Where are the awards?

[Lynda2475]

I am aware that for QF1/2 you generally have to request via the droid for EU Summer.

I was able to book QF1 SYD-LHR for August 2022 online back in October 2021, so seats were definitely released. IME you need to book 10 months out, 6 months is far too late for premium routes in J or F.

I'm only gold, so I know I can only see what the WP have not already snapped up.

 

[kingzac]

Agreed, I haven’t been able to find anything past 30th Nov coming into Australia from DXB. I have found EU going to DXB then nothing onward. I can easily bring up paid fairs for the same route bringing me back to AU.

I have looked in the Calendar with Y/P/J/F and all blank.

Flying from DXB to SIN or another larger Asian hub I can also find flights with EK or QR.

I'm the same, can find plenty of options until Nov 30 but after that it's completely blank.

I'm usually refreshing constantly as my dates come up but availability hasn't changed for me in a long time. I've put it down to schedules not being loaded yet and nothing untoward.

 

[jbman]

I'm the same, can find plenty of options until Nov 30 but after that it's completely blank.

I'm usually refreshing constantly as my dates come up but availability hasn't changed for me in a long time. I've put it down to schedules not being loaded yet and nothing untoward.

Thanks for the confirmation that I wasn’t doing something wrong

 

[bjm76]

Agree that need to look 10 months out, I have had a look today for QF23/QF24 J awards for January 2023 - none - and there are Y awards available. So clearly as another poster said earlier, QF are being smart and are expecting good revenue sales once the Thailand border restrictions and testing are relaxed...

Pre-Covid these flights were always packed and was always hard to get J awards, but I did manage it a few times!

 

[kangarooflyer88]

One of the key things to keep in mind when booking any award flight regardless of program, is you need to be flexible to find the availability. Sometimes it may not be on the routing you prefer, on the date you like, or may take extensive research to sort out. For instance, with Air Canada's Aeroplan, it is virtually impossible to find Saver J award availability in most months. However, if you have eUpgrade credits, you can get a cheap economy latitude award then use the eUpgrade credits to confirm the upgrade into business class. Sometimes you may need to go slightly astray to find the availability you're looking for. For instance, flying out of a regional airport or arriving in a co-city. For instance, instead of arriving in Toronto, I'd fly into Detroit, then take the bus/train up to Canada.

Put simply, there is always award availability, including in business class, the only question is how much flexibility you have andwhether you can find one that suits your needs.

-RooFlyer88

 

[dvt]

I tried to get seats to the UK on QF over Easter. I started looking months ago and couldn't find anything on QF in J. I spoke to an agent and she said it was strange as QF hadn't realised any award seats on the flights I was looking at.

With QF confirming flights will not going via Sydney and just through Darwin, maybe they weren't confident in these routes going ahead as planned? With this now confirmed I'm hoping that they finally release some J seats! Lets see.

 

[kangarooflyer88]

I tried to get seats to the UK on QF over Easter. I started looking months ago and couldn't find anything on QF in J. I spoke to an agent and she said it was strange as QF hadn't realised any award seats on the flights I was looking at.

With QF confirming flights will not going via Sydney and just through Darwin, maybe they weren't confident in these routes going ahead as planned? With this now confirmed I'm hoping that they finally release some J seats! Lets see.

While this isn't Easter per se, there are certainly Classic Business awards available on QF, particularly with their partner Emirates. Here's one such availability on March 15, 2022:



Another option you have depending on your flexibility is to spend a few days in a connection city then proceed on to LHR. For instance, if you were to take off for SIN on Apr 17, you'd find that there is a BA J award waiting for you:


You could then catch a business classic award from SIN to LHR on AY:


I understand that may not work for everyone, but the point is the cheap business awards are still there if you invest the time looking and have flexibility in your travel plans.

-RooFlyer88

 

[dvt]

While this isn't Easter per se, there are certainly Classic Business awards available on QF, particularly with their partner Emirates. Here's one such availability on March 15, 2022:

View attachment 271032

Another option you have depending on your flexibility is to spend a few days in a connection city then proceed on to LHR. For instance, if you were to take off for SIN on Apr 17, you'd find that there is a BA J award waiting for you:
View attachment 271039

You could then catch a business classic award from SIN to LHR on AY:
View attachment 271040

I understand that may not work for everyone, but the point is the cheap business awards are still there if you invest the time looking and have flexibility in your travel plans.

