A status run: reassure me, tell me I'm not crazy

[JohnK]

Yet you are very happily to continue trivialising them. This is why I suggested perhaps you might support the move to get rid of them, because it seems just like a source of social tension and capitalist exploitation.

Trivialising? I don't thiink so. More of a reality check. And yes I know the lounges are very important to some people.

Why do you do your quick trips? The ones with only one night in each, or taking an indirect routing when the direct one was available (perhaps even cheaper)?

Is it for love or hobby? Then in my books, there is nothing too wrong with that. Life isn't a dress rehearsal; if you have a passion for something or someone, or you like doing something a lot, you should do it. Of course, tactically money and time tend to get in the way (or rather lack of it), but put that aside...

I do the trips because I love being in different places even if it is just an airport or an overnight in another city. Perhaps I am bored or looking for something.

There are not many "true" frequent flyers around (<1%?) and even less "status runners" around (<0.01%?). If status, lounges and "status runs" are so great why is it very rare to find someone that does these things? Apart from travel related forums I have not met anyone that does not want to get to their destination as quickly as possible.

Is there a right and a wrong? I don't know but I do know what I am doing is not normal. And please note I am merely expressing an opinion and I am certainly not judging....

 

[MelUser]

Does anyone know if travel agents can book P class (ie YUPPs KUPPs) on AA?

It seems to me that some can only see the full fare F class fares on AA.

 

[bossreggie]

Well I think I may indeed be crazy. As I have stated on here before.... All my travel is self funded.... (Well aside from 1 or 2 trips each year.) Before joining AFF I was content with QP membership. Since being inspired by reading about F Lounges and status runs etc....... Let's just say I have the bug. I decided to attain WP this year and I will get it next weekend on my MEL - BNE - MEL - NAD - SYD - BNE - MEL "J" Class run. 400 SC's and some FF points as well. (300 SC's will go toward PG)

I require lounge access and the booze before every flight. Like JohnK... I also am a people watcher but when flying, it's the quieter area I need.

I hope I get to see many of my fellow AFF'ers on my travels and I am always happy to guest if the rules permit.

For the OP.... Crazy or not.... It is addictive and if you can afford to do it, (Time & Money) then go for it. 4 years ago I decided to forgo an increase in salary and instead I have 9 weeks annual leave each year. This affords me ample time to pursue my "craziness"

 

[cmon0005]

You're not crazy.. Different people have different hobbies, some people like playing chess, some like buying fast cars, some like doing marathons...and there are people like us who love flying and traveling just for the hell of it.

I also have 'the bug', although my Status runs have been limited due to time and money, have only been a QFF member for 11 months now..I am 20 SC's away from QP PS which I will obtain soon before end of month (anniversary date).
I have always enjoyed flying and lounges.etc.

It was my plan to get Gold by the end of this month however haven't had enough free weekends to do a LAN SYD-AKL runs.

Oh well theres always the rest of the year to obtain Gold.

 

[drewbles]

Does anyone know if travel agents can book P class (ie YUPPs KUPPs) on AA?

It seems to me that some can only see the full fare F class fares on AA.

My TA can, however, as they earn $0.00 off booking AA flights, they charge a booking fee.

They have the same availability of P class as the AA.com site has (US not AU) and the prices are in AUD which are about the equivalent of the mid-market exchange rate at the time. The booking fee makes it prohibitive for most fares though ($30AUD). It's usually easier to wear the conversion fee, or use a Wizard CAMC.

 

[MelUser]

I can wear $30 especially if it is in AUD - amex charges me an extra 1.5% to convert USD into AUD.

Are the cheapest P fares still ones to FLL - eg I have seen SAN to FLL for $444 each way in First (P)?

 

[drewbles]

I can wear $30 especially if it is in AUD - amex charges me an extra 1.5% to convert USD into AUD.

Are the cheapest P fares still ones to FLL - eg I have seen SAN to FLL for $444 each way in First (P)?

The $30 works out to be more than 1.5% often though.

I'll send you the details of my TA in a PM and contact him to discuss booking

 

[cmon0005]

Am doing a quick status run this weekend to get me over the Silver line.
SYD-CBR return for 20 SC's with a 1 hour stopover in CBR. Will use the 1 hour to have breakfast in the QP.
My membership year ticks over 30th April.