)

The 100k plus $1200 is likely to represent poor value given you could buy an economy flight for not much more.

Any points you spend you should be looking to get at least 2 cents value from. So the emirates ticket would need to be at least $3200 to make it a worthwhile redemption.

Thanks buddy, that is really helpful.

In terms of economy, are there any particular airlines that offer better value than others? Qantas? Virgin? etc

Thanks so much!

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Thanks buddy, that is really helpful.

In terms of economy, are there any particular airlines that offer better value than others? Qantas? Virgin? etc

Thanks so much!

Yes! Different airlines have different fuels surcharges. Taxes are the same in every ticket… they’re levied by the government. But fuel surcharges can vary wildly. As you can see from Emirates.

Some programs don’t pass on fuel surcharges at all.

As i’m not across MR and the best way to use them, i’ll leave it to others who have a lot more experience in terms of advising the best place to convert MR to get bang for your buck.

 

[andye]

Cathay pacific usually have quite good availability (including Business) if you transfer to Asia Miles. Do your flight availability checking first as the transfer is instant but irreversible