I need 340 SC to keep platinum...

[birder]

I need 340 SC to keep platinum, and I would really like to keep it as I fly in the US a lot, and being one world emerald is useful. I need to acquire them by 31 March.

What's the cheapest way to do it?

Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[TomVexille]

How much are you willing to spend, and what days are you free?

 

[defurax]

You are a bit late to get anything "cheap". I think you will have to pay around $8-12/SC. MEL-SYD-CNS/DRW in J will give you 240SC. MEL-SYD-CGK/HKG/SIN will give you 320SC.

 

[medhead]

Where are you located?

 

[birder]

I'm in Melbourne. I can go whenever I need to. But I am definitely hoping that I won't have to spend $8k!

 

[medhead]

Looking at this weekend. First class from AKL to MEL is about NZ$1322 - that gets 120SC. (about $10/SC) One way pricing doesn't seem to increase compared to return pricing. So business one way to AKL then nest a AKL-MEL First return, then a one way buisness AKL-MEL. the relaxed option, but higher cost.

Otherwise, get to Adelaide then try for business ADL-BNE-NZ(probably AKL) that's good for 140SC each direction. So 280SC for $2056 departing on 26th return on 27th. A really coughpy schedule, and ordinary lounges and flying on a 737. Pick up the extra 60SC between MEL and ADL. $7.4/SC

Schedule is basically
14:20 depart ADL, midnight arrive AKL. 7:15 depart AKL, 13:45 arrive ADL

cut and paste not working...

 

[Spongbob]

I'm in Melbourne. I can go whenever I need to. But I am definitely hoping that I won't have to spend $8k!

Are the benefits of WP worth $8K each year?

Unless you have several international flights planned in the next membership year, is retaining WP worth the cost and effort?

 

[TomVexille]

Are the benefits of WP worth $8K each year?

Unless you have several international flights planned in the next membership year, is retaining WP worth the cost and effort?

Well 340 should be gettable for ~$3k. But it's entirely up to the OP if they feel that it's worth it.

 

[Buzzard]

Well 340 should be gettable for ~$3k. But it's entirely up to the OP if they feel that it's worth it.

Very true but if the OP travels to the US a lot, why not soft land to Gold for a little while and whilst in the US do a status run to WP?
Would this not be a cheaper option too?

 

[TomVexille]

Very true but if the OP travels to the US a lot, why not soft land to Gold for a little while and whilst in the US do a status run to WP?
Would this not be a cheaper option too?

More than likely.

 

[RichardMEL]

340 in a week or so is a bit of an ask, and not cheap.

One can do 330 in a day trip:

MEL-xSYD-CHC r/t in "F" - $1396 26/3 one way, a bit less ex-CHC coming back. (QF codeshare on EK SYD-CHC-SYD)

so let's say 330 for ~$2800. then another 10 SC can be easily obtained.

Else, MEL-SYD-OOL in J r/t x2 would get 320 SC, or if one leg was booked in full fare biz, could get the 340... but time consuming.

I do wonder yes if it's worth it. OWS (QF Gold) will still get a free bag priority check in and AA lounge access in USA (but obviously not Flagship lounges)

definitely left a bit late! Good luck if you really want to do this

 

[medhead]

Do you have access to an aquire discount?

Well 340 should be gettable for ~$3k. But it's entirely up to the OP if they feel that it's worth it.

I think so. Not nice flying but the below plus a MEL-ADL-MEL in Flex/J for $1026 gets to $3080-ish. Lower with Aquire discount

Otherwise, get to Adelaide then try for business ADL-BNE-NZ(probably AKL) that's good for 140SC each direction. So 280SC for $2056 departing on 26th return on 27th. A really coughpy schedule, and ordinary lounges and flying on a 737. Pick up the extra 60SC between MEL and ADL. $7.4/SC

Schedule is basically
14:20 depart ADL, midnight arrive AKL. 7:15 depart AKL, 13:45 arrive ADL

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

MEL - SYD J
SYD - AKL F
AKL - BNE F
BNE - ADL J
ADL - MEL J
NOT cheap.
Phone up QF telephone sales. All in 1 trip and PNR.

 

[Steady]

Do you have access to an aquire discount? Lower with Aquire discount

Struggling with time to get the savings - the Aquire flights require an advance purchase - 7 days in whY flex and 10 in J

 

[RichardMEL]

MEL - SYD J
SYD - AKL F
AKL - BNE F
BNE - ADL J
ADL - MEL J
NOT cheap.
Phone up QF telephone sales. All in 1 trip and PNR.

You've gone over by my calc.

That would net at least (assuming the dom J sectors book into non flex-business) 380 SC.

 

[medhead]

Struggling with time to get the savings - the Aquire flights require an advance purchase - 7 days in whY flex and 10 in J

Good point. perhaps just doable if booked for next Wednesday thursday. Assuming that the OP can get time off work.

Edit: forget Aquire discount. It's only available for Flexi MEL/ADL with the saving being the same as the credit card fee you'd have to pay booking via business direct. Just book using a gift voucher to save card fee.
Plus the return via BNE isn't available on the thursday. .

You've gone over by my calc.

That would net at least (assuming the dom J sectors book into non flex-business) 380 SC.

But what happens if they can't use smartgate and get the evil eye from Border Force?

 

[RichardMEL]

But what happens if they can't use smartgate and get the evil eye from Border Force?

no worries, they're striking over the next week so they will only ask 3 questions and not 7

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

Also with the strike action might be time consuming going o/seas.

 

[RichardMEL]

Also with the strike action might be time consuming going o/seas.

oh yes, crossing the ditch is pretty time consuming.

(he writes with a 15 hour MEL-LAX on Saturday .... and a 16h LAX-MEL next Wednesday )

 

[medhead]

Also with the strike action might be time consuming going o/seas.

the express pass should help with that. At BNE International terminal, being pushy with express pass usage was required last time I used it.