LonerMatt Welcome to the forum (Aussie branch)
From a post on 2 Feb 2013
Originally Posted by
Gardyloo
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One important thing to note is that miles/points earning and redemption are only a part of the whole FF business. A big factor in choosing your plan preferences is whether you'd fly enough with your chosen airline(s) in order to reach elite frequent flyer status. With elite status comes various perks - access to lounges, expedited passage through airports, seat selections, upgrades, baggage allowances, etc. - that can be as important if not more important to frequent travelers. So those factors also need to be understood as you make your choices.
It involves homework and research, but the rewards can be very significant, well worth the effort. (Or so many of us think. Of course we can be both delusional and exhibit OCD symptoms in this regard. Welcome to the madhouse.)
Originally Posted by
LonerMatt
.... Reading about Travel Hacking Cartel, etc, I had this image of people manipulating the system in order to travel cheaply (if not essentially for free).
What I'm really stuck on is trying to ascertain what options are the best options for me - being in Australia restricts choice somewhat (I think), but I'm not really sure what programs are available (apart from Qantas and Velocity) and how to best take advantage of them (apart from spending).....
Freq flying is not about manipulation of the system, but using the rules to your advantage. "Travel Hacking" is not term used much on FT. Tends to be used by people who do not travel, but would like (hope) to game the system.
Many frequent flyer awards are far from free.
You can join many FFP's around the world. Not just those based in Australia.
With local ffp's you can get points by credit card spend & even grocery shopping at Woolworth by
https://www.everydayrewards.com.au/ (Qantas & join QF ffp for free )
American Airlines [AA] is a good program as associated with Qantas & the OneWorld alliance
Virgin's Velocity freq flyer program has few overseas partner's (but is increasing)
Do not let the freq flyer points / miles get in the way of buying airfares at a reasonable cost is you fly only a few times a year. Only worth 1-2-3 cents per point/miles (ever persons valuation is different). And they often expire and get devalued.
Also look at
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/onewo...help-here.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/star-...post-here.html