Oneworld Classic Flight Reward Discussion - The Definitive Thread
- Thread starter kelpie
- Start date
Sponsored Post
Struggling to use your Frequent Flyer Points?
Frequent Flyer Concierge takes the hard work out of finding award availability and redeeming your frequent flyer or credit card points for flights.
Using their expert knowledge and specialised tools, the Frequent Flyer Concierge team at Frequent Flyer Concierge will help you book a great trip that maximises the value for your points.
re: "oneworld" award (140K/280K/420K) Planning - The Definitive Thread
Hi Vetrade, many thanks for your advice, particularly around clarification of LHR taxes.
In regards to the Europe to Aus leg of our trip, I've investigated a number of options without success. QR flights ( to DOH and then on to an Australian airport) seem to be very thin on the ground in Jan (I can find no J awards for 2 pax on QR either to or out of DOH at all, and only BA from AMS - DOH). Similarly, there is no availability with MH via KUL. Will keep an eye out as the year progresses to see if any more fares are released - but not the end of the world if we need to stick with the AMS - HKK - BNE - ADL routing.
Hi Vetrade, many thanks for your advice, particularly around clarification of LHR taxes.
In regards to the Europe to Aus leg of our trip, I've investigated a number of options without success. QR flights ( to DOH and then on to an Australian airport) seem to be very thin on the ground in Jan (I can find no J awards for 2 pax on QR either to or out of DOH at all, and only BA from AMS - DOH). Similarly, there is no availability with MH via KUL. Will keep an eye out as the year progresses to see if any more fares are released - but not the end of the world if we need to stick with the AMS - HKK - BNE - ADL routing.
re: "oneworld" award (140K/280K/420K) Planning - The Definitive Thread
Apologies for another question, I tried to search TAM but was too short to search.
If a flight is marketed by TAM (and available to see on LAN website) but actually operated by South African Airlines (Star Alliance) I assume it isn't an eligible flight as it will be breaching the following condition:
14.5.1 A oneworld Classic Flight Reward is a Classic Flight Reward Itinerary that includes travel on at least two oneworld Alliance Airlines other than Qantas and does not include any travel on any airline that is not aoneworld Alliance Airline.
I was just curious whether it had an impact if it was being marketed by TAM and LAN? Like I said, I assume not (and it's not an available option on the Qantas site) although thought some people here may have had experience.
Apologies for another question, I tried to search TAM but was too short to search.
If a flight is marketed by TAM (and available to see on LAN website) but actually operated by South African Airlines (Star Alliance) I assume it isn't an eligible flight as it will be breaching the following condition:
14.5.1 A oneworld Classic Flight Reward is a Classic Flight Reward Itinerary that includes travel on at least two oneworld Alliance Airlines other than Qantas and does not include any travel on any airline that is not aoneworld Alliance Airline.
I was just curious whether it had an impact if it was being marketed by TAM and LAN? Like I said, I assume not (and it's not an available option on the Qantas site) although thought some people here may have had experience.
The Frequent Flyer Concierge team takes the hard work out of finding reward seat availability. Using their expert knowledge and specialised tools, they'll help you book a great trip that maximises the value for your points.
sergeyvzn
In memoriam
- Joined
- Dec 9, 2010
- Posts
- 1,019
re: "oneworld" award (140K/280K/420K) Planning - The Definitive Thread
No, you can't use any airlines outside OneWorld. Even if they marketed by OneWorld
re: "oneworld" award (140K/280K/420K) Planning - The Definitive Thread
Thanks for the quick reply, like I said, I assumed that was the case although thought it worth the question in case one of the experts here had learnt how to game the system
Thanks for the quick reply, like I said, I assumed that was the case although thought it worth the question in case one of the experts here had learnt how to game the system
vetrade
Established Member
- Joined
- Nov 1, 2011
- Posts
- 1,754
re: "oneworld" award (140K/280K/420K) Planning - The Definitive Thread
At the time of year you are travelling I think you have done very well to get the itinerary you have, adelee, especially for a J redemption. Award bookings inevitably involve compromises but I think the ones you have had to make will be long forgotten once you get in the air.
At the time of year you are travelling I think you have done very well to get the itinerary you have, adelee, especially for a J redemption. Award bookings inevitably involve compromises but I think the ones you have had to make will be long forgotten once you get in the air.
re: "oneworld" award (140K/280K/420K) Planning - The Definitive Thread
Thanks! I suspect I've spent far too much time on this over the past month, but very happy with the outcome.
At the time of year you are travelling I think you have done very well to get the itinerary you have, adelee, especially for a J redemption. Award bookings inevitably involve compromises but I think the ones you have had to make will be long forgotten once you get in the air.
Thanks! I suspect I've spent far too much time on this over the past month, but very happy with the outcome.
re: "oneworld" award (140K/280K/420K) Planning - The Definitive Thread
Hi, my husband and I have accumulated 210,000 points with Qantas are currently looking at traveling to Istanbul, Paris & Singapore beginning on 19 December 2015 with our 2 kids (under 12).
I understand 210,000 is not even sufficient for the both of us so we are happy to fork out cash but my query is, is it a good idea to burn the FF points or to just pay the flights in cash?
Hi, my husband and I have accumulated 210,000 points with Qantas are currently looking at traveling to Istanbul, Paris & Singapore beginning on 19 December 2015 with our 2 kids (under 12).
I understand 210,000 is not even sufficient for the both of us so we are happy to fork out cash but my query is, is it a good idea to burn the FF points or to just pay the flights in cash?
sergeyvzn
In memoriam
- Joined
- Dec 9, 2010
- Posts
- 1,019
re: "oneworld" award (140K/280K/420K) Planning - The Definitive Thread
redeeming points for economy flights is always a bad idea as paying cash is often cheaper when you take taxes and fees into account
you don't even have enough points for the adults (2 x 140K = 280K) so you'd have to book 2 tickets for the kids with cash anyway
pay cash
redeeming points for economy flights is always a bad idea as paying cash is often cheaper when you take taxes and fees into account
you don't even have enough points for the adults (2 x 140K = 280K) so you'd have to book 2 tickets for the kids with cash anyway
re: "oneworld" award (140K/280K/420K) Planning - The Definitive Thread
I'd second that. Depending on your routing, you may also struggle to find availability for 4 x award seats on the same flight (I say this from experience recently looking at J flights to and from Europe, though perhaps finding Y availability is a bit easier)
I'd second that. Depending on your routing, you may also struggle to find availability for 4 x award seats on the same flight (I say this from experience recently looking at J flights to and from Europe, though perhaps finding Y availability is a bit easier)
- Joined
- Jan 14, 2013
- Posts
- 5,987
- Virgin
- Silver
- Oneworld
- Sapphire
re: "oneworld" award (140K/280K/420K) Planning - The Definitive Thread
Hard to imagine using that many QF points effectively on that route for reasons of:
1) needing 4 seats
2) availability likely to be low that time of year
However, I'm not sure that Y redemptions are always wrong, the exceptions being:
1) expensive flight because of city pairs
2) expensive flight because of time of year (eg school holidays accepting that this may translate into poor availability)
3) need to do a one-way when this is prohibitive
4) where a semi-flex ticket is needed but a retail semi-flex is very expensive
5) in a scheme where short-haul flights have reasonable redemption rates (eg BA)
6) you would have no other use for points except toasters
Hard to imagine using that many QF points effectively on that route for reasons of:
1) needing 4 seats
2) availability likely to be low that time of year
However, I'm not sure that Y redemptions are always wrong, the exceptions being:
1) expensive flight because of city pairs
2) expensive flight because of time of year (eg school holidays accepting that this may translate into poor availability)
3) need to do a one-way when this is prohibitive
4) where a semi-flex ticket is needed but a retail semi-flex is very expensive
5) in a scheme where short-haul flights have reasonable redemption rates (eg BA)
6) you would have no other use for points except toasters
- Joined
- Sep 11, 2011
- Posts
- 1,224
re: "oneworld" award (140K/280K/420K) Planning - The Definitive Thread
If you plan to travel Y class, then the redemption value is poor given the added cash surcharges (and no points or status credits earned for the flights). I have had similar dilemmas in the past, and the better option has always been paying cash, as this ensures seats on the flights desired and the benefit of earning points and SC.
If you plan to travel Y class, then the redemption value is poor given the added cash surcharges (and no points or status credits earned for the flights). I have had similar dilemmas in the past, and the better option has always been paying cash, as this ensures seats on the flights desired and the benefit of earning points and SC.
CaptJCool
Established Member
- Joined
- May 31, 2012
- Posts
- 3,671
re: "oneworld" award (140K/280K/420K) Planning - The Definitive Thread
I noticed since EK came along the avaiLability out of non-East Coast capitals appears to be consistently more freely available. That said getting back to Australia - there seems to be congested bottle necks around end of Euro summer and end of school holidays and availability really low (other than in Y)AND usually not on QF METAL. Given the major price differential from booking ex Europe/Asia v ex AUSTRALIA it almost makes sense to one way there and use those places as the next starting point. First in EK was like $5k less ex Europe than ex Aust. QF about 33% less....in effect the 4th first-class trip is always free...
