The ULTIMATE Qantas Guide

[Mattg]

Hello friends,

Didn't really think this warranted its own thread so will pop it in here.

I'll by flying Syd > PVG (and back) in a few weeks on an a330. Does anyone have any recommendations for the best seat, flying solo? I'm WP but unfortunately flying Y. I was considering putting an upgrade request in, but not sure it's worth the 48,000 points for (probably) an old 330.

Also I've read the "VIP Lounge" that QF use at PVG is ordinary, and that the CX lounge is the way to go, anyone?

From memory I don't think there are many particularly good economy class seats on the A330-300. An exit row seat may be the way to go but this usually costs extra. Row 23 is a bulkhead, but the downside to this is that there is perhaps less legroom as there is no seat in front to rest your feet.

Perhaps have a read of this thread:
http://www.australianfrequentflyer....yer-program/best-seat-y-a330-300-a-29355.html

If you do upgrade to business, you'll most likely get the older A330 product but you will get a Mk I skybed, which although isn't completely lie-flat (rather angled) is still not too bad IMHO. YMMV.

 

[drross]

Hello friends,

Didn't really think this warranted its own thread so will pop it in here.

I'll by flying Syd > PVG (and back) in a few weeks on an a330. Does anyone have any recommendations for the best seat, flying solo? I'm WP but unfortunately flying Y. I was considering putting an upgrade request in, but not sure it's worth the 48,000 points for (probably) an old 330.

Also I've read the "VIP Lounge" that QF use at PVG is ordinary, and that the CX lounge is the way to go, anyone?

welcome to AFF aussiel. exit row would be my suggestion. can't help you with PVG - sorry

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Hello friends,

Didn't really think this warranted its own thread so will pop it in here.

I'll by flying Syd > PVG (and back) in a few weeks on an a330. Does anyone have any recommendations for the best seat, flying solo? I'm WP but unfortunately flying Y. I was considering putting an upgrade request in, but not sure it's worth the 48,000 points for (probably) an old 330.

Also I've read the "VIP Lounge" that QF use at PVG is ordinary, and that the CX lounge is the way to go, anyone?

The CX lounge is better than the one normally allocated to QF flights.

Upgrade to business? It's a long flight. If you are on an a330-200 it might be full in economy, whereas the A330-300 i understand is weight limited, and usually goes out with quite a few spare seats... so you may end up with a spare one beside you anyway.

 

[nonpop]

Was in the CX PVG lounge recently.
IMHO it is the pick of the board. They have a noodle stand in the lounge where the chap will make up what you want. Very tasty. The regular hot food is limited.
You will take the same escalator up to where the 2 lounges are ... so just turn right at top of escalator and you'll be in the CX lounge.

Upgrade ... I'd be shoot for an upgrade on the way home. On the way up it is an easy daytime flight in Y. I don' think there are really any 'better' seats unless you like exit rows for the leg room / no reclining seat in your face. Remember, points are not money and they depreciate. Your life is short.

 

[Mattg]

Remember, points are not money and they depreciate. Your life is short.

I can't decide whether this advice is amazing or downright dangerous! :shock:

 

[aussiel]

I can't decide whether this advice is amazing or downright dangerous! :shock:

Sold me . Thanks for the advice, I'll try for the upgrade on the way home, use the CX lounge, and try my luck with the FLounge angels to try and get an empty Y row on the way over.

 

[gaz0303]

My QFF point balance has just been depleted significantly. Had to get my mother to UK for her fathers funeral asap (leaving tomorrow, return with the week) and the availability of award seats in economy, business and first was amazing. Albeit BNE to MAN had to go via PER or ADL if you didn't want to leave at 2:30am. Snagged a return CX J return which will hopefully be a nice surprise as it doesn't show up on the e-ticket. Ive told the story that as I booked the flight, my status lets you use the business check in and lounges.

Leads me to think that the best strategy for future QFi redemption trips is to wait until the last minute.

 

[get me outta here]

I had such a wonderful time in NYC in May, I am thinking of returning in May 2016. I did all that with USDM.

Having never done a QF redemption (I know, it's incredible), so just a few points of clarification plse.

