Etihad Guest - Frequent Flyer Points Value

[blueythecat]

With the new FlyBuys Etihad tie up, I'd be curious to know what you value your Etihad points at? For both international redemption's and domestic redemptions on VA?

I'm currently trying to work what is better value, Etihad points or at checkout redemption's at Coles. Normally it is always FF points, but I'm not sure in this case.

 

[blueythecat]

Some quick data points (cents per flybuys point):

Domestic Y redemptions (short = 6900 miles):

SYD-MEL: ~0.9-1.2c / point
BNE-MEL: ~0.9-1.2c / point
SYD-BNE: ~0.8-1.1c / point
CBR-BNE: ~0.7-1.2c / point
CBR-ADL: ~1-1.3c / point

NZ (Y again):
BNE-AKL: ~0.9-1c / point
BNE-ZQN: ~1.1-1.2c / point

So all of these whilst not stellar value are better than what Coles gives you at the checkout, assuming Etihad don't charge large taxes on Virgin reward flights (as I haven't taken them into account yet).

No direct earning credit cards in Australia for Etihad which is a bit of a downer - you can redeem AMEX Membership Rewards points to Etihad though at 1:1 (which is good)

 

[mrdctau]

At the Coles cash-out rate, Etihad Guest Miles are worth 1.25 cents. Accordingly, a short Australian domestic flight on Virgin costs $86.25 plus taxes (I'm guessing typically $30) so if you want something like MEL-SYD-MEL if you can get a paid return fare for less than $232.50 you are better off holding on to your points or spending them at Coles.

 

[Mattg]

There are some sweet spots though. SYD-ZQN-SYD in VA Y costs 13,800 EY miles round-trip plus $160.78 in taxes. A return revenue fare costs over $600.

 

[get me outta here]

I am having trouble opening an Etihad Guest membership to see my booking made on AA miles. Is there a known issue with trying to do that?

 

[andye]

SYD-CNS also a good redemption at 6900 EY points