[AMA] Tonight we're (again!) flying Emirates First Class to Europe using 455K Qantas Points Thanks To OzBargain!

z0s0 on 14/07/2021 - 20:16

You maybe remember that awful post I did a couple of years ago; well it's happening again and this time the missus is coming with me. All this time grounded enabled me to churn quite a few OzB sourced credit cards and accumulate the 455,000 points necessary for two first class tickets on Emirates from MEL to CDG.

We're currently sitting in the dreadful Marhaba lounge in Melbourne airport; the Qantas First lounge I was posting from 2 years ago is sadly closed, as is the Emirates business lounge. Once we board the plane I expect the experience to improve markedly!

Like last time; I'll post some pics to Instagram as the journey unfolds.

Meanwhile, I'll get the ball rolling by answering a few likely questions:

"How did you get permission to leave Australia?"
It's actually pretty easy to get a travel exemption if you can demonstrate that you're leaving for more than 3 months. Key points are to show that you have the means to support yourself, the necessary visas / passports allowing you to stay etc.

I should be clear about my opinion on this though: I think it's absolutely absurd and outrageous that Australia continues to deny their own citizens agency to leave the country. Were it not so simple to gain an exemption we would have simply left via the NZ "back door".

"What about COVID? It's a global pandemic!!! You're crazy!"
Well, we're both fully vaccinated. We weren't eligible for vaccines when we got them, so we walked in and asked for AstraZeneca and they just gave them to us. Handy to be vaccinated when you're heading to Europe, but let's see how much hassle it is getting them to believe in these super fake looking vaccine certificates the Australian Government gave us.

As for risk; I was actually in Europe for a few months last year also; obviously unvaccinated at the time. It didn't worry to much as I'm not in a risk category. Life goes on.

Introduce Yourself

closed Comments

  • Scummy on 15/07/2021 - 13:47

    Hey, can anyone hook a newbie up with some tips on how this sorcery is possible?

    • pformag on 15/07/2021 - 16:29

      Credit Card points signup bonus'.

      There are deals on here for credit cards all the time. ie https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/628089

      You just need to get the ones with frequent flyer points. Use it for 3 months, and then go to the next card.

      • Scummy on 15/07/2021 - 16:49

        Ah got it. Thanks heaps!

  • ozbargainer88 on 15/07/2021 - 13:51
    +10

    I've got no issue with people leaving if they're not planning to come back for a long period of time. That, imo should be allowed. You aren't preventing anyone from returning. You should be allowed to leave to see family overseas too if you agree to pay the hotel quarantine both sides (if needed). Home quarantine should be allowed for vaccinated people.

    The Government is the real issue. They've failed to build proper quarantine and have even further reduced the amount of allowed returning travelers. Flights are ridiculously expensive because of the cap. Vaccine supply is totally (profanity).

    This is just bragging though.

  • AccioHagrid on 15/07/2021 - 14:18
    +6

    Enjoy the trip mate! I have a friend who just did the same trip and says life is very different over there. The fear of COVID isn't consuming them like it is us. Ignore the haters - their anger shouldn't be pointed at you but at the authoritarian policies and their proponents.

    Is the 227,500 points/pp for a one-way flight or is it return? Seems a bit high if it is one-way. I wonder if it's gone up significantly cause of the pandemic.

    • z0s0 on 15/07/2021 - 15:32
      +6

      227.5k per person one way.

      First time I did it 4 yrs as go was ~190k points, so not drastically different. This is first class, business class is 159k.

      But yes, expect the points to continue to be devalued; Qantas are handing them out like candy so high inflation is part of their business model.

      That's part of the reason why I'm happy to blow all my points in one go like this; they're not worth keeping, just use them when you can.

      • AccioHagrid on 15/07/2021 - 15:32

        Good insight - thanks!

  • Ghost47 on 15/07/2021 - 14:41

    What do you do for work? Will you join the mile high club?

  • CI on 15/07/2021 - 14:42

    Hi can you detail the process on how to find these award seats - I also have 500k sitting and would be just with business class rather than first. And does the journey need to originate in Aus if using QFF?

  • popsiee on 15/07/2021 - 14:44

    I hope OP you know if you are fully vaccinated with the best vaccines you are protected to like up to 85% ( With Delta its falling and still unknown ) of less chance of dying and being hospitalized .
    I hope your Russian roulette trip ( knowingly going to Covid trouble spots ) doesn't get you in trouble .
    If you get a following here and you can set up a gofundme page if something happens that I'm sure no travel insurance company is going to cover during your trip .

