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Paging our resident QFF expert. 
In between thoughts of new and exciting ways to earn miles on my shiny new AMEX card and how I really need to be working on my honours thesis proposal instead of posting on here - several changes in personal circumstances have caused me to ponder over the wisdom of sticking with AAdvantage vs jumping ship to QFF.
I usually burn FF miles to position myself between stops of my RTW. Aside from that I don't really have the time or money to go on additional trips on my miles.
I have gained lots of good value awards out of AAdvantage. However since then circumstances have changed. I figured that the pot of BMI DC miles that I'm currently sitting on, as well as miles I will gain from converting AMEX points will last me for as long as I still have the time to do RTW trips. I also anticipate to do less flying once uni finishes end of this year -- unless I commence yet another course.
Between now and the end of the year when my EXP status expires, I'd be able to squeak into QF WP status with 1460 SCs. And with some flying early next year will be able to attain Partner Gold (my QFF membership year runs June-June). Hence I'm starting to think about whether QF WP might suit me better.
Those who know me will know my flying patterns well, most paid flights in J with short flights paid for out of the main DONE ticket in whY. Flight-wise I tend to fly QF whenever they operate a route as they're my carrier of choice, otherwise BA. I also do some flying in the US as I try to visit LA once a year.
The way I see it...
Advantages of QFF status:
- Less flying required to gain emerald status; the flying I did last year to achieve AA EXP status would've been sufficient to gain QF WP over 2.5 times.
- More baggage allowance on QF - as I tend to shop quite a lot during my trips this will save a not insignificant sum of money on shipping/overlimit penalties
- Partner Gold will come in useful when the other half has to fly alone and in whY
- Less hold time on the phone (currently averaging at 30 mins)
- Unofficial ability to convert revenue seats into awards - the flexibility gained might just make up for the higher redemption levels and YQ
- Bonus points on BA
- A choice of AA/BA on the transatlantic due to being able to fly BA TATL (without having to go via Canada etc); sure I appreciate having EVIPs to upgrade on AA metal but I also do like having choice.
- I can use points to upgrade on QF flights - and experience QF F more often. After that sensational experience in Feb which blew away anything other carriers have had to offer, I've been trying to find ways and means of getting back on QF F. Unfortunately I can't justify paying for revenue F and so will have to do it on upgrades and awards.
- Ability to get into Admirals Club on "domestic" itineraries in North America
- Ability to get one way awards paying only 50% of the cost
- Other little things airlines do for their own elites (eg extra recognition onboard by the CSM) - yes the little things count a lot for me.
- And of course, AA and QF might not neccessarily be alliance partners forever.
Advantages of sticking to AA EXP:
- Am half way to Lifetime Gold now - yes it's only Ruby status but still something nice to have.
- Of course, the better earn/burn generally on return awards. But again like I've alluded to that doesn't necessarily determine the value of an FF program for me.
- I can supplement the mileage balance by transferring from AMEX via SPG. But I think I'd rather try different carriers award wise and use miles gained from flying to upgrade.
Any thoughts on this gratefully received.
In between thoughts of new and exciting ways to earn miles on my shiny new AMEX card and how I really need to be working on my honours thesis proposal instead of posting on here - several changes in personal circumstances have caused me to ponder over the wisdom of sticking with AAdvantage vs jumping ship to QFF.
I usually burn FF miles to position myself between stops of my RTW. Aside from that I don't really have the time or money to go on additional trips on my miles.
I have gained lots of good value awards out of AAdvantage. However since then circumstances have changed. I figured that the pot of BMI DC miles that I'm currently sitting on, as well as miles I will gain from converting AMEX points will last me for as long as I still have the time to do RTW trips. I also anticipate to do less flying once uni finishes end of this year -- unless I commence yet another course.
Between now and the end of the year when my EXP status expires, I'd be able to squeak into QF WP status with 1460 SCs. And with some flying early next year will be able to attain Partner Gold (my QFF membership year runs June-June). Hence I'm starting to think about whether QF WP might suit me better.
Those who know me will know my flying patterns well, most paid flights in J with short flights paid for out of the main DONE ticket in whY. Flight-wise I tend to fly QF whenever they operate a route as they're my carrier of choice, otherwise BA. I also do some flying in the US as I try to visit LA once a year.
The way I see it...
Advantages of QFF status:
- Less flying required to gain emerald status; the flying I did last year to achieve AA EXP status would've been sufficient to gain QF WP over 2.5 times.
- More baggage allowance on QF - as I tend to shop quite a lot during my trips this will save a not insignificant sum of money on shipping/overlimit penalties
- Partner Gold will come in useful when the other half has to fly alone and in whY
- Less hold time on the phone (currently averaging at 30 mins)
- Unofficial ability to convert revenue seats into awards - the flexibility gained might just make up for the higher redemption levels and YQ
- Bonus points on BA
- A choice of AA/BA on the transatlantic due to being able to fly BA TATL (without having to go via Canada etc); sure I appreciate having EVIPs to upgrade on AA metal but I also do like having choice.
- I can use points to upgrade on QF flights - and experience QF F more often. After that sensational experience in Feb which blew away anything other carriers have had to offer, I've been trying to find ways and means of getting back on QF F. Unfortunately I can't justify paying for revenue F and so will have to do it on upgrades and awards.
- Ability to get into Admirals Club on "domestic" itineraries in North America
- Ability to get one way awards paying only 50% of the cost
- Other little things airlines do for their own elites (eg extra recognition onboard by the CSM) - yes the little things count a lot for me.
- And of course, AA and QF might not neccessarily be alliance partners forever.
Advantages of sticking to AA EXP:
- Am half way to Lifetime Gold now - yes it's only Ruby status but still something nice to have.
- Of course, the better earn/burn generally on return awards. But again like I've alluded to that doesn't necessarily determine the value of an FF program for me.
- I can supplement the mileage balance by transferring from AMEX via SPG. But I think I'd rather try different carriers award wise and use miles gained from flying to upgrade.
Any thoughts on this gratefully received.
), relatives. So, even if the ratio is really generous is smtgh that seems to be not so important for me /you.
Here's hoping he wouldn't be too busy in the air to log in.
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