Originally Posted by
trooper
Well..you must be a magician since QF doesn't have domestic F......and if the choice is between using BA occasionally or NOT GETTING an award flight at all.... the choice is pretty simple....
Thank you for pointing out my typo. I updated my original post.
I didn't have any issues securing 2 J/F non BA awards to Europe for summer Mediterranean Cruises in 2013, 2014, 2015 & 2016. Maybe I am a Magician... lol This summer I paid for 2 J earning 25K EQM & 35K RDM on AS securing MVPG75K.
For me, BA offers very little value. Am I going to burn 280,000 MP Miles and pay $1600 USD for 2 F awards to enjoy BA First (best business class in the world) on a "mid-haul" international flight from the west coast CAN/USA to the UK and then a blocked out middle economy seat in European Business onward? Not likely!
Looking at YVR-BCN next June on BA the return Y fare is $1261 CAD ($995 USD) including all fees and taxes on the A380 TATL sector. Hmmm, I can burn 140,000 Miles and save about $200 each for the privilege of a lie-flat seat on a sub 9.5 hour flight. Incredible value!!! Now if I wish to fly only to LHR the fees and taxes jump to $1030 USD. Of course, if one is buying non EQM miles to top up for their BA award it just seems utterly ridiculous but I also understand everyone values things differently. If no alternate awards are available, I am more than happy in Y for a route with a shorter international sector and would benefit from additional AS EQM/RDM while saving my MP Miles for more valuable 14hr + experiences.
I am aware that BA fees and taxes are different from certain markets. There is ZERO YQ fees on BA from HKG-LHR because HKG Government regulations forbid it. It isn't a valid route for an AS redemption on BA but it can be booked on CX.
EY does not pass on Surcharges to AA awards and AA even waived the phone booking fee for me without request because it can't be booked online. Similarly EK does not pass on surcharges to AS awards. Redemptions on EK, QF, JL, CX are all sub $100 for premium awards. HU & FI have higher fees but still not the extortionist rates BA charges for premium awards.
Phone rings! "Hello", "Hi" "You are the lucky winner of a British Airways Return First Class ticket to Europe! I just need your credit card to process the $1000 administration fee." CLICK!!
"Who was that honey?" "A scammer"
.....and if the choice is between using BA occasionally or NOT GETTING an award flight at all.... the choice is pretty simple
Absolutely! I dont get an award flight and AS doesn't get my Loyalty. Same principle.