    • z0s0 on 15/07/2021 - 15:33
      +5

      Yeah. I also cycle and ride motorbikes. Much riskier activities, both of them.

      • Kail on 15/07/2021 - 21:19
        -1

        It's funny you mention that, I don't think travel insurance covers motorbikes either. Did you check if it's explicitly covered in your policy?

        • z0s0 on 15/07/2021 - 23:19

          Motorbikes or covid? It's moot, because I don't have any travel insurance 😁

          • Kail on 16/07/2021 - 16:24

            @z0s0: Motorbikes, nobody covers Covid afaik.

            Do they have decent public healthcare where you're moving to? I assume you're a dual citizen and have access to that. Or do you have to buy health insurance to be covered?

        • [Deactivated] on 16/07/2021 - 10:53
          -1

          @Kail You sound fun.

          • Kail on 16/07/2021 - 16:18

            @[Deactivated]: You sound like the kind to complain on Ozbargain because you didn't buy travel insurance, had an accident and can't afford the $100k foreign hospital bill. Let me guess, you don't buy car insurance either.

            • [Deactivated] on 16/07/2021 - 17:12
              -1

              @Kail: Got me

  • Therage on 15/07/2021 - 14:49

    Good on you for organising the trip.

    Enjoy the Don

  • polarq on 15/07/2021 - 15:43

    How much did you have to spend on tax for the tickets? As I understand it the QFF points does not cover the whole fare and you still need to pay tax or something to that effect?

  • Trying2SaveABuck on 15/07/2021 - 15:55
    +1

    Nek Min - OP is blaming ScoMo for not letting him come back to Australia….

    • smartazz104 on 15/07/2021 - 23:10

      OP isn’t planning on coming back for a while.

      • Trying2SaveABuck on 15/07/2021 - 23:18

        Fair enough have fun! OP i wish i was going in stead im up for a 5 day lockdown…

  • jrvb42 on 15/07/2021 - 16:03
    +1

    Good on you. Handy to know escape is as easy as leaving for at least 3 months.
    Would love to hear how you get on re vaccine certs in Europe.

    • z0s0 on 15/07/2021 - 23:20

      Well, we just presented them at immigration in CDG and noone paid the slightest attention. We were straight through in minutes, even though neither of us was using an Australian passport.

      • chriise on 16/07/2021 - 00:07
        +2

        So you left Melb on your Aussie passport but entered Paris on a foreign? Interesting… didn't realise you could do that.

        • pn09 on 16/07/2021 - 08:05

          Best way to minimise the immigration queue length in Europe for foreign passports (foreign to the country you're entering)

          • chriise on 16/07/2021 - 08:59

            @pn09: Are there any other ramifications or benefits other than queues?

            • Geillis on 16/07/2021 - 12:16
              +1

              @chriise: Yes. If a dual Australian citizen enters a foreign country not using their Australian passport then they shouldnt rely on Aus consular assistance if they get into trouble.

              From smartraveller
              If you enter the country of your other nationality on that country’s passport, local authorities may not recognise you as Australian. This can happen even if that country recognises dual nationality. This can limit the Australian government’s ability to provide you with consular assistance.

        • Therage on 16/07/2021 - 09:00

          Yup this is normal practice for people with mutliple passports

  • id0 on 15/07/2021 - 16:22
    +1

    Congrats, have a great trip!
    Could you share the major point bonuses you picked up?

  • tighttighttight on 15/07/2021 - 16:43
    +2

    Well done OP, there's more to life than lockdown and cowering in fear.
    If I have your flexibility (job and fam) I would also do it.

  • connorlo on 15/07/2021 - 16:48

    super job, enjoy the trip!

  • movieman on 15/07/2021 - 17:34

    Well done OP.

    What supporting documentation did you need to provide to prove you're leaving Australia for more than three months?

    • z0s0 on 15/07/2021 - 19:47

      I provided a bunch; financials, disposal of possessions, ability to work remotely, foreign passports, etc. Didn't want any hassles. Approved within 48hrs

      • [Deactivated] on 16/07/2021 - 00:28
        +6

        That doesn't mean anything.

        You still need a compelling reason to go. Travelling to europe for a holiday isn't enough

        • firestint on 17/07/2021 - 10:09
          +3

          Agreed - feel like OP is only answering selected questions and ignoring others.

      • Eeples on 21/07/2021 - 00:58

        Did you provide a compelling or essential reason when you applied?

        If you did and if it isn't too personal please let us know. Thanks.

  • R4 on 15/07/2021 - 17:58
    +2

    I did this a few years ago using QFF points - Perth to Manchester

    Having a shower at 38000ft over the Indian Ocean was insane

    The Emirates A380 1st class lounge at Dubai is incredible. My onwards flight to Manchester was delayed by 2 hours so I made full use of the experience!

