First time trying to use Qantas points for an international one way. Looking at first week of May, MEL to LHR, and the option I’ve found so far seems to be the best I can see with 116,000 points.
I tried getting creative, like breaking it up MEL to US then US to London, but it basically priced out at the same points and cash.
For those who’ve done this before, how do you actually maximize value with Qantas points on a long haul like this? Is direct usually best? Or are there partner sweet spots I should be looking at?
Total newbie at this so any guidance is appreciated.

