First Post.............joined many years ago

[Cinnabel]

After joining AFF in 2010, I have finally summoned the courage to make an initial post. I have used the various posts for many great ideas on best seating on long flights, info on different airports when you have a 3 hour layover between flights etc. but thought I should get rid of the line on my webpage which says "Hello Cinnabel. It seems as though you haven't posted a message on our site yet..................."
My husband and I live in rural WA and only fly once, or maybe twice a year. We are QFF members and have used points for flights within Australia a couple of times. We find it easier to get the flights we want domestically as it is difficult due to our work commitments to book 366 days in advance as we would need to for international flights. We have also been members of Priority Privilege which has recently been absorbed/taken over by the IHG Group and turned into a Dining Rewards Card etc.

My questions: Is there an easier way to use points for international flights (we are thinking PER/LHR return next year)?
Is it worth continuing to pay the $289 pa. fee for the IHG card?

Thanks so much for your anticipated assistance. I do enjoy reading the various comments.

 

[Hvr]

Hi Cinnabel and welcome to AFF. There are a few PER based members who will be better able to advise on points usage from the west.

As for IHG I keep getting offers to join IHG Club and have never seen the value. As with anything if the ROI isn't there then seriously consider whether the benefits can be obtained at a cheaper cost.

Oh and please do post regularly, we're a friendly group and your input will make a difference.

 

[Steady]

A belated welcome from me also Cinnabel. I recently had IHG calling me after a stay at one of their properties and decided it was of no value to me either so did not join.

I think getting reward flights is a combination of persistence and a little luck - I do read on AFF that award seats are sometimes released a week or two out so maybe if you take holidays at the last minute you should still check some international flights in case the stars align

 

[JohnK]

A belated welcome to AFF Cinnabel!

I joined IHG Dining rewards towards the end of last year. Poor customer servive. Poor representation in Asia. Difficult to use the dining credit. And Platinum status was ordinary anyway but will be even worse now they have added Spire level. To each their own.

 

[TomVexille]

Welcome to posting. Hope we hear about your experiences.

 

[Dr Ralph]

Welcome to AFF Cinnabel

 

[Cinnabel]

Thank you everyone for your comments. Yes, I found the IHG Dining Rewards not a patch on the Priority Privilege that it replaced. We used to get value with the 50% dining discount (for 2) and the 2-for-1 nights at Crowne Plaza/Holiday Inn/IHG properties along with the other freebies. However, with the re-branding, it appears to be no different to other loyalty cards so I don't think we will be renewing as it is hard to get value for us.