    The bar at the back of the A380 is fun

    Enjoy!

  • gccmelb on 15/07/2021 - 19:08

    Will you be using points on return or returning in Y.

    • z0s0 on 15/07/2021 - 19:44
      +1

      No plans to return anytime soon.

      • somebody123 on 16/07/2021 - 09:33

        Did you have to provide return tickets to get the exemption to leave? Or saying that you are going away for 3+ months was enough?

        • z0s0 on 16/07/2021 - 22:34
          +1

          No, didn't have to show any tickets at all. Wouldn't hurt I expect, but one way probably conveys a stronger message that you're leaving indefinitely.

  • Okayy on 15/07/2021 - 19:11

    Enjoy OP!!!!!

  • GaryG on 15/07/2021 - 19:25

    How did you manage 2 1st class seats for 455K points?

    Just tried it on the Qantas site and they want a ton more.

    • z0s0 on 15/07/2021 - 19:43
      +1

      You need to search for "Classic Rewards" not "Pay with Points". Availability is very limited.

      • GaryG on 15/07/2021 - 20:13

        I thought I had but the availability might be the other problem of course.

    • txb on 15/07/2021 - 19:50

      Probably depends on how far in advance you book?

      Wonder how much in taxes on top of the points op paid?

      • z0s0 on 15/07/2021 - 23:22

        ~$400 per ticket.

  • s1Lence on 15/07/2021 - 19:26

    why france? do you like frogs and/or snails?

    • z0s0 on 15/07/2021 - 19:42
      +2

      Love them.

      Also, the missus is French.

    • smartazz104 on 15/07/2021 - 23:11

      Maybe he likes baguettes,

  • syousef on 15/07/2021 - 20:49
    +7

    Why do you think bragging about your overseas travel when everyone is locked down is appropriate?

    Could you have picked a more insensitive time to post this?

    What kind of car did you buy to get that many points?

    Why do you think going overseas is worthy of an AMA?

    • plmko on 15/07/2021 - 21:26
      +5

      There's this mythical animal that lives under a bridge called a 'Troll'.

      You should then quickly figure out that this isn't real but for fun.

    • CalmLemons on 16/07/2021 - 02:30
      +4

      The world doesn't need to be all doom and gloom.

      Often our imagination is a lot worse than reality.

      If something good can come of this or if someone can manage to do something about their position, we should try and not be so negative.

      OP wants to brag, let him. It's more so to highlight his ff points.

      It's not the event that hurts us, but how we respond to it, including emotionally.

      • syousef on 16/07/2021 - 07:13
        +2

        Toxic positivity at its best. This isn't "good" coming out of the situation. This is someone bragging that he has it better than others under the flimsy pretense of an AMA. There's nothing to ask here! No you shouldn't be positive about that.

        • CalmLemons on 16/07/2021 - 10:13

          Well i find it pretty entertaining for me during lockdown.

          It's only negative if your mind perceives it so.

          • syousef on 16/07/2021 - 11:05
            -1

            @CalmLemons: Seriously, I wouldn't be criticizing others if you find something so trivial entertaining.

      • g1 on 16/07/2021 - 14:06

        This is very true:
        "It's not the event that hurts us, but how we respond to it, including emotionally."
        And the emotional response causes actions, which other people respond to, and the cause and effect continues.

        Here is an example from the OP:
        " I think it's absolutely absurd and outrageous that Australia continues to deny their own citizens agency to leave the country. Were it not so simple to gain an exemption we would have simply left via the NZ "back door"."
        I see that as an emotional response. The OP took action and wrote about it. Now other people have emotional responses to the OP.

        So is the "The world doesn't need to be all doom and gloom." to the OP? About no need to be all doom and gloom finding something 'absolutely absurd and outrageous' ? Because OP's statement seem very doom and gloom!

        There is a very good reason for discouraging certain behaviors. If everyone did exactly what they wanted, ignored all norms, ignored all laws, and there was no discouragement then there would be a lot more violence and death amongst humans.

  • foolsgold on 15/07/2021 - 20:50
    +1

    Do you travel by your self or with a friend/partner?
    If so do you get them to sign up to same credit cards?

  • g1 on 15/07/2021 - 20:54
    +6

    I am enjoying an experience thanks to OzB. I'll post on OzB about it. I'll let anyone on OzB know that you are missing out on an experience I am having.

    There are parts of the experience I am disappointed about; how dare COVID for limiting my preferences!

    Unlike to OP I won't show you pictures.

