Need 50 SC to get to Platinum

[dede]

But here's the catch...I'll get to Platinum anyway in November when I travel to LHR but only during that flight.

Is it worth me getting the extra 50SC before I fly to get access to the First Lounge and potential upgrade opportunities?

And if so, what's the cheapest way to get 50SC between now and then?

Should I wait for a sale and do a multi city status run or is there an easier way?

 

[Bundy Bear]

You live in Melbourne so fly up to Sydney on the Saturday morning; and fly back on Jetstar in Star Class in the afternoon. Not cheap but quick and easy.

 

[Dave Noble]

It is going to cost a few hundred dollars to get the 50SC; the 1st lounge is indeed nicer than the business lounge, but not worth paying a large amount to access it once. Since you are going to attain platinum status anyway, I would wait for the LHR flight and get it for no extra cost

 

[serfty]

... what's the cheapest way to get 50SC between now and then? ...

Bundy bear has a solution to that question which outside any other parameters seems the simplest.

Cost is the red e-deal QF airfare MEL to SYD + the Star Class airfare SYD-MEL + cost of transfers to/from MEL + ¾ of a day.

You would earn 50 SC's and 2680 QFF points. Airfare cost $98 + $329 = $427 + any CC levy.

Cheapest 50 SC's I know of is SFO/LAX in P class on AA for ~ AUD190. (Actually, that's 60 SC's)

 

[dede]

Thank you all for your replies. Might be a MEL-SYD-MEL trip coming up!

 

[Dave Noble]

You would earn 50 SC's and 2680 QFF points. Airfare cost $98 + $329 = $427 + any CC levy.

I would seriously question the value of 1 visit to the 1st lounge for a cost of $427 plus several hours of time, but it really wanting it, that does sound like it would be the quickest and probably one of the cheapest ways to complete it

Dave

 

[aus_flyer]

You would earn 50 SC's and 2680 QFF points. Airfare cost $98 + $329 = $427 + any CC levy.

2680 points?

Actually, unless I'm mistaken, for the $427++ the OP could earn

MEL-SYD 1000
SYD-MEL 1250
SYD-LHR 5293*
Total 7543

*Difference between being Gold and Platinum when taking this flight

 

[dede]

The other possible benefit would be better seat selection on the way over. It's such a loooong flight!

 

[Dave Noble]

The other possible benefit would be better seat selection on the way over. It's such a loooong flight!

The seating selection for Gold and Platinum is the same on international services I believe. If you do not have a decent seat assigned, get on the phone /online and get one selected. For a better seat, I would be inclined to use $160 and get an exit seat pre-purchased

Dave

 

[serfty]

I would seriously question the value of 1 visit to the 1st lounge for a cost of $427 plus several hours of time, but it really wanting it, that does sound like it would be the quickest and probably one of the cheapest ways to complete it

Dave

I make no comment of the value of an MR for the status as such - that why I restricted the text of the OP's quote in my post.

The seating selection for Gold and Platinum is the same on international services I believe. ...

This may no longer be the case. Since the introduction of Altea based seat pre-allocation on international flights, WP is tending to get a better selection of seating than SG.

 

[serfty]

2680 points?

Actually, unless I'm mistaken, for the $427++ the OP could earn
...
Total 7543 ...

True, I neglected the increased status bonii. But don't forget the additional 555 points in relation to the next "loyalty" bonus that 50 SC's generates.

This makes 8098 additional QFF points.

 

[Dave Noble]

I make no comment of the value of an MR for the status as such - that why I restricted the text of the OP's quote in my post.This may no longer be the case. Since the introduction of Altea based seat pre-allocation on international flights, WP is tending to get a better selection of seating than SG.

I would still suggest that $160 for an exit row would ensure better seating at much lower cost. I would agree that your suggestion is prob around the cheapest. The OP did ask whether it was worth it too though

Dave

 

[dede]

Decisions! Decisions!

I notice you can only book exit rows 7 days in advance. Are they still allocated to WP first, then SG and below?

 

[notzac]

I notice you can only book exit rows 7 days in advance. Are they still allocated to WP first, then SG and below?

I suspect that they're handed out to whoever can hand over their CC details the fastest.

 

[Dave Noble]

Decisions! Decisions!

I notice you can only book exit rows 7 days in advance. Are they still allocated to WP first, then SG and below?

Pretty sure it is FCFS based on who pays 1st

Book - Manage Your Booking - Flight Booking - Exit Row Seat Bookings indicates nothing to suggest status makes a difference

As far as getting better seats otherwise, are there any other seats available to choose in economy that are worth paying an extra $429 to assign? ( that are unable to be assigned due to not being platinum )

Dave