Using Avios between NZ to Tasmania.

[mikeact]

Good Evening from the UK.
My wife and I are visiting both next Feb through April. I am looking at options to travel between Auckland and Hobart or Launceston, Tasmania.
My question relates to use of Avios. I cannot seem to book Avios on line, I guess as Jetstar are not 'recognised'. When in NZ, is there a local BA office to call and book, or how do you guys go about booking Avios if not on line ? (Or do we just pay the regular fares? ) The issue is that we don't know when we will want to go over to Tasmania, and ideally would like to fire up the tablet a few days or so before, to check Avios availability and book seats.
Any advice appreciated. Thanks.
Mike.

 

[bsb]

Im pretty sure (and other posters will correct me very quickly if I'm wrong) but you'll need to call BA Avios redemptions to get a fare. It's unlikely at short notice anything will be available though.

Fly via MEL and snag a cheap fare from there to Tassie (but cheap in Australia has a very different meaning to cheap in the U.K.), but to be honest, the value really isn't going to be there to use your AVIOS as you'll pay more in taxes, surcharges, fuel levies and so on, than it's worth. Just buy a ticket

 

[dajop]

Im pretty sure (and other posters will correct me very quickly if I'm wrong) but you'll need to call BA Avios redemptions to get a fare. It's unlikely at short notice anything will be available though.

Fly via MEL and snag a cheap fare from there to Tassie (but cheap in Australia has a very different meaning to cheap in the U.K.), but to be honest, the value really isn't going to be there to use your AVIOS as you'll pay more in taxes, surcharges, fuel levies and so on, than it's worth. Just buy a ticket

No, using Avios on Qantas does not give rise to excessive surcharges. They are really quite reasonable (lower than if using QFF points). For the domestic sector 4500 avios and about $20 from memory.

IIRC, there is a problem with Qantas Link destinations not appearing on the online booking engine. A good starting point would be to find AKL-MEL online. But would need to call to book the whole itinerary through to Tassie. When I booked MEL- Mildura using Avios I had to call, but they did wave phone booking fee.

 

[TonyHancock]

No, using Avios on Qantas does not give rise to excessive surcharges. They are really quite reasonable (lower than if using QFF points). For the domestic sector 4500 avios and about $20 from memory.

I used Avios for MEL-SYD in J recently, came in at 9000 Avios and $17.60.

 

[RooFlyer]

'Qantas' between Melbourne or Sydney and Hobart or Launceston or Devonport are strictly 'Qantas Link' - should be transparent as Qantas, but you never know.

If need to pay for revenue seats, you could go Jetstar, but for cheaper fares, I'd go Virgin Australia, but sometimes plain Qantas fares are comparable. I try to avoid Jetstar whenever possible. MEL-HBA will be relatively cheap in late February / early March, especially in pounds!

 

[mikeact]

Thanks for the info. To the guys who booked through Avios, can I ask , booked through Avios where ? Is there a local number or do I have to call back to London Avios ?

 

[grussellt]

There are still awards in April 2017 for AKL-HBA (except for Easter week) which are visible on QFF. However the leg to HBA from MEL/SYD will be on Jetstar or Qantaslink (but on a QF codeshare) and is unlikely to be seen on BA website. NZ contacts for BA are at BA (NZ). Have a good trip.

 

[mikeact]

Thanks. I called BA London and managed to get 2 seats from AKL over to Launceston. I will need to call them again, (or I might try the BA NZ number you provided) to get back up to Sydney after Easter to make our way back home.

 

[grussellt]

Good news. NZ and Tasmania are two great places for holidays.

 

[mikeact]

We are having a great holiday.....what a country. Over three weeks in the South and now in Napier..met some really interesting people.

 

[mikeact]

Sorry, but I meant to ask....can I book Avios rewards through the BA NZ number you posted ?

 

[annielee]

what will be the miles and taxes required for MEL/SYD to AKL in J return ?