    I'll answer some questions:

    What am I thinking?
    I will make my own decisions. All of the data out there applies to me only in the way that I want it to apply to me.

    What else would I like to write?
    What ever the consequences I will state that I don't care. But if something does happen then I'll do my best to get what I want anyway, no matter who else it effects.

    • Logical on 16/07/2021 - 18:59

      This reads as a Google translate from another language!

  • TheMindsetTraveller on 15/07/2021 - 20:56
    +1

    Was it 'that' easy to get the exemption? I mean, I could easily show I can leave for more than three months (but for no reason other than leisure). I have travelled more than three months every year for the past 15 years, ticked off 60 countries, plus the last 16 months have been distressing for my mental health. If I was allowed to travel overseas, I would get the vaccine straight away (readily accesible through work).

    • z0s0 on 15/07/2021 - 23:23
      +1

      I think you could get one pretty easily. Various friends of mine have recently done the same and none of them were rejected.

  • djones145 on 15/07/2021 - 21:19
    +1

    please post when you get back and your experience of getting a flight back, whether it was hard

    have you got a return ticket already?

  • daft009 on 15/07/2021 - 21:28

    Great enjoy it!

    I've done first as well. FRA to SYD in SQ suites.
    Had a great time. Now my points are just sitting idle.

    Booked plenty of trips last year for this year.. But all cancelled.

    Just booked another one for July next year.. Let's see if that happens

  • TheBean on 15/07/2021 - 21:34

    Damn, second time round. I think I need to start doing this. Stay safe, have fun.

  • ganymede on 15/07/2021 - 22:46
    +2

    All the best OP. Not sure why you chose to travel now and to France considering France had close to 9,000 cases yesterday and looks like it is trending up.

    • z0s0 on 15/07/2021 - 23:24
      +10

      I don't know why everyone is so obsessed with covid case numbers. It played very little role in our decision to come here. Vaccines work, cases are high, serious illness is not.

      And.. lol.. had we stayed in Melbourne we would now be in lockdown 🙄

      • Halc on 16/07/2021 - 15:28

        because only 10% of our population is fully vaccinated. "living with covid" only works if you have a good vaccination coverage such as states/UK. otherwise you just have an overwhelmed health system with people dying when ICUs fill up. so until scomo put aside a fraction of the billions of jobkeeper handouts to getting more pfizer vaccines we'll be stuck with the same old lockdowns until we get there

        • z0s0 on 16/07/2021 - 22:36

          Agreed. This is exactly why we left.

  • RolandWaites on 15/07/2021 - 23:53
    -1

    Nice one. I hope you enjoy the trip, stay well and are able to get back when you want to. There's an argument that when you do return you could be taking the spot of somebody who also wants to return who didn't go on a holiday, but that's really the fault of a Federal Government that failed to build quarantine facilities and secure enough vaccines so the country could comfortably open to the world.

  • RolandWaites on 15/07/2021 - 23:55
    +2

    Oh I had to ask a question. How about: what did your friends and family think about you leaving?

    • z0s0 on 16/07/2021 - 22:38

      They are mostly either doing the same or wishing they had the work/life flexibility to do. Unsurprisingly none of our peer group are particularly impressed at Australia's handling of covid.

  • Stromae on 15/07/2021 - 23:58
    +3

    Good on you for leaving. I too have left Australia and im living in Europe at the moment. I am not yet vaccinated as I am not in an age or health risk category. Even if I were to catch covid, it doesnt bother me as a fit and healthy 30 year old with no health issues.

  • chriise on 16/07/2021 - 00:14

    I remember following your insta a couple years back! Enjoy the trip!

  • PhatChedda on 16/07/2021 - 07:03
    +5

    Was there a deal on salt recently

    • meowsers on 16/07/2021 - 08:39
      +2

      KEK tears of woke australians flowing

  • TheMindsetTraveller on 16/07/2021 - 08:54

    Have you flown any other F class products?

    We have flown on about a dozen different airlines in long haul F and each has its perks and cons.

    • z0s0 on 16/07/2021 - 22:39

      No I haven't actually. Have flown various J cabins (including Qatar suites which is really great, as is their non suite J product) but no other first cabins.

  • d86 on 16/07/2021 - 09:03
    +2

    All of my friends in Europe have had COVID 2-3 times since the onset, it's similar to a flu. If you are young and healthy, you should be fine with or without vax.

    • morse on 16/07/2021 - 13:38
      +4

      Most people don’t get influenza 2-3 times in 18months. Having had confirmed influenza I wouldn’t want to be getting it every 6months. Always get my flu jab, got influenza the year I missed it.

