Newbie needs help (QFF - program)

[liebmans]

Hi everyone...
I need some advice regarding Qantas Freqent Flyer Program. For years I avoided joinging a FFP, but the lure of a free flight down the track and my yearning to one day fly business class has led me to this forum for advice.
I just have no idea where to start:

Goal: To be able to upgrade two discount economy international fares to business class in the next 24 months.

Status: Not currently a member of any program nor hold any c/cards linked to any program

Eligible flights - My wife and I both took overseas flights in the last 30 days using qantas (discount economy fares) ...thinking maybe these might count toward miles if i join the program in the next month.

Any help of special offers, tips, strategies etc that could help me.
I wouldnt know where to start. Do I apply for multiple cards, wife and I, and trad epoints, or accumulate separately????

Newbie thanks you in advance.

 

[serfty]

Welcome to AFF, liebmans

First advice - you both have to join Qantas Frequent Flyer within 30 days from the date of a flight to be able have that flight credited to your new accounts.

All Discount economy fares on eligible Qantas flights (unless Jetstar operated) earn Qantas Frequent Flyer points.

 

[coco50]

After joining QFF as Serfty suggests (as long as you make the cutoff to credit your recent flights), don't go overboard with the cards. Take up a credit card with a rewards program if that suits you and get a partner card for your wife. Where possible do all your monthly spending on that card and pay the balance in full each month to avoid interest payments. If the card does not automatically credit to your Qantas FF account, transfer the points to your account as the rewards program allows.

 

[lovetravellingoz]

If the card does not automatically credit to your Qantas FF account, transfer the points to your account as the rewards program allows.

I would recommend the opposite....keep your points in your CC account till you need them;

• Risk. QF may devalue and there is an ehancement muted for later this year (which could be good, bad or neautral). If you have moved your points in you cannot move them to another program. so why gamble?
• Choice.. You may have a sudden need for cash redemption etc. Not asa gooda burn as flights...but if circumstances demand it it is handy to have the choice. You can use for various awards...or eiven in some programs various airlines. Amex allows it to be laundered through SPG to AA. Diners can post to AA or QF.
• Special Offers. In for example in the Amex program Virgin Atlantic sometimes have great specials for flights or on points transfers. Amex also has its own Travelkey program which can sometimes have flights at better earn rates. Importantly too they can have availability even if ata higher cost when QF may offer none.

 

[Mwenenzi]

... the lure of a free flight down the track and my yearning to one day fly business class....

QF freq flyer award flights are far from free. You still have pay real $$$ in taxes and surcharges. Business class flights on some international routes are very hard to get. Can be booked 355 days before. Upgrade to busines class from an eligible fare can be good value

 

[lovetravellingoz]

. Upgrade to busines class from an eligible fare can be good value

But very hard to get unless you have status...and to get two such upgrades at once even harder.

With low status it would normally be better to try and get a business class award direct....assuming that one can earn enough points that is.

 

[Commuter]

Goal: To be able to upgrade two discount economy international fares to business class in the next 24 months.

Be careful with this as not all discount economy fares are eligible for points upgrade. They can also be hard to come by as international points upgrades are awarded in the order of frequent flyer status.

You might be better off booking one business class award seat and buying one business class seat than to buy two discounted economy and hope for a points upgrade (you will not know the outcome until at most 24 hours prior to departure).

 

[Alanslegal]

welcome aboard liebmans,
in reference to your desire to be part of the Qantas FFP and I assume you have not joined yet, then I'd suggest either 1) joining up with an overseas address to avoid the $82.50 QF joining fee OR 2) apply for the Earth credit card Frequent Flyer - Earning Points - Earth Card and you can kick start with 10,000 ff ppoints plus free QF membership all for the initial annual fee of $79.
Better yet, sign a card for yourself , and a card for your wife and that is 20,000 points head-start......plus QF membership for both all for $168.00
I dont know how fast your application can go through because to earn your miles/points and status credits for your recent flights, your past travel must not be more than 30 days pre joining the QF program.
There are many many options out there, but this is a simple initial idea to headstart your QFF membership.

 

[straitman]

welcome aboard liebmans,
in reference to your desire to be part of the Qantas FFP and I assume you have not joined yet, then I'd suggest either 1) joining up with an overseas address to avoid the $82.50 QF joining fee OR 2) apply for the Earth credit card Frequent Flyer - Earning Points - Earth Card and you can kick start with 10,000 ff ppoints plus free QF membership all for the initial annual fee of $79.
Better yet, sign a card for yourself , and a card for your wife and that is 20,000 points head-start......plus QF membership for both all for $168.00
I dont know how fast your application can go through because to earn your miles/points and status credits for your recent flights, your past travel must not be more than 30 days pre joining the QF program.
There are many many options out there, but this is a simple initial idea to headstart your QFF membership.

Even if past the 30 days time limit the 20,000 points is good compensation for the lost points.
I'd go for both if possible though :!: