Purchasing international flights with Amex?

[kinkacruiser]

Hi there,
In the next few months I will be booking for about $5000 worth of airfares
Sydney- Buenos Aires etc. Not sure whether to purchase online at Qantas and use my Amex card, or use the Bpay option and not get slugged with the 3% surcharge ($150). Does there come a time when it's not wise to use one's Amex card just to earn extra points?
I have also thought about organising my flights and hotels with an agent like Flight centre. If I went this way, would I have to pay for the booking immediately or would a deposit hold the booking until the balance is paid closer to the departure date?
So do I go Amex online, BPay on line or Amex/whatever at Flight Centre?
Thanks for your replies.

 

[markis10]

You can buy 5000 points from QF for $182 as a top up, not sure what you are getting off your CC but 5000 points for $150 does not seem to be good value by comparison.

Your call on going with a TA, most hotel websites allow you to book and not pay straight up, and often offer a best rate guarantee, QF also offer a book and pay later option for a fee as well, handy if you want a reservation but want to take advantage of a possible upcomming sale.

 

[Mal]

Only you can decide if it is worth it to pay via Amex - and it isn't 3%, it is $25 per passenger, per booking for International journeys (excl. NZ).

The things to consider
- Is it worthwhile to have the extra ~30 days before paying for the flights (assuming you aren't revolving a balance on your card).
- Are the points worth it?
- Is there included Travel Insurance when paying by card (although check T&C's carefully).

A Travel Agent is another option. With most International fares, there is often a window from booking until the flights must be paid in full. So you could have several months until you need to finalise payment.

There is also a possibility that they might be able to get a fare that is cheaper than the Qantas website offered ones.

However, most travel agencies will surcharge for credit card usage - often around the 1.5-3% mark.

 

[davidj-bell]

Hi there,
In the next few months I will be booking for about $5000 worth of airfares
Sydney- Buenos Aires etc. Not sure whether to purchase online at Qantas and use my Amex card, or use the Bpay option and not get slugged with the 3% surcharge ($150). Does there come a time when it's not wise to use one's Amex card just to earn extra points?

Your amex may also provide free travel insurance as well.

 

[AlphaVictor]

I use Travelscene American Express (specifically Phil Hoffman Travel in ADL)

No surcharge for Amex, they are in effect American Express or closely associated so can't (or shouldnt) surcharge

 

[auriga]

I use Travelscene American Express (specifically Phil Hoffman Travel in ADL)

No surcharge for Amex, they are in effect American Express or closely associated so can't (or shouldnt) surcharge

Doesn't always work that way though!

 

[zig]

If your Amex is a QF Amex card you would earn bonus points for a QF purchase, so the points would be more than 5000.

 

[econgdon]

i booked a flight with to London with Qantas ( through call centre not online) and used amex and wasnt charged anything extra. I actually asked if I would be and was told no.

 

[Mal]

i booked a flight with to London with Qantas ( through call centre not online) and used amex and wasnt charged anything extra. I actually asked if I would be and was told no.

That's bizarre. There should have been a surcharge. Perhaps it was packaged into the "assisted booking fee" ?