-RooFlyer88

Yes, I did manage to get seats with QR. But my point was that QF have not released ANY J class seats on QF metal according to the QF rep that I spoke to.

 

[kangarooflyer88]

Yes, I did manage to get seats with QR. But my point was that QF have not released ANY J class seats on QF metal according to the QF rep that I spoke to.

I reckon a lot of that has to do with QF wanting to start earning revenue on international flights having largely ceased their international operations for over 2 years. Your only bet if you really want to fly QF is to keep checking for award availability every now and then. In addition, keep in mind too that travel during busy times like Easter Holiday will be tricker to find award availability than during low peak seasons.

Lastly I will say, and perhaps I'm being a bit arrogant here, I don't see the real benefit in flying QF long haul. I've flown a number of airlines in J over the years, and will admit I haven't flown QF long haul yet. But reading this forum and interacting with members of this forum online and in person it doesn't seem like something particularly special to do. My most memorable J long haul flight was NZ from YVR to AKL a few years ago where they had a proper mattress pad and hostesses who really knew how to take care of us business passengers up front. Flying LH in J a couple years back the service wasn't particularly memorable but there's nothing like sitting in the upper deck of a 747 as it charges down the runway. UA J service and hard product wasn't particularly memorable either, but the Polaris lounges made those often long layovers I had at ORD or LAX manageable. The point being is that there are many airlines on OneWorld that you can use your QF points to book into that will provide you with a good experience, QF certainly doesn't have a monopoly in this space.

-RooFlyer88

 

[dvt]

I reckon a lot of that has to do with QF wanting to start earning revenue on international flights having largely ceased their international operations for over 2 years. Your only bet if you really want to fly QF is to keep checking for award availability every now and then. In addition, keep in mind too that travel during busy times like Easter Holiday will be tricker to find award availability than during low peak seasons.

Lastly I will say, and perhaps I'm being a bit arrogant here, I don't see the real benefit in flying QF long haul. I've flown a number of airlines in J over the years, and will admit I haven't flown QF long haul yet. But reading this forum and interacting with members of this forum online and in person it doesn't seem like something particularly special to do. My most memorable J long haul flight was NZ from YVR to AKL a few years ago where they had a proper mattress pad and hostesses who really knew how to take care of us business passengers up front. Flying LH in J a couple years back the service wasn't particularly memorable but there's nothing like sitting in the upper deck of a 747 as it charges down the runway. UA J service and hard product wasn't particularly memorable either, but the Polaris lounges made those often long layovers I had at ORD or LAX manageable. The point being is that there are many airlines on OneWorld that you can use your QF points to book into that will provide you with a good experience, QF certainly doesn't have a monopoly in this space.

-RooFlyer88

I agree on the above. I do much prefer QR over QF, but the only benefit for me would be to earn status credits being a points plus member. Also, adding another airline to my ticket (QF) would turn it into a RTW award so there would be some points savings and also less tax than on QR. To be honest I'm just happy that I got J seats on QR.

 

[gourmet333]

I've been monitoring for a few weeks now looking for a MEL - MXP J class flight in May. Lots of economy but nothing up the pointy end. Today quite a few odds and sods popped up, mostly starting in Singapore. Finnair, KLM and a few random Qatar flights. I'd happily use points to/from Singapore to Europe but the issue is finding a QF flight direct MEL to SIN because there seem to be no direct flights at the moment even to purchase (no doubt because the flight to LHR are now going via Darwin.

 

[kangarooflyer88]

I've been monitoring for a few weeks now looking for a MEL - MXP J class flight in May. Lots of economy but nothing up the pointy end. Today quite a few odds and sods popped up, mostly starting in Singapore. Finnair, KLM and a few random Qatar flights. I'd happily use points to/from Singapore to Europe but the issue is finding a QF flight direct MEL to SIN because there seem to be no direct flights at the moment even to purchase (no doubt because the flight to LHR are now going via Darwin.

Have you looked at Rome (FCO) in May? There are some classic business awards out of MEL there. Here's one such example on the 23rd of May:


Yes, I know Milan isn't directly beside Rome, but as someone who has visited Italy I can assure you it's certainly worth your time to spend a day or two there, be it at the Colosseum, the Vatican, etc. In addition, you can also book an ICE train fairly cheap to get you up to Milan and then up to Zürich. The train ride up to Zürich from Milan is worth every minute!

And by the way, there's tons of business classic availability out of Zurich (ZRH) to Melbourne too, which makes such an itinerary appealing, especially considering Zürich is one of the cheapest places to visit in continental Europe!

