I am hoping to get some advice on flying to Japan next year. We're looking to book around Easter (because it lines up so nicely with ANZAC day) and we've got 500K+ points to use on business class tickets. Struggling to use these on upgrades on our flights to Europe because we usually fly at such popular times.
Could you clever people provide any advice on how to nab a good flight to Japan in April next year in business class? I'm hoping for guidance on which airport is best to fly out of (perhaps BNE/MEL instead of SYD, where we live) and best to fly in to (Osaka/Tokyo and options for each) or even to be told now that there's no way I'm going to get a points flight at that time of year or around key holiday dates like Easter.
I know it can be daunting and disheartening, but I assure you that there is plenty of benefit to be had in chasing points, so long as you are prepared to be flexible and creative. Scoring two First class seats all the way to London on QF1/2 on perfect dates for Easter might be a tall order[1], but if you explore all your options, you might find something you never thought you would like.
However, you might find some excellent First or Business availability on Emirates[2] on their MEL-SIN flight, and decide that you want to spend your holiday in Hong Kong; you could pick up the Classic award(s) and book the remaining sectors on revenue tickets. You might discover some Partner award space on Cathay Pacific in their Business class to Hong Kong, and continue to Japan and return non-stop to Australia on revenue tickets.
The possibilities are endless with the points in your account; you just have to be prepared to explore, because the adventure begins not when your chauffeured car arrives at your front door, but when you fire up your laptop and start looking for award seats.
Notes:
[1] This is basically impossible.
[2] Classic award seats on Emirates are treated exactly the same as if they were on Qantas' own flights, i.e. they are not Partner awards, which are slightly more expensive (in terms of points 'cost').
Have a read of the article below from late last year. I am unsure as to whether Qantas have now loaded Japan Airlines award availability in their system. If not, call Qantas to check availability/make a reservation. But do not let them charge you the telephone booking fee (see comment in article below), as Qantas are giving you no option but to call them in order to book JL. We did this a few years ago and were charged the telephone booking fee, but later had it refunded through Qantas Customer Care (as it should never have been charged). https://www.ausbt.com.au/top-tips-for-securing-japan-airlines-flights-using-qantas-points
mabsi
mabsi
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 01 Apr 2018
Total posts 3
I am hoping to get some advice on flying to Japan next year. We're looking to book around Easter (because it lines up so nicely with ANZAC day) and we've got 500K+ points to use on business class tickets. Struggling to use these on upgrades on our flights to Europe because we usually fly at such popular times.
watson374
watson374
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 17 Aug 2012
Total posts 1,285
Welcome aboard, mabsi.
This is a tough one to crack.
You should:
Be prepared to:
I wish you the best of luck.
barecub
barecub
QF
Member since 27 Jul 2016
Total posts 21
thanks for the laugh
!redditsilver
mabsi
mabsi
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 01 Apr 2018
Total posts 3
watson374
watson374
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 17 Aug 2012
Total posts 1,285
Please do not be discouraged.
I know it can be daunting and disheartening, but I assure you that there is plenty of benefit to be had in chasing points, so long as you are prepared to be flexible and creative. Scoring two First class seats all the way to London on QF1/2 on perfect dates for Easter might be a tall order[1], but if you explore all your options, you might find something you never thought you would like.
However, you might find some excellent First or Business availability on Emirates[2] on their MEL-SIN flight, and decide that you want to spend your holiday in Hong Kong; you could pick up the Classic award(s) and book the remaining sectors on revenue tickets. You might discover some Partner award space on Cathay Pacific in their Business class to Hong Kong, and continue to Japan and return non-stop to Australia on revenue tickets.
The possibilities are endless with the points in your account; you just have to be prepared to explore, because the adventure begins not when your chauffeured car arrives at your front door, but when you fire up your laptop and start looking for award seats.
Notes:
dingogav
dingogav
Member since 01 Jan 2014
Total posts 27
Have a read of the article below from late last year. I am unsure as to whether Qantas have now loaded Japan Airlines award availability in their system. If not, call Qantas to check availability/make a reservation. But do not let them charge you the telephone booking fee (see comment in article below), as Qantas are giving you no option but to call them in order to book JL. We did this a few years ago and were charged the telephone booking fee, but later had it refunded through Qantas Customer Care (as it should never have been charged). https://www.ausbt.com.au/top-tips-for-securing-japan-airlines-flights-using-qantas-points
mabsi
mabsi
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 01 Apr 2018
Total posts 3
Thanks so much, really appreciate it! Wish us luck!