LTG Achieved, what next ?

[mooseup]

Just recently recieved my life time gold status with Qantas, which took 11years (post ansett collapse). This has now got me wondering whats next and what is now the benefit of remaining loyal. I've been platnium for the last 6 or so years but it is now nice to know I can get lounge access and priority baggage with the life time gold even if i dont fly with Qantas as much. Frankly I didn't find the benefits of P that much greater than gold.

Which has made my think why stay loyal to Qantas, and why not try the competetion. The only thing I can think of to keep me honest is avvailablility of frequent flyer seats to take holidays. Unfortunately just cashed in a Sydney-coughet, and returning Bangkok-Sydney for 90000 points and 480AUD in taxes. Which left bitter taste in my mouth as I recall 50000 point return trips and higher availability.

Curiosity is making try the competetion, and do the right think by saving my employer money. But ..So what keeps other LTG members loyal ?

 

[Princess Fiona]

Curiosity is making try the competetion, and do the right think by saving my employer money. But ..So what keeps other LTG members loyal ?

Congratulations
Hoping to get there myself while it's still available.
I think you'll find some folks here hit LTG and then credit to AAnother Program

 

[moa999]

alsoa recent LTGer,

I just hit WP for the year (2months in after a DCIRC and US run), then onto AA.
Had thought about the Plat Challenge, but queried the benefits of the $240 outlay, think I will use AA for some flights, QF for others... I dont fly enough to retain total status on both and the rest of the next 18mths is looking thin...

but for now QF for WP, then rest to AA combined with $points via SPG is it for me.

 

[dajop]

Which has made my think why stay loyal to Qantas, and why not try the competetion. The only thing I can think of to keep me honest is avvailablility of frequent flyer seats to take holidays. Unfortunately just cashed in a Sydney-coughet, and returning Bangkok-Sydney for 90000 points and 480AUD in taxes. Which left bitter taste in my mouth as I recall 50000 point return trips and higher availability.

Curiosity is making try the competetion, and do the right think by saving my employer money. But ..So what keeps other LTG members loyal ?

Depends on what you mean by "the competition", if you are flying is mainly domestically it is debatable (and it has been debated endlessly on AFF) if there any advantages of trying out the competition. And if you are doing mainly short haul domestic on lower fares, it is also debatable whether moving your mileage earning from QF to AA is advantageous.

If you are flying internationally a lot there may be value in looking to the dark side (star alliance) to open some doors that QF doesn't necessarily open. (I find much better availability on star than QF). That of course doesn't mean moving everything across, just to pick and choose. Or if not, at least considering moving your QF crediting to AA, with its' generally lower surcharges on award flights than QF. Depends on how much value you think you get out of Platinum.

Oh, one other thing, is earning points via CC a factor at all? If it is you may also want to consider how that plays into the decision.

 

[TonyHancock]

For what it is worth I still credit to QF because I use points for JASA's and FASA's. It seems to be an excellent use of points. I do however fly DJ domestically because I find their service significantly better and maintain platinum status with them.

I typically pick up 600,000+ points per year from flying and another 300,000 to 400,000 points per year from credit cards, hotels, car hire etc. I'm less than convinced by the AA option.

 

[drewbles]

Congratulations
Hoping to get there myself while it's still available.
I think you'll find some folks here hit LTG and then credit to AAnother Program

What PF Said. I believe there is AAnother AAirline that does better AAward redemptions (like 125k points return anywhere in AU-NZ to anywhere in the USA in J plus around $50).

Keep in mind though, if you're after OW Emerald, said 'other AAirline' makes it tough to get (100 segments/100k EQM's/100kEQP's)

 

[serfty]

...
I think you'll find some folks here hit LTG and then credit to AAnother Program

I thought I would, but found WP is still the sweeter spot.

So I still aim for WP but look to other alliances as well - currently easing out of a short but useful relationship with NZ, although that'll take a couple of years before I need to really look elsewhere.

My Qantas "year" will end next month with just over 2000 SC's expiring - saw no cost/benefit in pushing for another 400.

(FWIW, I currently have over 24,000 LTSC, with booking already in place by this time next year it will be over 26,000.)

What PF Said. I believe there is AAnother AAirline that does better AAward redemptions (like 125k points return anywhere in AU-NZ to anywhere in the USA in J plus around $50). ...

The JASA's keep me intersted - there are some bargains out there - of course for the best you really need to book 350 days out.