-RooFlyer88

 

[jase05]

I've been monitoring for a few weeks now looking for a MEL - MXP J class flight in May. Lots of economy but nothing up the pointy end. Today quite a few odds and sods popped up, mostly starting in Singapore. Finnair, KLM and a few random Qatar flights. I'd happily use points to/from Singapore to Europe but the issue is finding a QF flight direct MEL to SIN because there seem to be no direct flights at the moment even to purchase (no doubt because the flight to LHR are now going via Darwin.

Perhaps keep a eye open on Malaysia borders which are supposedly early March. MH has not bad availability in May from MEL/PER/ADL-KUL and from KUL several airlines such as QR and TK haves fares to MXP for around $2600 or award availability on QR and EK (including F)

 

[Mattg]

Using Qantas points to fly Qatar Airways J to/from Australia can work if there's only one passenger. But try to book 2 or more seats and there's no availability via QFF.

 

[gourmet333]

Have you looked at Rome (FCO) in May? There are some classic business awards out of MEL there. Here's one such example on the 23rd of May:
View attachment 271043

Yes, I know Milan isn't directly beside Rome, but as someone who has visited Italy I can assure you it's certainly worth your time to spend a day or two there, be it at the Colosseum, the Vatican, etc. In addition, you can also book an ICE train fairly cheap to get you up to Milan and then up to Zürich. The train ride up to Zürich from Milan is worth every minute!

And by the way, there's tons of business classic availability out of Zurich (ZRH) to Melbourne too, which makes such an itinerary appealing, especially considering Zürich is one of the cheapest places to visit in continental Europe!
View attachment 271045
-RooFlyer88

Thanks Kangarooflyer88. Yes I love Rome too and I would have considered it as a starting point but our itinerary is a bit tight and the day we arrive we are going straight to Lake Como so flying into Milan is the best/ easiest option time wise.
I did find late last night when I was going the awards rabbit hole, a fare to MXP via Bali. QF to Denpasar, then EK to Dubai and onto Milan. the first 2 legs were J class but the leg Dubai to MXP was economy. I would have snapped it up except I feel I need to do a bit of due diligence on transiting through Indonesia. I haven't heard if this would be an issue.

 

[There'sOnlyOneJimmy]

Also, adding another airline to my ticket (QF) would turn it into a RTW award so there would be some points savings and also less tax than on QR.

If by this you mean you would turn it into a OneWorld Classic Award… unfortunately adding a QF flight will not help you to qualify.
You need two OneWorld carriers that are NOT QF. You can have QF as well, but first need the 2 others.

From the Book of Rules:
14.5.1 A oneworld Classic Flight Reward is a Classic Flight Reward Itinerary that includes travel on at least two oneworld Member Airlines other than Qantas and does not include any travel on any airline that is not a oneworld Member Airline.

Link to Book of Rules:

Frequent Flyer Terms and Conditions | Qantas

These Terms and Conditions form the basis of Qantas Frequent Flyer, to protect both Members and the Qantas Group.

www.qantas.com

 

[Clayton]

Using Qantas points to fly Qatar Airways J to/from Australia can work if there's only one passenger. But try to book 2 or more seats and there's no availability via QFF.

Thats right, only 1 seat available via QF FF program, however on BA Executive Club or AAdvantage there are usually at least 2 in either direction.

Either Qatar (doubtful) or Qantas (seems highly likely) are playing loose with their highest profit margin division.

 

[kangarooflyer88]

Thanks Kangarooflyer88. Yes I love Rome too and I would have considered it as a starting point but our itinerary is a bit tight and the day we arrive we are going straight to Lake Como so flying into Milan is the best/ easiest option time wise.
I did find late last night when I was going the awards rabbit hole, a fare to MXP via Bali. QF to Denpasar, then EK to Dubai and onto Milan. the first 2 legs were J class but the leg Dubai to MXP was economy. I would have snapped it up except I feel I need to do a bit of due diligence on transiting through Indonesia. I haven't heard if this would be an issue.