I need CBR – SYD - LAX or DFW – NYC, return. I am only LTS. I currently have QF 337,00 points and another 50K points coming from a cc sign on, in about a month or so.

Is QF 11 J and F like hen’s teeth even on the day of release, or is it that as only PS I would 'never' see it?

If seats become available intermittently, is that a change fee of 5K points still, each time?

If I get J out and F back, is the points cost averaged?

Thanks in anticipation.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Snagged a return CX J return which will hopefully be a nice surprise as it doesn't show up on the e-ticket. Ive told the story that as I booked the flight, my status lets you use the business check in and lounges.

Leads me to think that the best strategy for future QFi redemption trips is to wait until the last minute.

Nice! (about allowing use of business class check-in/lounges )

CX almost always opens up a few days before departure... however - it's understandable that cutting it so fine doesn't suit everyone!

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Is QF 11 J and F like hen’s teeth even on the day of release, or is it that as only PS I would 'never' see it?

If seats become available intermittently, is that a change fee of 5K points still, each time?

If I get J out and F back, is the points cost averaged?

Thanks in anticipation.

In theory - everyone should get access to the inventory when it's initially released.

Change fee applies, and yes, points will be averaged based on the one way journey (or components if it works out cheaper that way).

 

[Mattg]

I had such a wonderful time in NYC in May, I am thinking of returning in May 2016. I did all that with USDM.

Having never done a QF redemption (I know, it's incredible), so just a few points of clarification plse.

I need CBR – SYD - LAX or DFW – NYC, return. I am only LTS. I currently have QF 337,00 points and another 50K points coming from a cc sign on, in about a month or so.

Is QF 11 J and F like hen’s teeth even on the day of release, or is it that as only PS I would 'never' see it?

If seats become available intermittently, is that a change fee of 5K points still, each time?

If I get J out and F back, is the points cost averaged?

Thanks in anticipation.

All good questions.

As a starting point, this post in another thread gives an excellent overview of trans-Pacific award seats that are released: http://www.australianfrequentflyer....rade-availability-a380-68572.html#post1261672

If you want to fly J out and F back, you might as well book two one-way awards. The price will be the same (you pay for the class of travel used each sector and you will be able to lock in a seat on the outbound as soon as it is released. But yes, any changes can be made for 5,000 points.

Have you considered a 280,000 point J oneworld award?

 

[get me outta here]

Thanks for the very helpful advice. I will go off and look for info on the 280K J oneworld award as I don't know the first thing about it.

snip .... Have you considered a 280,000 point J oneworld award?

 

[get me outta here]

Is there an advantage in looking for a 28oK one world award instead of just 2 x one way flights CBR - JFK?

snip .... Have you considered a 280,000 point J oneworld award?

 

[Nickor]

I had such a wonderful time in NYC in May, I am thinking of returning in May 2016. I did all that with USDM.

Having never done a QF redemption (I know, it's incredible), so just a few points of clarification plse.

I need CBR – SYD - LAX or DFW – NYC, return. I am only LTS. I currently have QF 337,00 points and another 50K points coming from a cc sign on, in about a month or so.

Is QF 11 J and F like hen’s teeth even on the day of release, or is it that as only PS I would 'never' see it?

If seats become available intermittently, is that a change fee of 5K points still, each time?

If I get J out and F back, is the points cost averaged?

Thanks in anticipation.

As an update to my post in the other thread, JFK does throw a bit of a spanner in the works. Neither QF or EF will show award seats to JFK from SYD or MEL. Not sure why but suspect it has to do with change of equipment at LAX. You can however find BNE-JFK award seats, with 2 J being released most days. To get from SYD/MEL to JFK, you probably have to ring the call centre and pay the 3,500 point fee (you could ask them to waive the fee as the flight could not be booked online).

