Booking Cathay SGN-HKG via Qatar using Avios

[strickers]

I submitted a form on the 22nd but started to worry how long it would take. I ended up starting the process today using online chat, they then phoned me finish the booking. The held the seats while I checked the details, then added a payment link to the booking which failed the first time. The chats were answered quickly and the agent was following things through meticulously, overall it was a very slow process, taking over an hour. The result though is great, 16500 Avios and USD22 from Saigon to Hong Kong in Cathay lie flat business class, 2:45 flight. This was bookable through BA, the nearest option was 16650 Avios and £127.60 each so quite a significant saving.

[Aston100]

That’s really interesting.
Do you reckon it would be possible to do that for Malaysia Airlines flights?
The Avios prices on BA site are not at all competitive compared to cash.

[strickers]

I’m not sure, after your comment yesterday I was tempted to cancel the Qatar request but I thought I’d stick with it. I could move the trip a day either side and there was availability so stuck with it, glad I did. You could try the chat and see what you get quoted.

[strickers]

Just need to get from PVG to REP or PNH now, schedules for Jan are starting to trickle out. But for this route it looked like slim picking so we lose a night in Phu Quoc for a night in Saigon. Bamboo Airways for the PQC-SGN route look good value and get great reviews.

[MilesOnPoint]

Nice. Can I ask where you are staying in Phu Quoc @strickers?

We had a wonderful time at the (hilariously themed but nevertheless luxurious) JW Marriott Phu Quoc.

Beautiful property and beach but there were some issues with sea rubbish (we went in November 2018).

[Aston100]

On so I just used live chat to enquire about partner redemptions.
The agent knew what they were doing, which came as a surprise as I normally have very low expectations for web live chat support.

Might come in handy.

[strickers]

@MilesOnPoint The InterCon, I think I’ve averaged about 25k points a night, with Diamond and lounge access it’s a steal.

@Aston100 Yes, I had low expectations so was very surprised at how responsive they were.

[MilesOnPoint]

Excellent, do let us know how you got on. That’s a steal indeed at that price. Makes me wish I’d got on the Creation bandwagon during those halcyon days…

Would love to get back to Vietnam. I’m hoping Qatar Airways will start their route to Danang (DAD) back up again, it would make an excellent 1-stop redemption from the UK with Avios (and bypasses the need to go to Saigon).

The Hyatt Regency Da Nang looks great, especially the club upgrade for 3K points per night (the intercontinental Da Nang is a little £££ for us, though reportedly superb).

[BJ]

Just be aware that CX are gradually replacing longhaul a330s on regional routes with their new regional a321 fleet which are pretty rubbish in business and arguably not worth the avios premium on short flights. I have the a330 on HKT-HKG next month which is likely fine, and again in January which might not be. I haven’t checked for any delivery information on the a321s, that might shed some light.

[strickers]

Thanks BJ, I’ll keep an eye out. I do know there are significant delays in A321 delivery so fingers crossed.

[The Streets]

I similarly used the chat function on Qatar Airways yesterday enquiring about the cost in Avios and taxes and charges for Bangkok Airways from Male to Bangkok… The agent was adamant that it was not possible to use Avios for partner airlines but I was able to educate them. Now waiting to hear back from the form i submitted..

[Paul]

BJ wrote:

Just be aware that CX are gradually replacing longhaul a330s on regional routes with their new regional a321 fleet which are pretty rubbish in business and arguably not worth the avios premium on short flights. I have the a330 on HKT-HKG next month which is likely fine, and again in January which might not be. I haven’t checked for any delivery information on the a321s, that might shed some light.

Pretty Rubbish is an understatement. Flew DPS HKG last December and it was awful. The foot test provides more of an obstacle than a support function and the seat and cabin layout is uncomfortable over the 5hrs.

[BJ]

Thanks @Paul, I’ll cancel then if flight switches. I used Alaska miles which are much to valuable to waste on that.

@The Streets, I’d think carefully before using avios on a PG a319/20 for that flight. IMO much better to preserve the avios and get a hot seat on Air Asia to DMK for cash. Comes with seat selection up front, priority boarding and you can add meal of choice for pennies. Much newer planes, better reliability and punctuality, and better food than PG.

[The Streets]

Thanks BJ flown this route with Air Asia before and may go with it if a decent priced fare comes up but flying peak Easter next year… not sure when/if they’ll release any promo fares! Currently using my United miles with Singapore but that’s obviously not direct

[BJ]

The Streets wrote:

Thanks BJ flown this route with Air Asia before and may go with it if a decent priced fare comes up but flying peak Easter next year… not sure when/if they’ll release any promo fares! Currently using my United miles with Singapore but that’s obviously not direct

I see your problem, since writing these comments a banned for MLE-DMK on Air Asia has appeared at over $600! A PG reward flight is suddenly looking that much more attractive, good luck with it 🙂