40 SC's from Retaining Platinum

[simongr]

I'm starting to think that in this situation I'd drop the platinum, save the $500, and use up my points on upgrades. I can't seem to find any other way to use them, except domestic flights. I've had no problem with using points on other airlines.

Problem being if you drop back to SG then you are less likely to be able to get those upgrades (if int'l) giving you less chance to use points...

 

[markis10]

You will loose the chance of also getting the odd op-up, not to mention the hurdle of extra SC's required to reattain Plat next time!

 

[rhjames]

I would, since most of my longhaul travel is booked in WHY. :shock:

This means such upgrades are from slimline to (hopefully) Skybed - a Huge difference.

Since becoming a WP I have not failed to get an upgrade for an international flight where I requested one. (nb, all have been requested at T-90 days).

I agree - that's a big difference. Must be hard work to maintain Pt flying economy.

Just for interest, when you request an upgrade, I assume these are bought with points, or are they freebees? I lost my upgrade credits because there were rarely seats available.

 

[rhjames]

Problem being if you drop back to SG then you are less likely to be able to get those upgrades (if int'l) giving you less chance to use points...

Good point. I don't know how silver etc ever get to use points.

 

[simongr]

I agree - that's a big difference. Must be hard work to maintain Pt flying economy.

Just for interest, when you request an upgrade, I assume these are bought with points, or are they freebees? I lost my upgrade credits because there were rarely seats available.

Yes upgrades can either be pre-confirmed for domestic travel or requested in the QP.

For international travel you can request a points upgrade 90 days or less before your travel. They are handed out in order of time requested and status (CL/WP first of course).

The rules are here on the QF site.

Can I add to my earlier comment - not only do you reduce chance of UG but also have a significant reduction in points earning from 100% to 50% bonus. There is a big big difference b/t WP and SG I think - most benefit though accruing to the long haul international traveller I feel.

 

[futaris]

Best thing to use for seeing what is in what zone, and hence earns xx SCs, is:

FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - Domestic Australia flights in the post-May QFF zones
NZ & International QF Flights in the post-May QFF zones - FlyerTalk Forums

 

[Hawkeye]

Can I add to my earlier comment - not only do you reduce chance of UG but also have a significant reduction in points earning from 100% to 50% bonus. There is a big big difference b/t WP and SG I think - most benefit though accruing to the long haul international traveller I feel.

If the points earning difference is high on the personal list of WP v SG benefits, then you are accruing to the wrong FF program in the first place (as you can well testify!)

To me, the improvement in benefits is greater going from PS to SG, than SG to WP. I agree that being towards the top of the priority list for upgrades, and additionally, the ability to access domestic QP's at any time, are the greatest benefits of WP. Flounging is just a bonus.

I am very lucky that I fly in J/F end most of the time, so upgrades aren't so important to me.

And ... having said all that ... I would put up a big fight before letting Qantas take away my WP status.

 

[simongr]

I am very lucky that I fly in J/F end most of the time, so upgrades aren't so important to me.

And ... having said all that ... I would put up a big fight before letting Qantas take away my WP status.

Once I get my EXP you will have to take the card out of my cold dead hands

Just re the PS->SG - if you are flying J/F then it becomes a non-event... mind you if ARE flying J/F then PS will leave you in a very short time

 

[Reggie]

Once I get my EXP you will have to take the card out of my cold dead hands

Quoting from MIB, proposal accepted.

 

[serfty]

... I agree - that's a big difference. Must be hard work to maintain Pt flying economy. ...

Before I came across AFF in November 2004, it was tough to retain SG let alone achieve WP. Since then, well, I'll just state that my wife has been QF PG for the last 18 months; soon to be extended for another 12.

... Just for interest, when you request an upgrade, I assume these are bought with points, or are they freebees? I lost my upgrade credits because there were rarely seats available.

I did not lose any UCs as I was able to use them very easily under the pre May 2005 changes.

Since then, all my redemption upgrades have been with QFF points, over 200K worth in the last 6 months.

 

[JohnK]

Problem being if you drop back to SG then you are less likely to be able to get those upgrades (if int'l) giving you less chance to use points...

There are also other benefits which I feel are worth having. I flew long haul for the first time last Sunday SYD-SIN as a QF Platinum and I can definitely say that the treatment by FAs is much better than I received as a QF Gold. Are the extra benefits worth it? We can debate all day long and everyones experiences will be different. For me it is the little things that matter.

I was in exit row seat 46H in 3-class 744 and was welcomed aboard by the CSM. Anything we can do for you Mr John K? Yes please, I would like to have a Baileys? Aircraft takes off and I have a good long chat with FA sitting in front of me. This flight does not have a drink service prior to the meal. FA after changing to get ready for meal service brings me a Baileys with ice from business class in a glass, not plastic cup. I did not ask FA for drink, I asked CSM. I did have one more during the flight and could have had more had I asked. FWIW, yoy will not find Baileys on the WHY beverages list.

 

[Evan]

JohnK, I agree there is no doubt being a WP you get better service.
Nice to drink from a glass isn't it
And of course you always get offered a newpaper etc first. It is the little things. And when flying whY you need all the little things you can get to make your journey a little more pleasurable.
E

 

[taswegian77]

Hi,

To the one who only needs 40 SC to retain Platinum. I cannot beleive that Qanats have not contacted you about how close you are to retaining Platinum. A few years ago I was about 2 month away from status renewal and they rang me to discuss my travel plans for the next 12 months as I was about 120 SC short of Platinum. After I talked to them they agreed to automaitcally renew my Platinum membership from that day which was great. (as it turned out I travelled enough prior to retain on my own accord) but I am totally surprised that they have nto contacted you. Maybe I have been travellign for about 10 years now and have been a Platinum member for all but 2 years but who knows. Very strange indeed????

 

[JohnK]

JohnK, I agree there is no doubt being a WP you get better service.
Nice to drink from a glass isn't it
And of course you always get offered a newpaper etc first. It is the little things. And when flying whY you need all the little things you can get to make your journey a little more pleasurable.
E

I totally agree. That flight was around 7:50 hours duration. After 3 hours I did not want to be there. Any small things they can offer is great. I also found that if you ask for something and they are busy they do tend to remember my request rather than me asking again and again.

And yes, it is nice to drink out of a glass instead of a picnic plastic cup.

 

[HardieBoys]

My partner was 10 SC off qualifying for Platinum status the first time, and then 10 SC off re-qualifying one year later, but was given it both times anyway. A pleasant phone call to the service centre, and discussion about planned QF trips in the initial 3 months after the cut-off date helped.