Hi Addenda,

<<I know a few have mentioned this, but no-one seems to have spelt it out.
Will the current (admittedly, bargain) 30000 point Around Oz reward no longer be available under the new scheme or will it just be prohibitively expensive (points wise) as a result of the 10,000/stopover?>>

You can still do such a trip under the new system (and under the old for the next 18 months – although must be booked in the next 6 months). See the stopovers discussion on page 1 for more info on why.

I think the stopover rule is a much better system than most other programs (although it is a negative considering what is currently offered). Most others only offer point-to-point rewards on zonal rewards.

Also note that multiply stopovers can be taken within the oneworld RTW awards.

Hi RichardMEL,

Sorry about the UA mistake – I am an old 1K member – was going of my old statement and I used to get 500 miles for UA and Express but not shuttle.

Hi Ffhound,

<<Mind you if Qantas dropped its joining fee and had the right promotion (eg double points to London) I'd join.>>
These changes are aimed at existing members – although I take your point.
Right promotion – what about 20% bonus points on all credit card transfers.
<<With respect to the 20,000 miles award in Australia I don't see any reason why things will change in the short term. I understand Northwest has 20,000 mile awards in North America - I think it probably more likely that United will drop their North American rates to compete with Northwest than raise their Australian redemption rates.>>
I doubt it! But I could be wrong. Also note that Ansett sets the domestic redemption rates for Star carriers (actually it is a little more complicated than that…) – UAL could keep the rate low through subsidies.

<<Overall there have been some improvements in Qantas's FF scheme (over short hops) and some backward steps (real increase in points/miles required for most domestic awards in Australia. I guess everyone will have to look at their circumstances and weigh up which is best for them. As the French say ' Chacun a son gout' (To each his own). It is noticable however that I am a member of about 20 frequent flyer programs but not Qantas FF.>>

Actually people taking simple economy redemptions (which is the great masses of QF members) are on average better off. If you a higher tier then things are much better. There will be some other interesting stuff for platinums coming up soon!

Looks like we will have to convert you – just think of all those QTVC bonus partners, hotel partners, hire car companies, home loans, wine club, mobile deals. For the average Aussie on New Zealand you won’t find a broader program.

Now a question – What does everyone think about the upgrades certs… interested to get some feedback.

Cheers… Bruce