Alternatives to the QFF: AY or BA?

[MH_fan]

I really need some advice on an alternative OneWorld FF programme, as my time being shackled to QF is coming to an end (probably within the next year when I hit LTG). I also hate that QF has such a disparity in status credit earn with their partners and, not only that, QF fares are generally so much more expensive as well. I want a programme that is open to Australian residents and also offers lifetime platinum status, which is something QF does not. It looks like it's coming down to either BA or AY at this stage. My general flying habit per year is something like this:
1. At least 2 trips to Europe in J.
2. Usually 1 trip to Nth America in J.
3. Multiple trips to South-East Asia in Y or J.
4. Moderate amount of domestic travel (in Australia) in Y, say about 1-2 return trips per month.

Which programme would get me to LTP faster and which programme is easier to maintain platinum status with? Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Kerrodt]

If all of your long haul international is in J and domestic is in Y, what do you see as the difference in benefits that you will get from QF Lifetime Gold vs. another carriers Lifetime Platinum program - for both international and domestic travel?

 

[docjames]

I cant help with earns in their respective programs, but FWIW in QFF AY J (I class) earned 120SC for HEL-SIN vs 180SC for QF LHR-SIN (actually SIN-LHR).

The A350/A330 config for Finnair is great especially if you can secure a "throne" seat on the 330 (seats 2A/4A/6A) although beware the footwell is extremely narrow. Trade that off against the BA seating which has better legroom but doesnt feel as up-market. Also Finnair's Asia-HEL flights seem to be crewed ex-Asia whereas HEL-US/EU flights seem locally crewed ex-HEL - not that it makes a huge difference but there is a noticeable (?cultural) difference in the way staff interact.

Both BA and AY use "EU J" for intra-EU flights on their narrowbodies so neither is a deciding reason.

Finnair often have good fares and "RTW" fares (which can also be used Aus-EU-Aus not RTW) but BA also offer reasonable fares with often a "buy full priced business get one way in First" type fares.


Perhaps the tipper is that HEL is a much much much better transit experience than LHR......

 

[TonyHancock]

I can't help you with Finnair but can give some feedback on my experiences with BAEC.

The decision to switch from QF was made about four years ago.

My travel patterns at the time included 5 or 6 trips to the UK and 6 or more trips to Asia with a 10 to 15 domestic trips. My travel dates to the UK were known 12 months out.

Whilst BA LTG is a handy goal it was not the driving factor for me. Knowing my travel patterns the best part of a year in advance allowed me to take advantage of ex EU fares. I took a one way trip to the UK by nesting in BKK and then started booking a series of trips from Norway to take advantage of the crazy pricing ($4-4.5k per trip)

The advantages of BAEC come when one reaches GGL (sort of P1 but with actual benefits) It is reached by hitting 5000 TP's in the first year and retained by reaching 3000 TP's per year from then on.

At 2500 TP's one receives one upgrade for two voucher and at 3500 TP's two upgrades for one. By using a travel agent one can book into, for example, business class and providing there is A fare availability use a voucher to book First. This is for all BA flights on the PNR so for me I try to fly BA11/BA15 and BA16/BA12. The upgrade vouchers can also be used to upgrade a redemption booking.

As a GGL one receives two vouchers to "release space" for upgrade or redemption, often referred to as jokers in the FF community. So if you want to use points to upgrade, or want to use points to book a seat but there is no redemption availability you can force it open - providing no one else has already done so. This is a pretty decent perk.

One can also gift a gold and two silver memberships to friends, family colleagues etc.

5000 TP's also gives CCR access.

2000 miles is the magical distance for TP earning

6000 TP's earns another "joker" and at 7000, 8000, and 9000 TP's per year it is a choice between 50k Avios, 2 upgrades for one or 1 upgrade for 2, or a "joker".

BAEC is a really good FF program if you are earning 3500+ TP's per year and taking advantage of the upgrade vouchers and jokers by flying BA.

LTG at 35,000 is a daunting prospect though.

I agree with docjames about HEL, it is a fabulous airport to transfer through.

 

[mviy]

According to AUSBT it's a lot easier to get LT OWE through BAEC than through Finnair Plus: British Airways Lifetime Gold is the next best thing to Qantas Lifetime Platinum

It's worth noting that airlines can change earn rates and/or set the bar higher for status/lifetime status and/or reduce benefits, not to mention that airlines could choose to leave OW.

 

[MH_fan]

Looks like BA's frequent flyer programme for me then!
Now, I wonder whether they will status match...