Looking for unicorns - award J flights at xmas

[k_sheep]

Please advise if I am going mad. I have a 318k OWA at the end of the year; I would like to break it up by returning to Australia partway through and returning in European summer. This would mean flying out sometime after the 20th Dec (but preferably 24-26th, and no later than say new years day).

I'm cautiously optimistic (I know, there's the madness) that the usual paid specials from ARN/OSL/AMS etc will pop up; I should have jumped on 2 days ago when there were ~$4.5k flights. But while I'm waiting for that, was thinking I should book some award flights to have as a backup.

SQ actually have good availability from SIN-BNE, but I'm having trouble finding anything from Europe to SE Asia. Haven't got firm Europe plans yet so happy to fly from anywhere. Does anyone have advice about what city pairs are most likely to have availability? I've been plugging random ones without much success. I have points in QF, a few in AA/SQ but heaps on AMEX that can go elsewhere. The kicker is I'm after 2 seats which makes it infinitely harder, and preferably J (though W and F okay too).

 

[kamchatsky]

Don't despair, in late May I managed to snag 4 * Premium economy awards from Sydney to USA for flying just before Xmas using VA points. I am not saying that it is likely (especially with QF points), but it can happen.

Your main hope is that Hong Kong opens up again to allow CX to resume flying with a more normal schedule. But that is dependent on politics.

 

[Dr Ralph]

Your main hope is that Hong Kong opens up again to allow CX to resume flying with a more normal schedule.

I think this is your only hope.

 

[RooFlyer]

Could this be a job for Award Flight Assist?

Welcome to Frequent Flyer Concierge - Frequent Flyer Solutions

frequentflyer.com.au

 

[k_sheep]

Yes I used Award Flight Assist for the 318k OWA! Great service.

But for those playing at home, I found $5k return ARN-MEL flights on AY/JL/QF so I jumped on that. Now I'm scared to look again in case the old $3k flights of past turn up!