DeKa

[DeKa]

After three years, I feel it's about time I introduce myself. I joined in October 2008 in relation to a Citibank Fee Free Gold credit card of all things.

At the time, I had only flown for work a handful of times, but in 2009 a very interesting global project, for which I was nominated the APAC lead came up. That meant 2009, 2010 and 2011 I have been able to achieve and maintain Qantas Gold, partly through the advice gained through AFF, and partly though the advice from friends in the industry. All my travel for work is international. Unfortunately my employer's policy is Y only except for the most senior levels, so it wasn't easy getting over the initial qualification hump for Gold, but a sale fare from SYD to TSV via BNE saw those extra 50 status credits required gained fairly easily, with a day by the beach in Townsville a bonus.

At the time, my wife thought I was crazy (particularly the 4am start for a 6am flight to BNE & TSV and a 10pm return same day!), but after a couple of international holidays as QFF Gold / OW Sapphire, and a couple of upgrades to Y+ and J, she understands why I take so much care in booking flights, and doesn't mind me spending a bit of time on this forum.

Thanks for all the insightful knowledge gained so far, and I hope I've been able to add some value to others as well.

[elbarto]

Are you still doing any flying at the controls?

[DeKa]

Are you still doing any flying at the controls?

I had to think back 15 years or so to figure out who you may be, but sadly not JM.

[elbarto]

Wow, 15 years, doesn't seem like that long ago DB. Looks as if we've moved a long way forward since the days of using IRC!

[Lindsay Wilson]

At the time, my wife thought I was crazy (particularly the 4am start for a 6am flight to BNE & TSV and a 10pm return same day!), but after a couple of international holidays as QFF Gold / OW Sapphire, and a couple of upgrades to Y+ and J, she understands why I take so much care in booking flights, and doesn't mind me spending a bit of time on this forum.

Thanks for all the insightful knowledge gained so far, and I hope I've been able to add some value to others as well.

Oh yes, I soooo know where you are coming from with SWMBO - now I've added my daughter to my list .

[DeKa]

Oh yes, I soooo know where you are coming from with SWMBO - now I've added my daughter to my list .

My wife is doing a status run this weekend to get to QF Gold... a JASA ... and I am flying down the back as we are travelling for a purpose and have to be there too!