Fairfax (SMH/Age) article on status runs

[nlagalle]

And then they commenced a website redesign and either forgot to keep the functionality in its then-current form (which had a flaw that allowed classic reward flights to be booked as an ASA), or purposely removed said flaw. But ASA's didn't disappear, they're still there, they just removed the flaw!

They actually said during the briefing we got prior to the launch that ASA's in their current form wouldn't work in the new booking engine. Realistically ASA's don't exist now, it's points plus pay.

 

[serfty]

... But ASA's didn't disappear, they're still there, they just removed the flaw!

That is incorrect.

What is termed "Any Seat Awards" these days are actually what were originally "Points Plus Pay". ASA's no longer exist in their original form.

There were "Any Seat Awards" which did not earn points or status credits and there were "Points Plus Pay" which had a poor conversion rate which did earn FF points and SC's.

"Any Seat Awards" were of little interest as those that had reasonable points cost generally cost more in +++ $$$ than did classic awards for the same route. (There were some isolated exceptions on generally short routes.)

To encourage use of ASA's Qantas decided to award points/SC's for these bookings. It became apparent to many here that ASA's could be good value because when booked in award fare buckets the additional +++ was generally more than offset by the SC and points earn.

 

[serfty]

They actually said during the briefing we got prior to the launch that ASA's in their current form wouldn't work in the new booking engine. Realistically ASA's don't exist now, it's points plus pay.

I was in on the briefing and to this day I consider that stament by Qantas as, at best, being "flexible" with the truth.

 

[nlagalle]

I was in on the briefing and to this day I consider that stament by Qantas as, at best, being "flexible" with the truth.

Quite possibly, but either the Points plus pay or the ASA had to go if it was going to be an all in one booking engine. From the QF perspective they do better offering points plus pay.

 

[Moody]

You may have to call upon WikiLeaks for source material, as you will get few whistle-blowers here. The bottom line is that the status runners know that they are addicted to the "right" piece of plastic, and justify all sorts of behaviour to get it. In my case the "run" was to book a J ASA to NZ, instead of my usual economy fare. It was an excellent investment of my points - particularly as it kept me in Gold - and whilst I would never pay cash for business class, I really enjoyed the experience and am now more likely to blow points on J awards and upgrades. I guess that's a win for the airline too.

But I can't get my head around the concept of flying just for the sake of status ..... so I tend to avoid those threads on AFF.

 

[kamchatsky]

I don't really get status run either. I mean, most people here in AFF would book award ticket in J/F class anyway, that would enable you to go to lounges. There is really no requirement for status.

The only thing I can think of is accessing OW F lounges or even domestic J lounges by getting to QF Plat, so that even if you slum up in Y. But for me travelling on Business domestically, if I don't have status and flying Y, I will just go to a coffee shop somewhere in the airport and order some food and coffee/beer and claim it via business expense anyway.

 

[windycityf]

When I first moved to Australia I did a status run on QF. I had made gold but only had 2 segments on QF metal. So I did a run to get those segments in. Just another reason people do runs. I had flown numerous flights on QF metal but they were sold as AA flights so did not count towards that 4 leg requirement. If you are new to status you might not now that. And to be fair, if someone is seeking/reading the article they are looking for information regarding status.

 

[drron]

There is only 1 important thing to know for status runs-why fly direct when you can connect.After that people should do their own research.
Too many instances in the past when specific anomalies given they are abused by the "lookers".
And the last place I would ever volunteer info on these matters to would be Fairfax.I reported a few years ago an article in the Traveller section which mysteriously had exactly the same words in 2 paragraphs as one of my TRs.And to top it off one of my photos.
Sorry but I don't trust any journalist.

 

[kpc]

In my 7th year as Qf Plat, and was Qf Gold for 5 years prior to that....the only status runs I have previously done are: Syd-Mel rtn, Syd-Bne-Mel-Syd-Nan (incl 2 night holiday) rtn and Syd-Bne-Tsv (JASA) rtn x3....now I just am smarter with work trips. eg booked Syd-Lhr-Vie rtn in J during a double SC offer to attend a conference....that's 1200 SC and Qf Plat retained in one trip

 

[Danger]

It seems this thread is essentially becoming the article.

