Qantas Frequent Flyer - Best way(s) to collect/spend QF points?

I'm currently saving up my QF points and looking to use them in the next year or two. I'm in the US, so not much chance to fly Qantas on any regular basis to collect them.

I actually have two very broad questions, looking for your advice:

1. How to maximize my point accumulation? Right now I'm using Hilton and Hertz, but maybe there are other things US-based members do to accumulate QF points from afar.

2. How to eventually maximize my point spending? Are the special "offers" that are posted on Qantas website the best use of points, or are there other means of getting the most from my points (i.e., any packages or "point-stretcher" deals with QF points)?

Thanks!

American Airlines is a partner with Qantas (as is US Airways). However may get more bang for your buck crediting flights on these airlines to AAdvantage or Dividend Miles respectively.

Qantas does have award promotions (discounted rates) but all the ones I have seen are for domestic australia or between australia and specific asia/pacific destinations. The promos are listed on the QF website.

You can also sign up for the Starwood (SPG) Amex card - 1 point per $ which will transfer straight into QF at 1:1 ratio. And if you transfer 20K pts, they give you a bonus 5k. Also I think right now, there is no annual fee, and some sign up bonus too. Check out the FT SPG forum for lots of info.

This has been a good way to earn QF points while living as an expat away from Aus. With only the 500 mile minimum on AA, and 50% pts for disc economy, its tough to earn many points from short domestic flying alone.

good luck!

james

This has been a good way to earn QF points while living as an expat away from Aus. With only the 500 mile minimum on AA, and 50% pts for disc economy, its tough to earn many points from short domestic flying alone.
But if you buy YUP or YUPP fares from AA, you get lots of QF SCs for the effort ^ .