Hi from Launceston!

[kcoulson]

I discovered this internet site yesterday, it was great to find an Australian specific site! In the last few years I have wondered if there was a better/cheaper way to travel - since we ALWAYS seem to get coughpy deals. Travel agents never seem to care, and everyone else seems to get 'better' deals. We have spent over $20,000 on international cattle class tickets in the last 2 years (family of 4) with zero status points to prove it. Anyway, after reading lots of posts on the discussion board here - I got the impression it is very complex. I wish that I had the knowledge base of some of your members.

I have decided to stop using my Coles Mastercard (we got $1000-2000 benefits a year from flybuys) and start collecting Qantas points instead. It makes sense to aim for the 'bigger' things, than the little things. I am going to use a combination of Qantas Cash card and have just got the Bankwest Platinum Mastercard. I also belong to Velocity, and Aadvantage (as of yesterday).

I have never been on a business class flight and I think that a trip for 2 to Europe is my goal. It would be nice to enter a lounge!

 

[JohnK]

Welcome to AFF kcoulson!

Just be careful with collecting QFF points especially if your goal is to redeem them on awards for a family of 4. Also note that taxes and surcharges on award tickets are very high.

 

[kcoulson]

Yes, I agree that 4 rewards seats looks impossible on a flight, unless it was domestic...... will aim for 2 adult International business-class tickets instead. Redeeming on Aadvantage looks more attractive (taxes and surcharges) than redeeming Qantas.

 

[drron]

Welcome aboard kcoulson.
A pity as on Easter Sunday we had a Launceston AFF subbranch meeting at Stillwater.
Read all you can on here.There is a mine of information.The problem is the loyalty programs are changing frequently.When I joined it was much better to be in the Aadvantage program instead of QFF.Apart from the taxes on awards a lot has gone downhill in their program over the last 2-3 years.
Definitely also look at Velocity.Similiar points for awards but usually a lot less taxes.Reciprocal arrangements with quite a few airlines for earning and burning points.

The problem now is there is no one size fits all program.you have to decide which suits you the best.
Happy travelling.

 

[Hvr]

Welcome aboard kcoulson, as you've discovered a whole new world of travel here. Keep reading and asking questions and hopefully you'll soon be flying in the pointy end.

 

[Steady]

Welcome to AFF kcoulson, nice to have another Tassie member on board

 

[TomVexille]

Welcome aboard!

Sounds like you're on your way

 

[JessicaTam]

Greetings kcoulson, Happy to guest you into a lounge anytime!

 

[Buzzard]

Welcome to AFF kcoulson. Plenty of good info and help here. I'm with QFF but if starting again would go VA. I like their family pooling, a quicker way to get and maintain status. Ask questions, do your homework and enjoy the journey.