Getting from Cape Town back to Australia

[drcam]

At the end of my proposed trip I'm due to fly back from Cape Town to Melbourne.

I have three options:
- use SQ points for a redemption in J for 99000 points and $200 or so in taxes
- hope that J availability opens up this week for JNB-SYD in Qantas - but even then I'd still have to pay for connecting flights CPT-JNB and SYD-MEL
- use my credit from a booked J fare to NZ return during the pandemic on a one-way Y fare home (will cover the cost of the flight but only in Y)

What is my best option?


Moreover, are there even any good uses of QF points anymore, the batch of redemption awards promised for Friday notwithstanding?
Is a short-haul redemption to HKG in F worth it for Chinese New Year next year?
Before I even board the flight, how do I avoid getting stabbed between JNB and whatever hotel I'm staying at?

 

[SYD]

For the QF option, you hopefully can at least get JNB-SYD-MEL on one booking (ought to be the same points as just JNB-SYD).

The Guatrain to/from the airport is quite safe and many hotels near Sandton and Rosebud. There’s also airport hotels. The IC is across the road from the terminal.

 

[drcam]

JNB-SYD-MEL costs more, because it goes up into a higher points category.

 

[maia200]

If you stay at the IC at OT there is no problems walking across the road to the airport. Or the Protea Hotel where they shuttle you in. I would either wait for the QF Awards to possibly open up and add on the CT flight or take the SQ in J - that works well. Have done it from CT-SIN-BNE. There is a two hour wait on the plane in JNB (ours was 4 due to mechanical problems) and I had a two day stop in SIN however that was my choice. Very easy overall and no need to go to JNB.

 

[Guvner]

Not sure of your dates of travel but there are some QR/EK flights on QF awards from CPT-DOH-MEL come up every now and then.



or if you fancy a bit of lux



or you could mix it up

 

[Quickstatus]

What is my best option

The best option is whatever you can get. Book your award flights with whatever available airline as early as possible, then cancel whatever is least attractive

how do I avoid getting stabbed between JNB...

Jozi is not perfect and there are unsafe neighbourhoods, but overall it is not any less safe than a lot of other cities.
Most of the crime is poverty driven and tend to occur in poor neighbourhoods but Jozi is a huge sprawling city
Stick to the business areas and areas with lots of shops cafes and restaurants. Areas with lots of local out and about are safer.

Uber around the place rather than walk. The Gautrain is useful to get into the CBD from the airport

Bascially Jozi has a rough exterior but it is actually a great place to visit

 

[RooFlyer]

- hope that J availability opens up this week for JNB-SYD in Qantas - but even then I'd still have to pay for connecting flights CPT-JNB and SYD-MEL

Moreover, are there even any good uses of QF points anymore, the batch of redemption awards promised for Friday notwithstanding?

I'd try this Friday's batch release. I don't regard QFF points as very useful ATM, but if they plug a hole when you want and where you want, go for it.

 

[docjames]

SQ is available now and is a great option. Book that. Don’t wait for QF lest availability doesn’t appear, and the SQ options drops.

Forget the NZ/Y option. Use the credit for multiple short hauls between AU-NZ.

 

[drcam]

SQ availability vanished the day after the last post. Waitlists only.

Was lucky enough to get a redemption seat on Qantas in their latest batch that they most stingily doled out. In business class.

 

[trooper]

The best option is whatever you can get. Book your award flights with whatever available airline as early as possible, then cancel whatever is least attractive


Jozi is not perfect and there are unsafe neighbourhoods, but overall it is not any less safe than a lot of other cities.
Most of the crime is poverty driven and tend to occur in poor neighbourhoods but Jozi is a huge sprawling city
Stick to the business areas and areas with lots of shops cafes and restaurants. Areas with lots of local out and about are safer.

Uber around the place rather than walk. The Gautrain is useful to get into the CBD from the airport

Bascially Jozi has a rough exterior but it is actually a great place to visit

This! Have felt much more nervous in many other places. Usual rules apply of course . In fact the only people I know who said "Don't go THERE, you'll get robbed/killed" were older SA Expats.... go figure.