The Qantas Newbie Questions Thread

[Rich]

I left Australia to return to the UK after nearly 20 years in Australia during the pandemic. I have Qantas Gold status so I'm not a complete newbie but I'm really struggling with operating with Qantas out of London. I've got about 130,000 points that I'd like to contribute towards a flight to Japan. I see that the closest places that Qantas flies to out of LHR are Bangkok and Singapore. However, for Bangkok flights in March (dates subject to change) they're asking for more than 1 million points and I can't find any availability for Singapore through points. Is this because international operations are still coming back up to speed or is it just really competitive? Also why so high to Bangkok? I think I managed to bump up from premium economy to business LAX to SYD for less than 100,000. Also as I'm overseas I've retained my gold but I think that expires in June so I'm really hoping to get some status flights in to maintain that and I just can't work out my any options for that. Weekender to New York or something? Any advice greatly appreciated.

Or look at other airports. E.g. you can find seats out of Paris

 

[RooFlyer]

Welcome to AFF @MogTheCat

I've got about 130,000 points that I'd like to contribute towards a flight to Japan. I see that the closest places that Qantas flies to out of LHR are Bangkok and Singapore. However, for Bangkok flights in March (dates subject to change) they're asking for more than 1 million points and I can't find any availability for Singapore through points.

Unless I'm misunderstanding something, to use your QFF points ex the UK, it doesn't have to be on a Qantas plane, just booked through your account on the QFF booking page. As SYD says, make sure you have the settings right ('use points' and 'classic rewards only').

You can fly on JL, BA or Finnair direct or semi-direct to Japan, if the flights come up on the Qantas booking engine; either say LHR-HND (or other Japanese ports) or using the multi city option, say LHR-HEL-NRT(others ...) for instance (I don't know if these routes are still available with the closure of Russian airspace, though). There STILL may not be any Reward availability, but its possible.

 

[SYD]

Welcome to AFF @MogTheCat



Unless I'm misunderstanding something, to use your QFF points ex the UK, it doesn't have to be on a Qantas plane, just booked through your account on the QFF booking page. As SYD says, make sure you have the settings right ('use points' and 'classic rewards only').

You can fly on BA or Finnair direct or semi-direct to Japan, if the flights come up on the Qantas booking engine; either say LHR-HND or using the multi city option, say LHR-HEL-NRT for instance (I don't know if these routes are still available with the closure of Russian airspace, though). There STILL may not be any Reward availability, but its possible.

In theory, you might find Air France or KLM options (QF has an arrangement). Also Japan Airlines is usually pretty good with award availability (if booked far enough in advance). Cathay via HKG might also work.

Finnair often does not come up automatically but a multi-sector search via Helsinki should work. Easiest to search on AA.com first to see what Finnair availability there is and then jump over to QF and search those dates/times in the multi-sector search tool.
Note. The multi-sector search is a bit clunky but worth persevering.

 

[kangarooflyer88]

I left Australia to return to the UK after nearly 20 years in Australia during the pandemic. I have Qantas Gold status so I'm not a complete newbie but I'm really struggling with operating with Qantas out of London. I've got about 130,000 points that I'd like to contribute towards a flight to Japan. I see that the closest places that Qantas flies to out of LHR are Bangkok and Singapore. However, for Bangkok flights in March (dates subject to change) they're asking for more than 1 million points and I can't find any availability for Singapore through points. Is this because international operations are still coming back up to speed or is it just really competitive? Also why so high to Bangkok? I think I managed to bump up from premium economy to business LAX to SYD for less than 100,000.

Would you be offended if I suggest you fly from Paris to Tokyo? The reason I ask is there tends to be fairly good availability ex-EU to Asia and you could save hundreds of quid by avoiding the dreaded APD. For instance, flying FinnAir from Paris to Tokyo will set you back 104,500 points + €239 flying on March 12


To your point about seeing insanely high award prices for some award bookings - by default Qantas will show you all available flights when doing a award search which includes both Qantas classic award flights (which are pegged to a fixed award amount) and dynamic awards which are basically all available flights QF could in theory book where the price you pay in points is simply the cash fare converted from dollars (or Euros or whatever the local currency) to Qantas Points. However, the exchange rate is typically quite poor, all things considered.

How do you avoid seeing these crummy award options in your search? Simply click the Rewards only search when you see all those rewards get spit back to you.

In terms of finding when classic awards are available, your best bet would be to be to use the multi-city search on Qantas, specifying the one way ticket you have in mind (and ensuring the Classic Awards search option is selected). You will then be presented with an entire monthly calendar that will show you on what dates in a given month there are classic awards available.

Also as I'm overseas I've retained my gold but I think that expires in June so I'm really hoping to get some status flights in to maintain that and I just can't work out my any options for that. Weekender to New York or something? Any advice greatly appreciated.

My understanding is those with a June 2023 expiry will get another 12 month extension per the status support page. In terms of maintaining QF status long term, one thing to keep in mind is you must fly a minimum of 4 segments operated by Qantas, JetStar, JetStar Asia, or JetStar Japan. If flying JetStar, those flights must be booked with a bundle that attracts Qantas Frequent Flyer points and status credits (i.e. a Starter Plus, Starter Max or Business Max Bundle).