 

[Deleted member]

Quite possibly, but either the Points plus pay or the ASA had to go if it was going to be an all in one booking engine. From the QF perspective they do better offering points plus pay.

Not from me they don't !!

Let's not even think about the ubiquitous "in and out run" my father is in his 80's. Only flys J and mostly long haul international Oz-US-Europe and back. Hates the idea of positioning for any reason. But then life time status isn't high on his agenda , heck, he doesn't even buy green bananas !!' I agree with a previous post about combining the "run" with planned travel. Mrs GPH and I are off to France in April. We "could" fly BNE-DXB-CDG. We are however flying BNE-MEL-HKG-HEL-CDG. All in J and with some F Lounge time along the way. And more than half the SC's I need to re qualify for WP. My opposition to the article is less about the specifics of status runs, and more about exposing more of the "Hacks" we use to enhance our flying / status experience. I like the relatively elite core of FF's who share here on AFF. Perhaps I am being over protective?

 

[pauly7]

I'm putting together (for Fairfax Media) an article on status runs: partly referencing the 'strange novelty' and unique appeal of this curious (to the outsider) activity, but also seeking to open the eyes of some actual business travellers and semi-frequent flyers (not point-heads like us!) to the status run as a useful option for retaining / boosting status with Qantas and Virgin Australia.

I'd appreciate hearing thoughts from anybody here on their suggestions of a few good status runs and some real-world tips for same, and I'm especially interested in hearing from anybody who might like to be interviewed for the article... however, you'll need to be cool with my using your real name AND you'll need to qualify as a 'normal' person / business traveller who uses status runs to top up their status or nudge up into the next tier, rather than a points / aviation enthusiast who chases status with extensive runs just for their own sake.

[If you need to contact me directly, please send a PM]

Best one I use is Melbourne -> Dallas in paid F and J (First or Business) - lots of status points via Sydney on Qantas

 

[QF WP]

They actually said during the briefing we got prior to the launch that ASA's in their current form wouldn't work in the new booking engine. Realistically ASA's don't exist now, it's points plus pay.

I was in on the briefing and to this day I consider that stament by Qantas as, at best, being "flexible" with the truth.

I think the 4 of us (including David Flynn) were on that phone call IIRC. I remember someone have a sharp intake of breath after it was said and a pause as we all processed the information....then the questions started flowing.

I can see both sides on this article and I think that the number of additional people who would use such "resources" will be miniscule. However, as a person that doesn't (have the opportunity to) use them any more, I won't be in a position to add anything to the article.

 

[basso]

I can't contribute any stories, but I am always interested in stories about the hobbies and what not of others. Doesn't change what I do, but I think it is an interesting thing to write about.

 

[coyote25]

Only story I can add is occasionally it can be cheaper to fly indirectly than directly. On those occasions I have sometimes booked the cheaper indirect fare knowing I get the extra status credits.

I've also been known to pay an extra $10-20 to go from restricted fare to semi flexible and double the status credits on a domestic route.

Gold membership is worth pursuing if you travel a bit and are locked/jailed in economy (Lounge access and free exit row seat selection).

 

[browski]

Status runs are for those fortunate enough to have their company pay for their business class fares. The corporate travel agent and the company rep are complicit in not purchasing one of the many cheaper J fares available. You should write an article on this rort.

I mean, no experienced traveller would fly Qantas/Emirate/Cathay long haul ex-Australia in Business for status if they had to pay from their own pocket.
They would fly cheaper and better airlines and save thousands.

Discount J is always the most cost-effective path of the discerning frequent flyer.

 

[JohnK]

I don't really get status run either. I mean, most people here in AFF would book award ticket in J/F class anyway, that would enable you to go to lounges. There is really no requirement for status.

Status run is a simple concept and can be quite fun.

I figured out a long time ago that I love to travel. Love the thought of travel. Love the thought of spending time at airports. Love visiting new destinations. It didn't take lojg but I then figured out the experience would be much better enhanced with status and access to lounges, better seats and priority boarding.

For the first couple of years I was doing SYD-BKK returns on QF and earning 30 SCs each way. That got me to Silver for a couple of years. That was a big deal although one of those airfares for Christmas 2004 was a B class airfare for ~$1600 but I did get op-up to business class both ways and allocated 11K upper deck 747 both ways.

