Moving from QFF to...?

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ozkid

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Hi everyone
I used to credit all my points and SCs to the QFF scheme, but decided to spread my wings. So I was hoping for some advice and a cognitive assurance check for my research on other programs.

With a sigh of resignation, I will be moving away from QFF, despite being loyal for 10+ years. I have enjoyed the perks of WP, but with the changes both to the QFF program and the contraction of services/award flight availability, it's time to look for greater bang for my international travel buck. I have made the decision that from here on, to BFOD and/or picking the best airline for that route.

I generally fly J for overseas work related flights, so chasing and keeping status with one airline is not a major issue. Domestic flights are in Y. So my thinking is which program to park the points accumulated from travelling, to redeem for leisure travel.

Oneworld carriers:
I am leaning towards AAdvantage, versus Asiamiles. AA miles doesn't expire if account is active within 18months, can burn points by phoning the Australian call centre. All OW carriers are open for booking. Surcharges aren't as crippling as booking the same through QFF. I can buy extra points with the regular offers to top up the account.
As a side benefit, it's 50k miles to get to OW Sapphire which looks after domestic QP access (rather than me buying QP membership). Can I still credit domestic QF flights to AA? I hear that the 4 qualifying segments in AA metal is not enforced?

Asiamiles - I just don't like the 3 year expiry rule for points. But is there something else about AM that sways it away from AAdvantage?

Star Alliance carriers:
I am leaning towards Krisflyer. Again, there's a 3 year expiry rule for points. I do have cc which can transfer to KF, so I guess I can top up the balance to redeem flights. And I keep reading about suite savers from the ATO forum which is aspirational :)

Any tips, or even affirmation that I'm on the right track, is most appreciated!
 
There are several threads on similar topics in Qantas Frequent Flyer Program and American Airlines AAdvantage
And another in Your Questions from a few days ago http://www.australianfrequentflyer....estions/considering-abandoning-qff-60285.html

http://www.australianfrequentflyer....couple-questions-aadvantage-newbie-59133.html
http://www.australianfrequentflyer....ention-relation-your-58941-5.html#post1051123

AA are now enforcing the 4 segment rule as of about a month ago. AA now does not have soft landing from higher status: you go to the bottom. Some QF fares earn low AA miles or nil AA miles (E class)

If you are flying from Australia award availability is essentially the same as QF, BA, CX etc: it all comes from the same pool. QF at 353 days vs AA at 330 days

Having said all that my primary FFP is AA, but now I fly very little. And I have been crediting Air NZ flights to US Airways, which in time will become AA miles. Earn to burn is what matters for me.
 
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Yep, ok thanks for updates with AA. As mentioned status would be a side bonus, guess I will have to pick up discounted QP membership through one of my professional bodies to look after lounge access once I drop from WP -> SG -> PS

Any hints on Star Alliance FFP?
 
Yep, ok thanks for updates with AA. As mentioned status would be a side bonus, guess I will have to pick up discounted QP membership through one of my professional bodies to look after lounge access once I drop from WP -> SG -> PS

Any hints on Star Alliance FFP?

I've been a member of Air Canada / Aeroplan (its now separate from the airline) for quite a few years, as I fly to/within Canada a fair bit - but I wouldn't recommend it (not that its likely on your part :) ). United is where I'm likely to shift my *A membership to this year. Has a few prickles, but seems to be OK.

There's always Agean's scheme if you want to earn status fast ;)
 
ozkid where are you based? Suite Savers on SQ are getting increasingly hard to secure - SYD soon to be only AU port serviced by 380 and cove, Alby and myself will be gobbling up way more than our share - I personally would not be basing my decision on that point alone.
 
If your keen to do star, email Turkish for a status match and then credit to Agean to lock in status, after that, enjoy freedom.
 
ozkid where are you based? Suite Savers on SQ are getting increasingly hard to secure - SYD soon to be only AU port serviced by 380 and cove, Alby and myself will be gobbling up way more than our share - I personally would not be basing my decision on that point alone.
Haha. Even you guys have to run out of KF points sometime (ok maybe not Cove he is a points earning machine). The A380 also flies out of SIN to other places too ;)
 
If your keen to do star, email Turkish for a status match and then credit to Agean to lock in status, after that, enjoy freedom.

Yep, cottoned onto the A3 route, easy enough to get Star gold.

What's the ease of redemption of miles using A3 (availability, sorting out itineraries, etc)? Just did a web based dummy booking and the request looks like an email form rather than allowing you to choose flights. The alternative is having to call Greece. I can't find any other phone numbers
 
AA miles doesn't expire if account is active within 18months, can burn points by phoning the Australian call centre.
Noooo, that burning method is going to cost you more in time, heartache and $$$. If you can't redeem on-line (always first choice) and must make a phone call, call the USA call centre. Their knowledge is superior and they charge less in $$$ for the service fee. I have made many AAdvantage redemptions and always either on-line or via USA service desk. Have the taxes/charges applied in US$ to a credit card that does not charge foreign currency conversion fees (such as 28 Degrees MC or one of the other mentioned elsewhere on AFF).
 
Noooo, that burning method is going to cost you more in time, heartache and $$$. If you can't redeem on-line (always first choice) and must make a phone call, call the USA call centre. Their knowledge is superior and they charge less in $$$ for the service fee. I have made many AAdvantage redemptions and always either on-line or via USA service desk. Have the taxes/charges applied in US$ to a credit card that does not charge foreign currency conversion fees (such as 28 Degrees MC or one of the other mentioned elsewhere on AFF).

Thanks NM for the tip. Will do.
 
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Has anybody had luck with a QF WP to LH SC ( Senators Circle) status Match ?


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