Westpac Altitude Points Devalue September 2016

[johnny_yh2000]

SQ surcharge is relatively high compare to CX. But online redemption you will get 15% off with SQ

 

[kpc]

I TF all my altitude points to KF over the weekend. If I get approved for the Amex Explorer, I will cancel my Amex Altitude Black unless they waive the annual fee completely.

 

[Ric]

SQ surcharge is relatively high compare to CX. But online redemption you will get 15% off with SQ

Thanks johnny_yh2000.
I presume that the 15% off is for the points only and not apply to the surcharges, I read somewhere that CX's surcharges are less because HKG does not permit/allow airlines to charge fuel charges etc??
What about rewards flights availability? Which one is more?

 

[ProggerPete]

I've joined the crowd dumping points into SQ. The good news is that this means my bucket list item of flying first class is going to happen in the next 3 years. =)

 

[prozac]

I've joined the crowd dumping points into SQ. The good news is that this means my bucket list item of flying first class is going to happen in the next 3 years. =)

Does any SQ activity within 3 years keep the points "alive" or must they all be used in that time frame?

 

[ProggerPete]

Does any SQ activity within 3 years keep the points "alive" or must they all be used in that time frame?

Activity doesn't reset expiry for SQ. I gather they will offer to extend the expiry for cash when it comes up.

You can book up to a year in advance though, so really I need to fly in the next 4 years or pay cash to push it out to 5 years.

 

[deka2]

I transferred all my points to SQ yesterday.

This will keep us in the pointy end for a couple of years.

Have a few more to be transferred after the 21st September, as a last hurrah.

Given the earn on the new Amex Explorer, I think I will cancel this card and get apply for that one.

 

[Kilo]

I'm a little torn on whether to move my points to Krisflyer or Asia Miles.
I've never used Asia Miles before and they look like a pretty good option - QF availability and lower surcharges than KF. But as I understand it no way to move them elsewhere if I don't use all of them

 

[N860CR]

Just a reminder to all that the transfer date for Altitude is approaching.

I've really enjoyed using this card over the years as its been a good earner. Fortunately the new Amex Explorer popped up at just the right time

 

[AnnaB]

We have 600,000 points just sitting in that account, but at this stage we dont know what do with them. Was thinking of transferring to KF, but if we dont use them within 3 years they will perish... and I dont think its worth transferring to VA... or is it?
I am indecisive at this point as to if it is worth warehousing the points at VA instead of where they already are, at Westpac? Anyone has any thoughts?

 

[johnny_yh2000]

We have 600,000 points just sitting in that account, but at this stage we dont know what do with them. Was thinking of transferring to KF, but if we dont use them within 3 years they will perish... and I dont think its worth transferring to VA... or is it?
I am indecisive at this point as to if it is worth warehousing the points at VA instead of where they already are, at Westpac? Anyone has any thoughts?

I guess at the end of the day is up to you.
Prefers Qantas and one world then move points to AM
Prefers SQ and star alliance then move points to KF
KF and AM both last 3yrs. And tbh it is easy to burn with long haul business or first class flights anyways.
Prefer none then just leave it as it is since there are no devaluation when converting to VA points.

 

[ninja-tim]

What do you think the latest is when we can transfer the points across to KF is? 3-4 business days prior?

I have some largish ATO bills to pay this week and also wondering how long it takes for points to get posted to Westpac account once you put a charge on the account?

 

[burmans]

In general the conversion rate is the time you initiate the transfer rather than the receipt so in most cases until the last minute would work. The main reason for doing this early is just in case anything goes wrong. If you have already transferred some this likelihood is very small but if not probably worth playing a bit safe.

Perhaps worth a trial transfer first?

 

[ninja-tim]

Perhaps worth a trial transfer first?

That is a good idea. Don't know why I didn't transfer it sooner.

 

[wazza888]

From memory the transfer took one business day.

 

[bbqwer]

What do you think the latest is when we can transfer the points across to KF is? 3-4 business days prior?

I have some largish ATO bills to pay this week and also wondering how long it takes for points to get posted to Westpac account once you put a charge on the account?

Less than 1 business days. For the past 2 weeks All my transfer was done around 12pm business day, and point posted at KF around 6pm ( sydney time ).

 

[Cruiser Elite]

I called Westpac to cancel Qantas Black card after pts transferred and agent asked was I aware I could accrue Altitude pts rather than Qantas - she was totally unaware of devaluation of transfer rate of Altitude pts - put me on hold 5 mins but nobody in her dept had knowledge of this - I gave her url over phone and suggested her team should brush up - UFB!

 

[prozac]

... UFB!

Unidentified flying banana indeed...

 

[Nutcase]

I called Westpac to cancel Qantas Black card after pts transferred and agent asked was I aware I could accrue Altitude pts rather than Qantas - she was totally unaware of devaluation of transfer rate of Altitude pts - put me on hold 5 mins but nobody in her dept had knowledge of this - I gave her url over phone and suggested her team should brush up - UFB!

I bet that she really appreciated that help and spoke about you in glowing terms after the call ended.

 

[N860CR]

I bet that she really appreciated that help and spoke about you in glowing terms after the call ended.

And this is the problem with customer service in Australia