-RooFlyer88

 

[MogTheCat]

Wow thank you all so much, so much great advice and knowledge here and that's fantastic that they're extending again (I didn't even think to check, just assumed that as they're back in the air the extensions would stop). No offence at all about flying from Paris either I could add a couple of days and enjoy the sights.

I will go and experiment with all of your tips and suggestions and report back, thank you all again!

 

[Mwenenzi]

Wow thank you all so much, so much great advice and knowledge here and that's fantastic that they're extending again (I didn't even think to check, just assumed that as they're back in the air the extensions would stop). No offence at all about flying from Paris either I could add a couple of days and enjoy the sights.

I will go and experiment with all of your tips and suggestions and report back, thank you all again!

When do your QF ff points expire? Unless you have been given an extension is 18months after last eligible activity. Have you changed your QF profile to a UK address?
Status and points expiry are not necessarily the same.
As above you can burn and earn* on partner airlines. [ * some low cost fares on partner airlines earn nothing]

https://www.qantas.com/nz/en/frequent-flyer/categories/flights.html?tabId=use-points

 

[kangarooflyer88]

I'll be flying QF next month from SYD to AKL (via MEL) and AKL to MEL (via SYD). I understand that Q-Tags are only supposed to be used on domestic services within Australia but thought I'd ask if these tags could be used on trans-tasman services to NZ from AU?

 

[RichardMEL]

They won't really be supported at the other end. It's likely you'll get a paper bag tag issued. Almost certainly ignored internationally.

 

[Princess Fiona]

No they cannot

 

[turnipapple]

I’m flying different classes and checking in luggage through to Sydney for OWA. Will the 32kg check in limit for my J class apply to the whole journey?

Tokyo - Kuala Lumpur - Singapore (Malaysia airlines J class)
Singapore - Sydney (British airways Y class)

 

[encryptededdy]

I’m flying different classes and checking in luggage through to Sydney for OWA. Will the 32kg check in limit for my J class apply to the whole journey?

Tokyo - Kuala Lumpur - Singapore (Malaysia airlines J class)
Singapore - Sydney (British airways Y class)

As long as it's on the same ticket, my understanding is yes. Once your bags are tagged, your bags are tagged. You won't be charged any more for them.

 

[serfty]

I’m flying different classes and checking in luggage through to Sydney for OWA. Will the 32kg check in limit for my J class apply to the whole journey?

Tokyo - Kuala Lumpur - Singapore (Malaysia airlines J class)
Singapore - Sydney (British airways Y class)

Based on IATA 302, MSC is BA, being in economy the luggage alliowance for that segment would apply for the entire "journey".

You may be lucky on check in.

https://www.ana.co.jp/en/jp/guide/boarding-procedures/baggage/international/iata-302/

iata areas map - Google Search

www.google.com.au

 

[encryptededdy]

Based on IATA 302, MSC is BA, being in economy the luggage alliowance for that segment would apply for the entire "journey".

As far as I understand, TYO-KUL-SIN-SYD doesn't cross any IATA areas (all in Area 3), thus we need to look at sub-areas. If we look at sub-areas, wouldn't MH be the first carrier that crosses a sub-area, and is therefore the MSC? (Japan/Korea to Southeast Asia when travelling TYO to KUL)

 

[serfty]

I had believed there were two sub areas in each IATA area "Tarrif Conference". For TC3 I thought they were Asia and South West Pacific (as per the map link).

If this is not the case and there are additional sub areas in TC3 than those I mentioned then it may assist @turnipapple.

 

[turnipapple]

Thanks @serfty and @encryptededdy I suppose worst case scenario is I’ll pay for overweight baggage

 

[Sprucegoose]

You may be lucky on check in

And as you are departing NRT/HND, I have conferred with the gods; on balance, my sincere view is you'll be right.

You never pay for luggage unless something seriously has gone off the rails.

 

[serfty]

Thanks @serfty and @encryptededdy I suppose worst case scenario is I’ll pay for overweight baggage

Here is a better page:

https://www.cathaypacific.com/cx/en_US/baggage/check-in-baggage/carrier-rules.html

That indicates there are Four sub areas in TC3 and the MSC would indeed be MH for the Japan/Korea Sub Area to South-East Asian segment.

 

[turnipapple]

Here is a better page:

https://www.cathaypacific.com/cx/en_US/baggage/check-in-baggage/carrier-rules.html

That indicates there are Four sub areas in TC3 and the MSC would indeed be MH for the Japan/Korea Sub Area to South-East Asian segment.

Wow thank you. Didn’t know these rules existed

 

[SuePa]

I have booked Syd to Vienna (Y), via Dubai, with QF, but will be flying with EK.
Having recently made it to Silver with QF, I have a complimentary general lounge invitation. Will I be able to use this on my way home, when I have a 4 hour wait in Dubai?

 

[kangarooflyer88]

I have booked Syd to Vienna (Y), via Dubai, with QF, but will be flying with EK.
Having recently made it to Silver with QF, I have a complimentary general lounge invitation. Will I be able to use this on my way home, when I have a 4 hour wait in Dubai?

Does the EK flight booked with QF have a QF or EK flight number? If it has a QF number in theory you should be able to log in to your account and link your lounge invitation to that flight, which if allowed would grant you access to the business lounge @ SYD

-RooFlyer88