      • Logical on 16/07/2021 - 19:02
        +1

        If you have toddlers in daycare then expect to get influenza 2-3 times in a year even! Been there, done that.

        • morse on 16/07/2021 - 19:10
          +1

          Haha…true, yes I do, and yes get various viruses frequently, but haven’t had influenza since my little one has been in daycare. Our most recent was parainfluenza, different virus, more snot less fever. Influenza has been much less prevalent since covid restrictions came in, since it’s often the new strains coming in from overseas that are problematic. My kid has only been in daycare post covid. I also got my influenza vac this year, colleague I sit next to also with kid in daycare delayed theirs and did get it, as confirmed by testing. People often think they have influenza but have one of the many strains of other viruses with respiratory symptoms.

        • lgacb08 on 16/07/2021 - 20:30
          +4

          No mate, you're confusing influenza with common cold.

        • GourmetFoodie on 18/07/2021 - 10:07

          As others have said, to re-iterate - no, your kids is not getting The Flu multiple times in childcare. They are getting colds and viruses. The Flu can kill young kids. I’ve only had The Flu once in my life and was so sick I was hallucinating. If covid is worse than that with long term symptoms Post recovery, I’ll pass thanks.

  • EBC on 16/07/2021 - 09:21
    +3

    Good on you. If me and my partner could take 3+ months out I would be doing the same thing. I'll be fully vaccinated Thursday next week so as soon as they institute home quarantine for vaccinated people such that I don't have to leave for 3 months and don't have to pay 3k for quarantine, I'll be gone. On that note, we allow and apparently trust home quarantine for known positive cases and high risk contacts locally already, so not allowing home quarantine for much lower risk vaccinated travellers is silly. Feels a lot like trying to artificially prop up the hotel industry without using tax payer money.

    One question for you, is first class a worthwhile upgrade over business class? I have never flown either but on the off chance that I do, I am curious.

    • z0s0 on 16/07/2021 - 22:41

      Yeah I'd say it's worth it, at least once or twice. We could have gone business and saved 40% of the points, but frankly I expect Qantas points to be rapidly devalued over the coming 24 months, and be anyways almost impossible to find availability with so I just burned them all.

    • matt-ozb on 18/07/2021 - 10:10

      It is amazing how many people cannot be trusted .. so unfortunately locking them up in a hotel seems lower risk … there has been so many examples of people breaking the laws despite the serious penalties (jail, fines, etc) ..

    • p1 ama on 20/07/2021 - 22:17

      One question for you, is first class a worthwhile upgrade over business class? I have never flown either but on the off chance that I do, I am curious.

      If you're after the experience, then sure, but if it's one leg in F and one leg in Y, I'd rather take both legs in J.

      Or better yet, RTW in J at ~310K points is the way to go.

    • pogichinoy on 25/07/2021 - 16:55

      A million times yes.

      Only experienced first class on Singapore airlines but it’s a huge difference to business.

      Definitely worth it to experience it at least once in your life.

  • PaperplaneXXX on 16/07/2021 - 10:28
    +4

    well done!!!
    why not!
    safe travels.
    I am planning to get vaccinated and maybe have a career break in Bali for 6 months

    • ddhar on 16/07/2021 - 15:52
      +1

      Hopefully the country gets the current outbreak under control and sees greater uptake of vaccine. It's looking really bad over there right now.

  • CheapAddict on 16/07/2021 - 10:52
    +1

    How dare you leave our country, vaccinated. That so selfish of you whilst the rest of us have to crawl back to our hole continuing to choke up in fear. You pathetic human being.

    Nah seriously, how do you feel about all these haters as if you staying in Australia will save the world?

    • z0s0 on 16/07/2021 - 22:43
      +2

      I find it equal parts amusing and sad because it confirms that the government will stick to the 100% fear strategy to get them through the next election. Australians want to be told what to do.

      • gidxg03 on 27/07/2021 - 21:31
        +1

        Yes but can you imagine Albanese managing our COVID strategy and vaccine rollout? So often the case those in power are shit but the alternative is even worse.

  • fullmetal on 16/07/2021 - 11:08
    +5

    Tell us what the world is like.

    • hopper on 16/07/2021 - 11:51

      lol

  • 91rs on 16/07/2021 - 11:32
    +9

    Had to check I was on OZB and this wasn't some terrible post that was on Facebook, maybe OP should reconsider his "AMA" of no value and take his dribble to facebook.

  • Trioboy on 16/07/2021 - 11:33
    +1

    Damn, I wish I could go. I had to cancel my trip to Paris last year in March.

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