What's the best FF program for SYD-OSL in terms of reward availability

[LostRedditor]

I have been mostly collecting QFF and VFF points for the last few years but after spending some time here and listening to Matt's excellent podcast I've learned about many other programs.

I save up points mostly for flying to Norway to see the family and I travel with a partner and a toddler now. Looking to fly mostly in J but 3 reward seats can be both rare and expensive so PE is also fine for < 8hrs.

Was hoping to spend QFF points on Emirates/Qatar as there's only one stop, but it's nearly impossible to get off the island (currently, I know things can change). Alternatively, keep on collecting velocity points for SYD-SIN and use QFF to get to HEL/LHR/CDG and make it two stops.

Wondering if getting a BA Avios subscription might be worth it, to use with Qatar. Or LifeMiles?

What does AFF recommend?

 

[levelnine]

Without knowing other details like how many points can you feasibly earn in a year, I'd say go all-in on Velocity/Singapore.

You can get 3x seats in business on Singapore without too much trouble if you book a year in advance to Copenhagen. A short flight from there to Oslo.

 

[luxury-lizard]

You could also consider Air Canada (AC) - great program but hard to earn points (through credit card spend / signing on bonus or flybuys etc) here Down Under - but if you're into buying points it can be beneficial - there are various threads and a podcast on AFF on this program.

Otherwise I agree with @levelnine - if you want to earn points here Velocity is a better option at the moment than QF.

 

[Mattg]

Without knowing other details like how many points can you feasibly earn in a year, I'd say go all-in on Velocity/Singapore.

You can get 3x seats in business on Singapore without too much trouble if you book a year in advance to Copenhagen. A short flight from there to Oslo.

View attachment 328843

Yep. And you can add on an SAS flight CPH-OSL by making it a Star Alliance award for almost the same price - although this requires booking through the Singapore Airlines call centre.

 

[LostRedditor]

Thanks @levelnine
Velocity/Krisflyer is definitely on my radar, but my earning potential is limited as I'm not a very frequent flyer anymore, limiting me to credit card earns and Flybuys etc. With the 1.55 conversion from Velocity to Krisflyer I need 606,050 Velocity points one way. I'm not above purchasing points when they're on sale so I'll keep an eye out for the Velocity sales. There's also United Airlines now via SFO, IAH, etc. Longer trip though, and I can't see any J/F availability.

I've had success this year with grabbing Finnair flights so I'll keep collecting Qantas points as well.

Thanks @Mattg I didn't know I had to call SQ call centre for that

 

[jase05]

Don’t forget VS either.
Often good availability on KLM or Air France.
They have regular sales on points and can earn points with them for VA domestic flights and a whole range of partners including SkyTeam

 

[Gold Member]

I think everyone has correctly touched on the best FF options for your travels. And as you mention in your OP, BA Avios via paid subscription could be another option for QR redemption.

Depending on how regularly you visit Norway, especially if it’s on an annual basis, you might consider a one-way FF redemption to Norway and then commence a paid business class return flight to SE Asia from anywhere in Scandinavia or some other cheap ports in Europe. You can then get a short flight home and back out again with the usual players, including Scoot biz etc.

The benefit of the paid return trip to SE Asia is that it will cost you pennies (compared to Australian prices for the same distance). And the ticket will often have a 12 month “stopover” so you can stay home in Australia and return back to SE Asia to pick up your return leg many month later. And of course it will be points earning which you can contribute toward your next FF redemption.

 

[anyonebutqantas]

I think everyone has correctly touched on the best FF options for your travels. And as you mention in your OP, BA Avios via paid subscription could be another option for QR redemption.

Depending on how regularly you visit Norway, especially if it’s on an annual basis, you might consider a one-way FF redemption to Norway and then commence a paid business class return flight to SE Asia from anywhere in Scandinavia or some other cheap ports in Europe. You can then get a short flight home and back out again with the usual players, including Scoot biz etc.

The benefit of the paid return trip to SE Asia is that it will cost you pennies (compared to Australian prices for the same distance). And the ticket will often have a 12 month “stopover” so you can stay home in Australia and return back to SE Asia to pick up your return leg many month later. And of course it will be points earning which you can contribute toward your next FF redemption.

That is very good advice.