With competition heating up following Virgin Australia entering this route from next week, Qantas has dropped its prices to a very reasonable rate for the almost ten-hour direct flight to Hong Kong.
Travellers based in other cities can connect in Melbourne for an extra $150+. Qantas’ direct flights from Sydney and Brisbane don’t seem to be as cheap.
Read more for tips on how to maximise points earn on this flight and get cashback on your purchase.
Depart: Melbourne
Arrive: Hong Kong
Stops: None (direct flight)
Dates: Mid-July to early November 2017 and March to May 2018 (weekday departures only)
Airline: Qantas
Cost: From $625 in Economy
Example found:
Points earn: With the O fare class, you’ll earn 5,200 Qantas Points and 60 Status Credits, or 9,182 Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan miles, which offers better value redemptions by topping up your balance through buy miles promotions (there is one running until Saturday.)
To put it into perspective, 30,000 Alaska miles will get you to Hong Kong in Cathay Pacific Business Class.
Best credit card to use for purchase: Credit cards that offer bonus points for booking travel
Booking link: Go to the CashRewards Expedia site to earn 1% cashback. Click on Go To Store, sign up for Cashrewards for free and you will be redirected to the Expedia site.
More information is available in our Expedia+ rewards program guide.
Airfare deals are typically only available on limited dates. Fares may disappear quickly, so we suggest booking as soon as you are confident in your travel dates.
Great deal Matt , is there any tips to check which fare class of your flight deal normally . As 10,000 points with Alaska is great value . Looking at Sydney HKG return for $721 but not sure what fare class or how many Alaska mile i will get
Yep, I find that searching on Orbitz (prices in USD) and ITA Matrix will give you that info.
Matt, there is an even better hack for flying Cathay to HK. Buy 30,000 Starpoints for an effective price of US$546 or A$717. Transfer them to Alaska & redeem it for your flight.
$625 in economy or $717 in Business, its a no brainer IMO.
That’s definitely a way to do it. Remember that it’s 30,000 Starpoints/Alaska miles one-way, not return, and you have to find award availability for the flights you want. But, as you said, I would much prefer to fly Business over Economy!