Would you use AA miles or pay cash for this Australia domestic flight?
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2010
Location: SNA/LAX
Programs: AA Gold
Posts: 128
Would you use AA miles or pay cash for this Australia domestic flight?
I'll be in Australia next month and need to book an internal flight from Melbourne to Sydney. I can get the flight in economy for 10K AAdvantage points (+$14 taxes) or just buy it for $94. Which choice would you go with?
I can get business/first for 20k points... but not sure how good Qantas domestic first is. It's only a one hour flight.
I have like 55K points sitting in my account for what it's worth. Also flying Qantas from LAX to Australia, so should earn some points from that.
I can get business/first for 20k points... but not sure how good Qantas domestic first is. It's only a one hour flight.
I have like 55K points sitting in my account for what it's worth. Also flying Qantas from LAX to Australia, so should earn some points from that.
Last edited by georgina80; Feb 4, 2019 at 10:40 am
#2
Join Date: Feb 2015
Programs: AA EXP, Hertz Gold Plus, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 338
I'll be in Australia next month and need to book an internal flight from Melbourne to Sydney. I can get the flight in economy for 10K AAdvantage points (+$14 taxes) or just buy it for $94. Which choice would you go with?
I can get business/first for 20k points... but not sure how good Qantas domestic first is. It's only a one hour flight.
I have like 55K points sitting in my account for what it's worth. Flying Qantas from LAX to Australia, so should earn some points from that.
I can get business/first for 20k points... but not sure how good Qantas domestic first is. It's only a one hour flight.
I have like 55K points sitting in my account for what it's worth. Flying Qantas from LAX to Australia, so should earn some points from that.
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2010
Location: SNA/LAX
Programs: AA Gold
Posts: 128
#7
Moderator: American AAdvantage, Travel Safety/Security & Texas, FlyerTalk Evangelist
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For an hour flight I'd just pay cash.
We flew MEL-CNS in October and used miles for business. We lucked out, as the aircraft changed from a B737 to an A330, with lie-flat seats. We also used miles for business CNS-SYD (cash coach fares were about $250-300, and business $800+).
But then again, I tend to have quite a few miles, so I don't mind splurging every now and then.
We flew MEL-CNS in October and used miles for business. We lucked out, as the aircraft changed from a B737 to an A330, with lie-flat seats. We also used miles for business CNS-SYD (cash coach fares were about $250-300, and business $800+).
But then again, I tend to have quite a few miles, so I don't mind splurging every now and then.
#10
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Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Florida
Posts: 29,740
You may also want to check Avios pricing - though the airport taxes may make it not worth it as the cheapest routes still cost 4500 pts, but if it is SYD departure, the taxes would be in the $30 region IIRC.
MEL and BNE taxes are lower. So unless you have boatload of BA Avios (we do), it may still be better to buy a ticket with LCCs (QF is more expensive but not necessarily better).
The AA miles for domestic Australia are best for much longer flight and in business class, such as the PER-MEL/SYD/BNE or even to CRN.
QF domestic J has nothing to write home about, and the domestic lounges are worse than some US domestic lounges these days. If you have PP card, you would be far better off to use the PP contracted restaurants in BNE, SYD and MEL, than the QF domestic lounges. I am serious, after our Nov 2018 experiences.
MEL and BNE taxes are lower. So unless you have boatload of BA Avios (we do), it may still be better to buy a ticket with LCCs (QF is more expensive but not necessarily better).
The AA miles for domestic Australia are best for much longer flight and in business class, such as the PER-MEL/SYD/BNE or even to CRN.
QF domestic J has nothing to write home about, and the domestic lounges are worse than some US domestic lounges these days. If you have PP card, you would be far better off to use the PP contracted restaurants in BNE, SYD and MEL, than the QF domestic lounges. I am serious, after our Nov 2018 experiences.
#11
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Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 44,550
I would rate QF dometic in flight service in buisness class as far better than AA - even on that 1 hour service food will be served - boarding is easy and no cabin filled up with upgrades - much better chance of an empty seat adjacent
I would take the PP cafe option in Sydney T3 since $72 to spend in there gives a lot more than will get from a Qantas Lounge - if no PP card, business class will afford lounge access
I wouln't spend 20k plus AUD35 taxes for a 1 hour flight - I would just buy an economy class ticket on the chepaest of QF, VA or JQ and pay for an exit row seat
I would take the PP cafe option in Sydney T3 since $72 to spend in there gives a lot more than will get from a Qantas Lounge - if no PP card, business class will afford lounge access
I wouln't spend 20k plus AUD35 taxes for a 1 hour flight - I would just buy an economy class ticket on the chepaest of QF, VA or JQ and pay for an exit row seat
#12
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: SNA/LAX
Programs: AA Gold
Posts: 128
So Qantas and Virgin Australia are about the same price ($90-95 USD). Jet Star and Tiger Air are cheaper... but after adding in the cost for a checked bag, it's about a $15 difference. So it seems that going with Qantas makes sense, as at least I'll learn some AA points.
#13
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Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 44,550
So Qantas and Virgin Australia are about the same price ($90-95 USD). Jet Star and Tiger Air are cheaper... but after adding in the cost for a checked bag, it's about a $15 difference. So it seems that going with Qantas makes sense, as at least I'll learn some AA points.
Of Jetstar, Virgin and Qantas, there is very little difference - I would often choose Jetstar since it has extra legroom seats in row 1 , so very good for having a comfortable flight and quick disembarking
#14
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Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Florida
Posts: 29,740
So Qantas and Virgin Australia are about the same price ($90-95 USD). Jet Star and Tiger Air are cheaper... but after adding in the cost for a checked bag, it's about a $15 difference. So it seems that going with Qantas makes sense, as at least I'll learn some AA points.
Give it to me I would choose the more convenient schedule on the date of travel. There is VERY LITTLE or NO difference between JetStar (QF's own LCC), Virgin and QF.
#15
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Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Florida
Posts: 29,740
I would rate QF dometic in flight service in buisness class as far better than AA - even on that 1 hour service food will be served - boarding is easy and no cabin filled up with upgrades - much better chance of an empty seat adjacent
I would take the PP cafe option in Sydney T3 since $72 to spend in there gives a lot more than will get from a Qantas Lounge - if no PP card, business class will afford lounge access
I wouln't spend 20k plus AUD35 taxes for a 1 hour flight - I would just buy an economy class ticket on the chepaest of QF, VA or JQ and pay for an exit row seat
I would take the PP cafe option in Sydney T3 since $72 to spend in there gives a lot more than will get from a Qantas Lounge - if no PP card, business class will afford lounge access
I wouln't spend 20k plus AUD35 taxes for a 1 hour flight - I would just buy an economy class ticket on the chepaest of QF, VA or JQ and pay for an exit row seat
The $72 allowance buy you a lot of decent foods and a beer at the PP contracted restaurants - much better option even with lounge access - that is our conclusion after our Nov flight.
Agree on the cost of miles. If it is a West Australia to East Australia, then the 20K is worth it. Otherwise, even the direct flight from MEL to BNE is not reall worth it, esp given the domestic QF lounge at MEL sucks. Even the International F lounge is a big Meh. Apparently QF puts all the resources at the international F in SYD, because the difference between SYD and MEL is very noticeable - from both the size/layout to the actual F&B offerings.