I then figured I could do SYD-SIN on QF/BA and then SIN-BKK on AY economy for almost same price and earn 90 SCs instead of 60 SCs. On some routings I coud even do SYD-BNE-SIN on QF and SIN-BKK on AY and earn 110 SCs. Some other routings were SYD-MEL-SIN, SYD-PER-SIN. It was fun and I was earning extra SCs.

I then figured that AY business class flights were cheap and earned 120 SCs BKK-SIN instead of the normal 30 SCs. And why not do a BKK-HKG run the day before coming back home? That got me to Gold in my 3rd year.

This was now easy. I was getting better at identifying new routes. And of course I then discovered that airfares ex-SIN were much cheaper. That was in 2006-2007? Booked a one-way SYD-BKK and then started booking all trips ex-BKK or ex-SIN. And then Platinum in my 4th year of Qantas membership.

It has been a fantastic ride. Sure I may have spent a few extra dollars but I have enjoyed it. The planning is fun. The thrill of travel is fun although sometimes tiring. Then I started commuting SYD-BNE. Sometimes it's fun but also tiring.

I still remember doing KLM business class BKK-TPE-BKK and in between TPE-HKG-MNL twice with CX business class. That was 13 flights in 3-4 days including the flights to get to BKK.

And another one was coming home via CX business class BKK-HKG-TPE-HKG-MNL-HKG-BKK-SIN and QF economy SIN-SYD. That was a tiring 1.5 days but thoroughly worth it. I was so tired that I didn't even bother getting out of aircraft in BKK on the HKG-BKK-SIN flight.

One I am looking forward to in March is BNE-PER-SIN-CGK-SIN-SYD-BNE on VA and SQ. Very cheap flight. Don't think I need to leave airport. PER Friday night and SIN Saturday night.

I have also been known to maximise a Oneworld award for stops/transits. Nothing to do with status but extra flights.

Now I am married with a wonderful wife and daughter but don't plan on stopping my passion for flying. I can just imagine when my daughter is 3-4 years old and taking her on a SYD-MEL-LST day trip for father and daughter bonding. She'll love it.

DavidFlynn, I don't mind if you want to use some of my experiences for your article but I am not comfortable with my real name in print in public.

 

[coyote25]

Status run is a simple concept and can be quite fun.

I then figured that AY business class flights were cheap and earned 120 SCs BKK-SIN instead of the normal 30 SCs. And why not do a BKK-HKG run the day before coming back home? That got me to Gold in my 3rd year.

This was now easy. I was getting better at identifying new routes. And of course I then discovered that airfares ex-SIN were much cheaper. That was in 2006-2007? Booked a one-way SYD-BKK and then started booking all trips ex-BKK or ex-SIN. And then Platinum in my 4th year of Qantas membership.

Just wow love the passion you obviously have for the game. I'm sure you daughter will be excited once she joins in on the fun.

 

[almelb]

All the best with your article but having read through all the comments in this thread I am even more confused. Are you saying you don't get paid to write for Fairfax? I am with GPH when he says "I thought you did this for a living".

 

[DavidFlynn]

Sorry for the tardy reply, almelb, I've been totally slammed of late!

Are you saying you don't get paid to write for Fairfax? I am with GPH when he says "I thought you did this for a living".

As a journalist, I write for a living – and my full-time gig (full-time and then some) is Australian Business Traveller, so writing for AusBT is what I do for a living.

But I don't write for Fairfax for a living: the column I pen for them every fortnight is just the smallest of gigs on the side and it's not paid at commercial rates, it's more of a stipend and so certainly not something I do 'for the money', it's really just for the branding and exposure.

And I could write up any number of topics for the column – I have a long list right here – but I'm trying to break up the usual topics with a few 'different' subjects every now and again, a bit of colour and to an extent an element of 'service journalism' rather than straight reporting, and I figured something on keeping / bolstering status and status runs would make a nice addition to that mix.

(That's the thinking behind this choice of topic, and maybe that'll show how I approach this and why this isn't just a 'print anything to make money' piece – not only because I don't do this for the money but because for me it's never about printing just 'anything', it's about the right type of content for the reader.)