Is it time to reconsider our ff strategy?

[turtlemichael]

There have been many threads suggesting that it is time to move on once you reach LTG but I'm basically very conservative and haven't made the move. I have been very happy with my QFF status and its benefits. But recent events (the increasing jetstarisation of my main domestic route, CNS-SYD, questions about the very future of QF, the decreasing QFi portfolio) have made me start to think what I should be doing.

Here is the profile:

1. Partner and I are both long term QFF members. My FF no. has 5 digits.
2. Both have reached LTG and would be well on the way to LTP if it existed. We have both been WP for many years now.
3. Having been flirting around the dreaded R age, most of our flying is together and now for leisure.
4. This year we'll do 24 domestic legs, mainly in Y and mainly CNS-SYD.
5. We average 1 or 2 overseas trips a year. They'll usually be significant, up to 6 months in one case, though I expect the time away to decrease.
6. Our usual pattern is to enter and leave Australia on a JASA and do the other international travel on different arrangements. e.g. extensive Y-up fares in the US, maybe using points on VS on some intercontinental legs or using cheaper oneworld partnerss e.g. RJ, all in F or J.
7. We currently have around 100K QF points between us but many more Amex MR points and VS points.
8. The attractions of QF WP status to us are lounge access, priority boarding in the US, easier JASA access, better seat choice. Some of these would apply under a different scheme.
9. If/when CNS-SYD becomes all Jetstar we will fly VA to Sydney though my experience on them (4 flights in the past 9 months) has been very JQish!
10. My emotional loyalty to QF has diminished in recent times. I now tend to be more conscious of the dollar and use my WP status strategically.
11. We currently have booked a large number of QF/AA/RJ/CX flights that will give us each about 2200SC's in the next 12 months. In the medium term I think we'll struggle to maintain WP status.

Just writing that down has helped me to clarify my thoughts. I'd appreciate any advice or suggestions.

 

[markis10]

If DJget a lounge in CNS I suspect the decision will be harder to make!

 

[turtlemichael]

One bump and then I'll shut up

 

[simongr]

Unless you can make top tier in both programs I personally would stick to one program. I tried a couple of flights with DJ and it was ok but not this revelation that has been mooted here. This year I could have maintained status with both (and in retrospect almost wish I had as it is looking likely that I will be hitting 3000SCs this year :shock

Another option might be to consider one of you in the QF program and one in the AA program. Awards are cheaper on AA and the benefits if flying in the US are great if you can hit EXP. Even if you don't hit EXP but your other half hit QF WP then you get access to cheaper awards and access to lounges. Just something to explore.

 

[eastwest101]

As someone who is conservative as well I don't see why that would preclude you from gaining or maintaining a foothold in "the other camp" - or a plan B so to speak.

If you had taken the status match from VA then that would be a great start and even if you fly VA from CNS-SYD a few times you will be able to maintain status or use family pooling somehow to give you more optionality. Obviously you are pretty heavily invested or hand-cuffed into QFF at the moment but wouldn't hurt to develop your plan B if the entry barriers are not too high for you.

simongr also had some other good suggestions as well....

 

[docjames]

I would seek a status match (if possible) from DJ and then give them a go. You have SG to fall back on at QF if you dont like the switch.

The major drawbacks i see are the lack of a DJ lounge in CNS (not that QP CNS is anything to write home about), and if unable to get a status match, having to rebuild from scratch (not worth it).

The pros are the chance to build in another program, have that to fall onto if QF falls over (despite the woes, seems unlikely, especially domestically), and there are at least equivalent (and depending on destinations planned, better) partners and flight options.

If using points on J fares, you can always use DJ when travelling as you get lounge access with the fare anyway.

 

[turtlemichael]

Thanks for these comments. I did do the DJ Plat status match last year but have barely used it. My few flights on DJ were less than stellar and poor in comparison with QF. They would be better than JQ however if/when JQ becomes the only option out of CNS. The major plus for me of the status match was the HH Diamond status which I'll maintain in my own right. The DJ platinum status will expire (for both of us) in September and there will be no more opportunity for travel on DJ before then. A lounge in CNS, be it QF or DJ, is not as important as lounge access elsewhere because it is usually just 10-15 minutes before boarding at the start of a trip.

 

[docjames]

Thanks for these comments. I did do the DJ Plat status match last year but have barely used it. My few flights on DJ were less than stellar and poor in comparison with QF. They would be better than JQ however if/when JQ becomes the only option out of CNS. The major plus for me of the status match was the HH Diamond status which I'll maintain in my own right. The DJ platinum status will expire (for both of us) in September and there will be no more opportunity for travel on DJ before then. A lounge in CNS, be it QF or DJ, is not as important as lounge access elsewhere because it is usually just 10-15 minutes before boarding at the start of a trip.

Agree with those sentiments except to say (without stirring fanbois / haters on both sides of the fence) that of course VA is still evolving and the airline of a year ago has improved over the year since. It might help that they now offer "proper" J to CNS (iirc) rather than Y+. So it may be worth at least considering. They will be unlikely to offer you another comp.

It may be worth consdering you could always use some of those credit card points to transfer to Velocity and upgrade fares to J from flexible economy fares, thus earning Y SCs but J travel (if you were inclined to go for at least gold). I dont think it would be worth switching / travelling VA unless you can get to Gold fairly quickly.

 

[cosi]

It is becoming increasing harder to remain loyal to QF with shrinking flight options and fully understand/appreciate turtlemichael situation.

I am also a 5 digit FF and a long time WP.

Luckily I can reach the mandatory 4 QF flights each year with 2 domestic runs from Perth to Sydney and return with many daily QF flight options.

But, all my overseas travel is now solely with CX, which has better scheduling ex Per and a superior J product to QF (luckily I sleep on my side, so the coffins are OK for me & the new fantastic J seats, which I have experienced, are only several months away)