Another option to consider would be flying into Zürich instead of Milan. Indeed, QF is showing classic business awards out of SYD for May 11 amongst a few other dates (with multiple award seats available):



In terms of getting to Lake Como from Zürich it is further away from Lake Como but not by much (247 km from Zurich airport versus 106 km from Malpensa). If you are taking public transport there which is what I'd recommend doing anyway, travelling in from Zurich will not only be more scenic but also more reliable since most of your transport will be by Swiss rail which we know is super reliable and timely (unlike their Italian counterparts). Travel times are also comparable about 3 hours from Milan Airport versus 4 hours from Zurich airport:


If that wasn't enough, Zurich airport tends to be more efficient in processing passengers through immigration, and there are more facilities for travellers including lounges. In terms of the itinerary you suggested, flying to DPS then onwards to DXB and finally in MXP the concerns I would have would include misconnections and potential visa/health travel requirements enroute. If you can get to Europe in one stop do it. The trip is gonna be long and you don't want to have to make travel decisions half way round the world slightly tired and dehydrated.

-RooFlyer88

 

[gourmet333]

Another option to consider would be flying into Zürich instead of Milan. Indeed, QF is showing classic business awards out of SYD for May 11 amongst a few other dates (with multiple award seats available):

View attachment 271073

In terms of getting to Lake Como from Zürich it is further away from Lake Como but not by much (247 km from Zurich airport versus 106 km from Malpensa). If you are taking public transport there which is what I'd recommend doing anyway, travelling in from Zurich will not only be more scenic but also more reliable since most of your transport will be by Swiss rail which we know is super reliable and timely (unlike their Italian counterparts). Travel times are also comparable about 3 hours from Milan Airport versus 4 hours from Zurich airport:
View attachment 271074View attachment 271075

If that wasn't enough, Zurich airport tends to be more efficient in processing passengers through immigration, and there are more facilities for travellers including lounges. In terms of the itinerary you suggested, flying to DPS then onwards to DXB and finally in MXP the concerns I would have would include misconnections and potential visa/health travel requirements enroute. If you can get to Europe in one stop do it. The trip is gonna be long and you don't want to have to make travel decisions half way round the world slightly tired and dehydrated.

-RooFlyer88

RooFlyer88 you are a savant! Great idea, I’m going into the rabbit hole now. Wish me luck and thanks !

 

[kangarooflyer88]

RooFlyer88 you are a savant! Great idea, I’m going into the rabbit hole now. Wish me luck and thanks !

A advantage I see for flying into Switzerland versus Italy is there is no requirement to undergo a PCR test beforehand. I'm unsure how that translates into Italy as you may need a health pass to access specific things in Italy. Switzerland generally and Zürich specifically is very clean and safe although one thing that will shock you are the prices for things.

If you go to a McDonalds don't be surprised to see something like a Big Mac meal setting you back $25 or even $30. There is a workaround to this: go to a grocery store like Migros (there's one at Zurich airport's shopping mall located just outside of security) where you can put together a quick meal for a couple of bucks. If you do want to eat at a restaurant, please go to a proper restaurant (i.e. not fast food) since you'll be spending roughly the same, and who wants to boast that they ate a Big Mac at McDonalds? This is also why I claim that Zürich is one of the cheaper places to visit in Europe, especially if you enjoy hiking. Lots of great outdoor nature stuff to do for free, and so long as you stick to grocery stores it's no more expensive than a meal anywhere else. All that being said, this paragraph doesn't really apply much if you're heading straight to Lake Como. However, you may want to consider staying a couple nights in Switzerland, especially since business classic awards are available, in this case on Emirates for the 18th of May:



In case you're curious, you can book rail tickets for Como S. Giovanni, Italy (the major interchange for Lake Como) from Zürich Flughafen (Zürich Airport) from SBB, the Swiss National Rail Company official website. The benefit of doing that as opposed to booking when you arrive get there is you can avail yourself of cheap train tickets (albeit with less flexibility). For instance, the one-way ticket for that trip is 48 CHF (approximately $72) for a second class ticket:


If I were you, I would make the booking to be several hours after you arrive to account for any delays in your flight, and to ensure you are scrambling for the train. This advice applies regardless of if you ultimately manage to get a ticket to Milan or fly into Zurich. Alternatively you can get a flexible ticket for additional cost that doesn't tie you down to a particular train.



In terms of the actual travel experience it's pretty straightforward. You arrive at Zürich airport, clear immigration, pick up your bags and then follow the signs for the train station at the airport. You'll then board a train that takes you Zürich HB (main train station) and then go to the gate that has your connecting train. Once on board there should be a dining cart you can order food from. Since Switzerland is part of the Schengen area, there won't be customs control for the train down to Italy. I'd recommend having a fully charged phone or camera since it is a very scenic trip:


-RooFlyer88