lAAck of Challenge runs from BNE

[CO BNE]

Started looking at the possibility of a DONEX trip next year and with all the information available with regards to the cheap fares from a variety of port(s), I thought i'd start looking into the costs associated in getting to said port(s) to determine what was worth the effort.

Due to not being able to concentrate for long, I started becoming side tracked on the cheapest way to get the AA Platinum challenge ex-BNE and wondered what other people may be able to share with regards to best bang for buck (I'm sure NM, Lindsay Wilson and others are able to add more).

Basically...a way to get AA Plat (10,000 EQM with the least money using QF flights).

Looking at costs/distance in AU/NZ it's just not worth it. Travelling to the US on B or H (Y is exactly as it sounds, WHY bother) can cost just over 3k for H for a return trip and a bit more for B. The benefit being that you qualify on the first leg.

Instead looking at some cities closer and a regular holiday destination such as SIN, HKG I came up with the below but wouldn't mind what finding out what others have done in the past.

All costs ex-Tax, Airport Duties, etc

BNE-BKK [VLBB] AUD 1,118
Season: 14JUL-8SEP05, 10OCT-16NOV05 OR 30JAN-31MAR06
Return: 10,320 (via SYD)
EQM: 10,320
Other Routings: Direct

BNE-BOM [VJSS3M] AUD 1,269
Season: 1AUG-30SEP05
Return: 13,574 (via SYD)
EQM: 13,574
Other Routings: BNE-BKK/HKG/SIN-[Non QF]-BOM, BNE-BKK/HKG/SIN-[Non QF]-BOM

BNE-SIN [BLFF] AUD 1,324
Season: 14JUL-8SEP05, 10OCT-16NOV05 OR 30JAN-31MAR06
Return: 7,642 (Direct)
EQM: 11,463
Other Routings (more miles): BNE-SYD-DPS/JKT-SIN, BNE-SYD-SIN

BNE-HKG [YLEE1Y3 (QF) or BLEE1Y (CX) AUD 2,034
Season: 14JUL-8SEP05, 10OCT-16NOV05 OR 30JAN-31MAR06
Return: 8,642 (Direct)
EQM: 12,963

BNE-CMB same as BNE-BOM but via BOM and BOM-CMB using non-QF.

 

[QF WP]

CO BNE, what you need to start to look at (for the cheapest costs and better flights) is probably BA WT+ in T class (discounted WT+, full fare is W).

Look at AA's earning chart for BA. W or T class are 1.5EQM.

Therefore, a BNE/SYD/SIN/SYD/BNE on a fare like TPLX would set you back about $1,048 plus taxes (~$1,257 including taxes). That gives you K class QF BNE/SYD/BNE and BA WT+ SYD/SIN/SYD. You could also interpose MEL with SYD.

As SYD/SIN is ~3,908 miles; then you'll meet the Challenge just from the WT+ sectors (3,098 * 1.5 EQM = 5,862 *2 = 11,724 EQM's) plus the QF sectors. You'd be AA Plat by the time you land in SYD (although it won't have posted by that stage).

I'd challenge you to find anything as cheap on QF...

 

[CO BNE]

Thanks Lindasy . Never considered the WT+. I took a look at the T bucket fare and all I can say is i'm never flying to Singapore again on QF.

You're right, i'm going to struggle to find anything close to it that is going to yield a combination of comfort and points for a status run.

 

[QF WP]

Thanks Lindsay. Never considered the WT+.

Well, it's certainly cheaper and more comfortable that your options, so I couldn't see you suffer in Y :shock: .

Happy to help, as I have used it for others in their AA Plat Challenge.

all I can say is i'm never flying to Singapore again on QF

I've flown it both from SYD & MEL to SIN, as well as SIN/LHR and LHR/HKG. Simply you'll never want to go back to QF Y. I agree, I have used it since I knew it was available and post 25 May, I would use it exclusively on any sectors that offer it (now that even I probably wouldn't know until the day of travel whether an upgrade using points/UC's would clear).

 

[QF WP]

wouldn't mind what finding out what others have done in the past

I've put people through the AA Plat Challenge on a wide range of flights/carriers:

1. Our Chief Bridesmaid, she flew WT+ (T class) LHR/MEL/SIN/LHR and QF MEL/BNE/MEL (all in one ticket, I separated them to show). She qualified in MEL on the first flight...

2. My parent flew QF J BNE/LAX/BNE... again, qualified first flight

3. Best friend (lives in SIN) flew QF SIN/SYD/AKL/SYD/SIN and AY SIN/BKK/SIN (all in discount Y) to score it...but not as many bonus points on his final flight to achieve Plat (AY SIN/BKK). But he has been doing lots of internal Asia trips in the past 2 years as well as SIN/LHR/SIN and SIN/SYD/SIN to requal.

4. Others on this Board such as MetroAir and Bob, I'm pretty sure...(see previous threads) as well as others on Flyertalk

I enjoy helping people reach status....I'm there and know what it's like 8)