Flying AA- better to use QFF or American FF

[too_much_travel]

I am a platinum QFF, now living in the U.S.
Am I better off using my qantas status on internal flights, or using American? I'm sure someone has done the math!
I fly about twice a month - usually DFW-LGA and back to Aust in business twice a year.
I still use my QFF status to get into the admirals lounge, but have no status with AA (half way to gold, which gives me nothing I think)
Thoughts??

 

[Mattg]

Your status has more or less the same value regardless of whether it is earned with QF or AA. Each have minimum "own metal" requirements but given that you commute between Australia and the USA you should have no trouble meeting those requirements on either airline.

I guess the real question is what you want to do with the points. For redemption flights, AA is widely regarded as being better value, and they also don't levy a fuel surcharge on award tickets. But if you specifically want to use the points to upgrade your QF flights (for example), only QF points can be used for that.

Based on the info you've provided my suggestion would probably be to go for AA status. You can also use a status challenge to get there quicker (but only as far as Platinum - equivalent to QF Gold).

 

[opusman]

QF status can give you domestic lounge access in the States where as AA status will not (but you can buy an AC membership).
AA status can give you free upgrades.

Otherwise not a lot of difference between them.

 

[serfty]

...

Otherwise not a lot of difference between them.

Statuswise No, not much difference (aside from the North American lounge access).

Programwise? Yes - AA Charge 72K miles for a one-way OZ/NZ-NA redemption. (e.g. MEL-JFK + $110) Qantas will charge between 144K and 192K and ~$500 for similar.

 

[ozbeachbabe]

Also the AA program has no soft landing the level below so unless you can continually maintain elite status with AA, once your membership anniversary is up you'll go from hero to zero overnight. :shock:

As one savvy AFF member mentioned elsewhere, crediting his domestic QF flights to AA will go further with award travel plus you pay less $$$ in taxes on AAwards, however you need to be an AA elite first ie Exec Plat to reap the benefits when accruing otherwise it's like trying to make a omelet without breaking the eggs.

Statuswise No, not much difference (aside from the North American lounge access).

Programwise? Yes - AA Charge 72K miles for a one-way OZ/NZ-NA redemption. (e.g. MEL-JFK + $110) Qantas will charge between 144K and 192K and ~$500 for similar.

That was in F wasn't it?

 

[juddles]

Anyone know if AA has any agreement with Emirates? If not, QF Plat is the best status to have on the planet.

 

[scwappy]

AA have an agreement with EY not EK

 

[drron]

It really depends on what is important to you.
Harder now to get status now on AA than QF.Though I am finding AA plat gets just about everything that QF WP gets except Flounges and upgrades on QFF.Though I have scored points upgrades on QFF as NB and PS.
The main benefit of AA has beeen better burn rates and lower $s.The burn rate though has been enhanced as fewer sAAver awards now particularly in premium cabins on International routes.Doesn't affect the $s though.\
The other factor with AA is that they give all elites a score and this also counts when asking for say extra award release.Details here-
Helix - The "Eagle System" - Traveling Better Forums

You will be able to work out where I stand from that.

So if you like Flounge access and want J-F upgrades on QF when flying back to Oz then stick with QF.

 

[too_much_travel]

Thanks everyone for your your replies so far. Much appreciated and a bit to think about!