Stay Qantas Gold or Aim for AAexplatinum? Help

[MelbMatt]

Qandary? Since the latest QF status credit enhancements I don't know whether to stay with them or aim for AA executive platinum? Please help.
My major earn bookings each year SYD-FCO return in J on AY/CX in August, then SYD-SIN return discount J on QF January(plus a couple of paid economy domestics).My renewal date is feb and I have 7800 lifetime sc's.....
Should I keep crediting to QF only retaining SG and still aim for lifetime gold or be happy making it to lifetime silver and aim for AA executive platinum instead?
Thanks for your ideas

 

[Danger]

This first post has been a long time coming, MelbMatt.

On the QF enhancement front, I assume you're talking about the pitiful earn on some partners on some routes.

I think the important thing to consider at the moment is that partner earnings when credited to AA aren't yet known under the new regime. You're probably aware that on 6 June AA announced more outrageous changes to their program which include a minimum spend requirement (elite qualifying dollars (EQDs)) to reach each time. For Executive Platinum it is USD12k in addition to elite qualifying miles (EQMs) or elite qualifying segments (EQSs). Calculation of EQDs when travelling on partners hasn't yet been announced but it's expected that you'll earn them as a percentage of the total mileage of the ticket. There's some good discussion on the blogs, including this one from One Mile at a Time that talks about a possible loophole (of sorts). Importantly, the chances are even though you're travelling on discount J on partners it won't have nearly as much an impact as it would if you were travelling in discount J on AA, as you'd be spending less and therefore falling further short of the EQD requirement.

I think that given you're renewal date is February you're in a good spot to hold off on making a decision. There is no point switching to AA now for the remainder of 2016, particularly given the uncertainty on partner earnings. Before the end of the year and possibly in the next few weeks flyers will have a better idea about how that will pan out. When that happens you'll be in a much better position to assess whether or not it'll be better for you to aim for EXP, especially as you have a much firmer idea of your travel plans.

 

[MelbMatt]

Thanks for your valued input danger. I don't normally comment or post but I absorb all the information on here like a sponge.Since the previous QF enhancements this is the first year of falling from wp to sg. As a self funded premium traveller I try to pick my oneworld options prudently. Being able to fly on Finnair in J to Europe for $5400 return is a no brainer for me and naturally I learnt about it here. I guess I will be sitting on my hands waiting to see what aa does. Qantas interestingly enough sent me an email asking if I would be on their panel, whatever that means.i have accepted but haven't really heard back from them since.....thanks
matt

 

[amaroo]

Unless you're going to hit the $$$ target - AA is a DOA IMO.

 

[Moindardt]

Unless you're going to hit the $$$ target - AA is a DOA IMO.

Totally disagree with this. We'll find out what the percentage that is applied to partner miles next month. I think it will be very easy to achieve if you travel in J on partner airlines. They all earn 1.5x eqm so I find it hard to believe it still won't be a decent percentage. Given the other 2 carriers don't even use it for overseas members, they are t going to shoot themselves in the foot.

The main purpose of it, and the prioritizing of $ for upgrades, is to root out all the people who are flying long routes like China for $500 return. They want people who spend the dollars on J, even discount J, and they want those that do to feel special and appreciated. Personally I love the move. I am hoping part of the SPG/Marriott merger will keep the SPG benefits but apply $ minimums because everyone is subsidizing them. Even if you look at the status runs for QF, they are all in premium seats.

 

[Moindardt]

To address the OP though, I don't think you are doing anywhere near enough miles to get ExP consistently. I would be looking at adding a little variety into to routings through Asia to keep QF WP. I have seen a lot of cheap J fares through Asia eg HKG-KUL-CMB r/t J for $1k. Spice it up a little and it shouldn't be too hard. Also, try changing you flights so it is based in Europe or cmb or sin using an award flight. OSL-ADL is 2/3 of ADL-OSL, you just have to plan well in advance.

 

[ScottM]

Qantas interestingly enough sent me an email asking if I would be on their panel, whatever that means.i have accepted but haven't really heard back from them since.....thanks
matt

Without hijacking the threat you'll find that if you accept the QANTAS panel offer they'll send you an email regarding flights after you've taken them requesting feedback.

 

[trippin_the_rift]

Unless you're going to hit the $$$ target - AA is a DOA IMO.

Anyone not spending $12k to reach top status is either mileage running or unfortunately living in a country with low fares and will be targeted anyway.

While I agree having a $$ figure is an ugly turn off as it instantly makes you think the program is entirely revenue driven with no true loyalty aspect - I would estimate almost every EXP spends more than this.

 

[windycityf]

The problem with AA and the $$ is that they are not always the cheapest.

I was buying a ticket the other day, AA was $9k but BA was $3k. If they follow the the other US majors, tickets have to be ticketed on AA in order to count for spend.
And buying tickets with credit cards points, does not always work because bulk fares don't count.

If it were me, go for the airline you will actual fly the most, if you are wanting the benefits of status. Basically to answer your own question, what is it are you trying to gain?

 

[RichardMEL]

wait.. are AA making the $$ requirement for outside USA residents?

UA waive it for non US members ......

anyway AY is not horrible for SC earn with QF: For example I got 300 SC for AY BUD-HEL-HKG (and HKG-MEL on QF). BUD-HEL-HKG on AY got 220 SC which is pretty good. I do agree the CX sectors not great but what if it was AY codeshare on CX or QF? I found the fare with the QF sector on the end was good value.

agree EXP could be tough with that travel pattern, with or without the $$ requirements.

 

[windycityf]

RichardMel

I must have missed the part with the waiver for non US? I know they have not announced any waiver yet for CC spend. The only good news is the waiver of the 4 flights on actually AA metal, which is great for the non US people.

 

[Moindardt]

Delta and UA waive it for Non-US residents. AA will be calculating it as a % of base miles flown with partner airlines or $$$ for AA flights and codeshares. I think it is 7th July when they announce the %. They are also prioritising upgrades based on rolling 12 months EQD. Essentially they are focusing on people who spend more are worth more. Very smart and about time I think.