As with all award seats, these go fast and looking at EF for next May, it's probably too late. There is however, 1 F seat SYD-LAX and 2 J LAX-JFK for Thurs 26/05/2016 showing on EF (as of 5 minutes ago). Will cost you 194,000 points and you will have to phone the call centre (and pay the 3,500 point fee for mixed class booking). Or 2 J BNE-JFK for 02/06/2016 costing 128,000 points each (today's release) which can be done online. You can then book your return in a couple of weeks when the dates become available. Just remember that return will more then likely be via BNE if wanting J or DFW for F.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

As an update to my post in the other thread, JFK does throw a bit of a spanner in the works. Neither QF or EF will show award seats to JFK from SYD or MEL. Not sure why but suspect it has to do with change of equipment at LAX. You can however find BNE-JFK award seats, with 2 J being released most days. To get from SYD/MEL to JFK, you probably have to ring the call centre and pay the 3,500 point fee (you could ask them to waive the fee as the flight could not be booked online).

As with all award seats, these go fast and looking at EF for next May, it's probably too late. There is however, 1 F seat SYD-LAX and 2 J LAX-JFK for Thurs 26/05/2016 showing on EF (as of 5 minutes ago). Will cost you 194,000 points and you will have to phone the call centre (and pay the 3,500 point fee for mixed class booking). Or 2 J BNE-JFK for 02/06/2016 costing 128,000 points each (today's release) which can be done online. You can then book your return in a couple of weeks when the dates become available. Just remember that return will more then likely be via BNE if wanting J or DFW for F.

Are connections to JFK not available via the multi city tool? However if connecting to AA, you'd need to be within the AA booking window, which would rule our 365 days away for the seats on 26/05.

I note QF-AA connections are coming up via DFW to New York (within the 330 day AA window)

Alternatively, for a few extra points, there seem to be some connections CX-CX J->F.

 

[Nickor]

Are connections to JFK not available via the multi city tool? However if connecting to AA, you'd need to be within the AA booking window, which would rule our 365 days away for the seats on 26/05.

I note QF-AA connections are coming up via DFW to New York (within the 330 day AA window)

Alternatively, for a few extra points, there seem to be some connections CX-CX J->F.

I've never thought to use the multi city tool for an award flight. I'll remember that for future. However, I did just try to book multi city for flights with seats available per EF but after selecting the flight for the first sector, the website returns an error message. Something to do with the cabotage rules in the US? I avoid AA metal (or any US airline) if at all possible!

 

[get me outta here]

I'd like to go in May. I have not been able to see any SYD - LAX or DFW - JFK.

I started looking at CBR - MEL - LAX on QF 95 on a 747, it seems easier to get and I may need to accept that.

I did see one date for the CX - CX J>F via HKG. Are those better flights?

 

[amaroo]

I'd like to go in May. I have not been able to see any SYD - LAX or DFW - JFK.

I started looking at CBR - MEL - LAX on QF 95 on a 747, it seems easier to get and I may need to accept that.

I did see one date for the CX - CX J>F via HKG. Are those better flights?

I booked a couple of award seats last week BNE-SYD-LAX-JFK ... JFK-LAX-BNE for May 16. Tough gig, had to request release and was surprised when they came thru.

CX is the option I was going to fall back on if the request failed...good option IMO.

 

[Mattg]

Is there an advantage in looking for a 28oK one world award instead of just 2 x one way flights CBR - JFK?

Absolutely! Two one-way CBR-JFK flights in business would cost 256,000 points and takes you just over 20,000 miles with no stops along the way. By comparison, a oneworld award costs 280,000 points in business (only 24,000 more) and lets you travel up to 35,000 miles with up to 5 stopovers, with travel on any oneworld airline. The possibilities there are really endless, but as an example you could fly to Europe and back from New York before returning to Australia, or fly around the world.

As an example of a possible oneworld award routing, you could fly

CBR-SYD-DFW-JFK (QF)
JFK-LHR (BA/AA)
LHR-BCN (IB/BA)
BCN-GIG (IB)
GIG-SCL (LA)
SCL-SYD-CBR (QF)

Total cost: 280,000 miles, all in J, and you'd still have over 6,000 miles "spare" to explore other destinations.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

I did see one date for the CX - CX J>F via HKG. Are those better flights?

CX F is the way to go, even JL F if it's available. It's a longer flight time but I think they probably have the edge over QF.