and this is the case for the J Rewards (the cheapest fare is $763 but normally at least $981)
J Classic Rewards (no points earn and Points Club membership provides some Status Credits 18 instead of 40)
usually 18,400 points = 12.2% of 150,000 = $490 + $41 = $531 (this is comparable to the lowest J Sales fares I've seen in recent times)
if bought with 50% bonus = 8.17% of 225,000 = $327 + $41 = $368 v $981
(this is lower than the public lowest J Sales fares but I don't know if Business Rewards does a better offer and its likely some corporate accounts may be competitive to this pricing)
and what with the 50% more classic rewards seats being in the market til Christmas from memory, it may be worth a consideration
If you work at the margins it’s probably dubious value. But once you start looking at premium cabins for long haul flights it gets to be a pretty reasonable proposition (IMO).
so I DID a calc for a longer trip
J Sydney to Perth
the fares in the immediate future retail from $2,711 to just shy of $3,500 one way
and here's where it gets entertaining!
there are many ways to do this travel
Classic Rewards points 41,500
direct +$45
via Melb +$73
via CBR +$125
via ADL +$82
(even via Bris but that involves spending 57,000 points)
what about the points club status credits ?
direct usually 80SC; Points club = 38
via Melb usually 120SC; Points club = 56
via CBR as per Melb (but noting suggests 140 on the pricey cash tic)
via ADL usually 100 SC; Points club = 46
Direct
usually 41,500 points = 27.6% of 150,000 = $1,106 + $45 = $1,151
If bought with 50% bonus = 18.4% of 225,000 = $737 + $45 = $782
v J Cash fare Now & late October from $2,711 (noting fare in 10 days is $3,972)
via Melb $1,179 v J Cash fare $3,469 & late Oct $2,482
via CBR $1,231 v J Cash fare $3,212 & late Oct $4.217
via ADL $1,188 v J cash fare $3,213 & late Oct $1,911
with the 50% bonus
via Melb $810 ((Flex Y MELB to Perth itself is $915)
via CBR $862 (Flex Y CBR to Perth itself is $956!)
via ADL $819 (Flex Y ADL to Perth itself is $844) late 2022 there were some J fares Adl-Perth for under $1,000 currently $1,082
and I don't think I've seen J fares that low over that longer distance ever
Trouble of course is often Rewards seats are GONE