260 SCs to Platinum - what to do?

[mdurrant]

Hi all,

I achieved Gold for the first time this year and am enjoying that.

I now find I am 260 SCs away from Platinum. My review date is 30 November. I should be satisfied with what I've got. But 260 SCs seems SO close! (Or, am I delusional?)

I have no travel planned for November. I have 39,000 points (and could probably transfer 7,000 from my wife).

What are your thoughts about the easiest/cheapest way to earn my 260 SCs before 30 Nov? My work schedule is fairly free in Nov, so I could probabky travel on whatever day and at whatever time of day!

Thanks for your wisdom and advice.

 

[Hvr]

Go for it, even if you only make WP once in your life it will be a great experience.

Noting you're in SYD some of the locals will provide advice on the best runs from your home town.

 

[defurax]

Here are some options:

SYD-AKL return in J on LA will give you 160 SCs for $774. The remaining 100 SCs you get get with a JASA (MASA) SYD-MEL and MEL-ADL and just buy 2 cheap Y flights ADL-MEL and MEL-SYD.

 

[samh004]

A good way to look at this is that if you end up flying about the same amount next year, you'll be just 60SC off renewal, and if you're doing that kind of flying then you may as well qualify now so it's easier next year. You'll earn 25% more on flights over the minimum threshold too, which could add up. If mainly travelling domestic you have a better lounge in certain cities, if international you get the amazing F lounge in MEL or SYD.

 

[BensAdventures]

A good way to look at this is that if you end up flying about the same amount next year, you'll be just 60SC off renewal, and if you're doing that kind of flying then you may as well qualify now so it's easier next year. You'll earn 25% more on flights over the minimum threshold too, which could add up. If mainly travelling domestic you have a better lounge in certain cities, if international you get the amazing F lounge in MEL or SYD.

I think that's the point... If you are planning to travel enough next year, go for it! But I find WP mainly just valuable for international travel (but the DOM J lounge is a little nicer).

Good luck!

 

[Sprucegoose]

Here are some options:

SYD-AKL return in J on LA will give you 160 SCs for $774. The remaining 100 SCs you get get with a JASA (MASA) SYD-MEL and MEL-ADL and just buy 2 cheap Y flights ADL-MEL and MEL-SYD.

syd CBR J is a good one for the time poor

 

[samh004]

I think that's the point... If you are planning to travel enough next year, go for it! But I find WP mainly just valuable for international travel (but the DOM J lounge is a little nicer).

Good luck!

I only do domestic travel and have found the DOM J lounge of great benefit.

 

[nonpop]

But be careful if you do achieve WP as it then becomes a sickness you can't get rid of.
My anniversary is the full calendar year ... after March this year 2013 I was at WP (so 9 months left to cruise) and by June this year I had enough in the bag to re-qualify for 2014. So I'm already thinking about 2015 and ensuring I keep WP. It becomes a sad sickness. If if the prospect of your flying drops off, you'll still want a way to maintain WP status as the little things add up i.e not worrying about check-in lines, best grade of lounge, priority boarding domestic (when it works), better seat selection etc. If I were to drop back to SG I'd need to re-learn what my access rights ... so heaven forbid I should need to do that :shock:

And lastly, I used to be a BFOD type flyer. Now I will pay a small premium for SCs. So there is an argument that that chasing SCs could be a financial burden as well.

So just be careful you don't get infected. But importantly, enjoy the journey and have fun along the way. It's only a game.

 

[Sprucegoose]

I only do domestic travel and have found the DOM J lounge of great benefit.

Yes a higher standard to the QP. As a LTG, may have to get used to the QP in my later years!

 

[nonpop]

Yes a higher standard to the QP. As a LTG, may have to get used to the QP in my later years!

That is starting to become my personal fear. LTG is now within reach ... so if my flying reduces there goes WP and then I need to find a shrink to help me tolerate SG only.

 

[sumthinfornuthin]

Pray for a DSC offer

 

[11sjw]

Start planning status runs for the last week or two of your qualifying year and keep an eye on price movements. Good luck.