Best Way to Get Business Seats Using Points? (SYD to LAX or HNL)

toomuchdogfur on 02/06/2023 - 08:41

I always thought I could figure out anything given enough time and energy, but I'm stumped on this one.

Between my partner and I, we have about 200k Velocity points and 550k AMEX Membership Rewards points (regular program - not the premium one that can convert to QFF points) at our disposal. No status unfortunately, Velocity or otherwise.

We want to fly business class from SYD to HNL (or LAX if that route has more availability) in the next 6 to 12 months, on a direct-ish route (so layover in another AU or NZ airport is fine). I thought that having this many points would make this a cakewalk, but for the life of me I can't find anything good on AMEX partner programs:

  • Velocity (extra sucky because you can't filter down to business reward seats only)
  • Singapore Airlines (for Krisflyer points) - no reward seats, no direct-ish flights
  • Virgin Atlantic
  • Air New Zealand has availability but the point conversion rate is terrible (550k AMEX = $2.75k towards $10k of business class tickets)

Am I looking in the wrong places? Do I need status to do anything worthwhile with these points?

Travel

Comments

  • djkelly69 on 02/06/2023 - 08:57
    +1

    I would be looking at Asia Miles/Cathay as they are part of OneWorld and should have access to a range of direct-ish options such as QF or FJ.

    This is also one of the most competitive routes for J award seats so you will need to be looking 11-12 months out, basically on the day seats are released by that program (which should be around 353 days out for AM).

  • TasJacks on 02/06/2023 - 08:57
    +4

    Reward seats are dropped almost 11 months in advance (may vary depending on partner or program) but can also be available tomorrow. Keep checking and be flexible regarding dates.

    You can fly Hawaiian Airlines using Velocity points. I believe you need to book through call centre because online is not possible. https://www.pointhacks.com.au/experiences/five-night-hawaii-…

    Try following Point Hacks website or The Points Coach on Instagram to educate yourself daily. Good luck.

  • Cyphar on 02/06/2023 - 09:19
    +2

    Hawaiian Airlines (Flying from Sydney) partners with Virgin Atlantic & Virgin Australia so that is definitely a viable option to explore:

    https://hawaiianair.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/548

  • capslock on 02/06/2023 - 09:27

    Not worth the time and effort to chase this in my opinion. There is no shortcut. You have to be constantly searching for availability which may or may not come.

  • sumyungguy on 02/06/2023 - 10:29

    There's some good info on AFF
    Seaching for availability via AA's website is a great tip, otherwise you'll have to languish in VA's call centre queue

  • tanksinatra on 02/06/2023 - 10:54

    Am I looking in the wrong places? Do I need status to do anything worthwhile with these points?

    Unfortunately post-covid the Business reward seat (J) availability is basically zero. Airlines are selling out cabins with cash fares so not releasing many rewards seats if any. You'd need to book as soon as seats are released, usually around 11-12 months in advance. Even then I've seen the meagre allotment being snapped up in front of my eyes. Singapore Airlines has a waitlist but from all accounts they haven't been clearing.

    I used to redeem points but post-covid I don't think it's worth the effort any more. And with carrier charges "taxes" being in the thousands there's not much value there either. You're better off paying cash for a discounted business fare from a second tier airline.

  • Drakesy on 02/06/2023 - 13:16

    Have plans a year in advance :)

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