I noticed since EK came along the avaiLability out of non-East Coast capitals appears to be consistently more freely available. That said getting back to Australia - there seems to be congested bottle necks around end of Euro summer and end of school holidays and availability really low (other than in Y)AND usually not on QF METAL. Given the major price differential from booking ex Europe/Asia v ex AUSTRALIA it almost makes sense to one way there and use those places as the next starting point. First in EK was like $5k less ex Europe than ex Aust. QF about 33% less....in effect the 4th first-class trip is always free...
re: "oneworld" award (140K/280K/420K) Planning - The Definitive Thread
Hi guys,
Been using this thread to book my oneworld award after saving up points for a good 3 years.
I'm at the point now where I just need to book the final leg of my trip, which is from Lima to Sydney.
I just rang up the call centre, and apparently I can only book the Santiago to Sydney portion on the direct Qantas flight? Is that correct? I was quoted taxes of $619, $84 for the Lima to Santiago flight, and $535 back to Sydney. That seems a bit high considering all of the other flights amounted to $922. Is this a common problem flying out of South America?
I can't seem to get any of the search engines to agree with each other either, in terms of the taxes and fees.
I was wondering if I could book the LAN flight instead, as that shows up on the BA rewards site? It takes a bit longer, goes from Santiago to Auckland to Sydney. But would definitely be worth my time if it was a substantial saving. Would that be cheaper in terms of taxes...or am I stuck basically with flying Qantas?
Pretty confusing all round, but this thread has been a great help so far!
Thanks!!
Hi guys,
Been using this thread to book my oneworld award after saving up points for a good 3 years.
I'm at the point now where I just need to book the final leg of my trip, which is from Lima to Sydney.
I just rang up the call centre, and apparently I can only book the Santiago to Sydney portion on the direct Qantas flight? Is that correct? I was quoted taxes of $619, $84 for the Lima to Santiago flight, and $535 back to Sydney. That seems a bit high considering all of the other flights amounted to $922. Is this a common problem flying out of South America?
I can't seem to get any of the search engines to agree with each other either, in terms of the taxes and fees.
I was wondering if I could book the LAN flight instead, as that shows up on the BA rewards site? It takes a bit longer, goes from Santiago to Auckland to Sydney. But would definitely be worth my time if it was a substantial saving. Would that be cheaper in terms of taxes...or am I stuck basically with flying Qantas?
Pretty confusing all round, but this thread has been a great help so far!
Thanks!!
re: "oneworld" award (140K/280K/420K) Planning - The Definitive Thread
There used to be a rule where LA flights on that route had to be booked on a QF code, which may have different availability. I can't find it in the T&Cs anymore so not sure if it still applies. Maybe call again and see if you get a different answer from another phone agent.
There used to be a rule where LA flights on that route had to be booked on a QF code, which may have different availability. I can't find it in the T&Cs anymore so not sure if it still applies. Maybe call again and see if you get a different answer from another phone agent.
re: "oneworld" award (140K/280K/420K) Planning - The Definitive Thread
Thanks aikman. I've rung up about 10 times now and been successful looking up seats on LAN flights, however no-one can waive me the 8,000 service fee.
Frustrating how variable the service is on the call centre. I've even gotten different quotes for taxes for the same flights.
Thanks aikman. I've rung up about 10 times now and been successful looking up seats on LAN flights, however no-one can waive me the 8,000 service fee.
Frustrating how variable the service is on the call centre. I've even gotten different quotes for taxes for the same flights.
vetrade
Established Member
- Joined
- Nov 1, 2011
- Posts
- 1,754
re: "oneworld" award (140K/280K/420K) Planning - The Definitive Thread
+1.................
Why has this been taken off the Sticky?
+1.................
re: "oneworld" award (140K/280K/420K) Planning - The Definitive Thread
I made the original booking over the phone, as I could not book a LAN flight from New York to Cusco online. I was assured by the phone operator that to change this in future would only cost 3,500 points as my last leg was from Santiago back to Sydney which likewise was to be booked on LAN and could not be done online.
Now the call centre is saying that the 8,000 point stands. Despite the fact that it's actually impossible for me to make any changes to my booking online as the Change button is greyed out. Has anyone had any experience getting this waived? Can RedRoo do anything for me in this case?
I made the original booking over the phone, as I could not book a LAN flight from New York to Cusco online. I was assured by the phone operator that to change this in future would only cost 3,500 points as my last leg was from Santiago back to Sydney which likewise was to be booked on LAN and could not be done online.
Now the call centre is saying that the 8,000 point stands. Despite the fact that it's actually impossible for me to make any changes to my booking online as the Change button is greyed out. Has anyone had any experience getting this waived? Can RedRoo do anything for me in this case?
Become an AFF member!
Join Australian Frequent Flyer (AFF) for free and enjoy a better viewing experience, as well as full participation on our community forums.AFF members can also access our Frequent Flyer Training courses, and upgrade to enjoy lots of other benefits and discounts!
AFF forum abbreviations
Wondering about Y, J or any of the other abbreviations used on our forum?Check out our guide to common AFF acronyms & abbreviations.
