Moving from NZ Airpoints to KF?

[michaelj]

I am currently a gold Airpoints member. While I fly a bit TT on Air NZ (Y) and use them domestically, most of my status comes from using SQ in J on long haul flights 2 or 3 times a year. (Note I am also QF WP and use OW airlines most of the time.)

I'm toying with the idea of joining KF in place of Airpoints, prompted partly by Air NZ making upgrades more difficult to get (and impossible on many TT flights that are all Y.) Any advice? Would KF status match?

 

[cove]

What I can tell you is that Kris Flyer points are easy to redeem in J and First .
The fuel levies are high but I really like the product and you don't need status.

 

[dajop]

Krisflyer won't status match.

It all depends on route and what your aims are as to which is the best program .

For example 6 x SYD-SIN (one way) in J travelling on SQ, credited to NZ Airpoints will get star gold. You need 11 such sectors on Krisflyer to get gold. However your miles credited to Krisflyer may get you a lot further, especially if you can supplement them with miles earnt via credit card, and you can waitlist for awards on SQ whichc is a great boon. Australia-SIN is a particularly generous route for earning on NZ though, other routes (eg SIN-Europe, SIN-NZ) can be a lot worse, and crediting any flight in economy >400 miles to NZ is a complete waste of time, unless, you can't earn points on any other program.

The other thing to think about are other star alliance programs, or even VA's Velocity. Aegean will get you status as quickly as you would on NZ, but again it may take you more trips to use miles. Since the demise of BMI (as a star alliance member), there is no stand out program that is good for all, it really depends on your aims and where/how/what class you want to redeem your points in.

 

[trooper]

The reason I am staying with NZ's Airpoints (rec travel only) is the 2 upgrade certificates... Like you I get most of my credit from J flights on Asian *A airlines... but those certs (along with the everywhere lounge access etc) make it work.. for me at least...

 

[serfty]

The reason I am staying with NZ's Airpoints (rec travel only) is the 2 upgrade certificates... Like you I get most of my credit from J flights on Asian *A airlines... but those certs (along with the everywhere lounge access etc) make it work.. for me at least...

AirNZ *G can be easily earend with USA flights for around $2K - and will give one Velocity Status benefits when on DJ.

I have a years *GE 'banked' so will be that status until June 2014, after that *G with a soft landing for another year.

So I have two years to evaluate my *A strategy.

I may continue with *G using Airpoints, or not - if I do it would mainly be due to the Virgin Australia partnership.

 

[k3nnis]

Hi Serfty,

What flights do I need to make to get NZ*G for around $2000?

 

[michaelj]

Thanks everyone for the comments. I'm keen on maintaining Koru access when in NZ on domestic travel in Y. I'll probably stay where I am and use the SQ J travel to keep the NZ status up.

 

[serfty]

Hi Serfty,

What flights do I need to make to get NZ*G for around $2000?

YUPP's (restricted First) can be purchase in First class on UA/US that can earn, say 250 SP's for around $500.

Even midweek economy fares for USD60 between LAX and LAS that book into E class on USair route via PHX and earn 2x15 SP's. (But that's a lot of flying for 900 SP's .)

Little different to that which QFFers do with AA on "Instant Upgrade" fares.

 

[k3nnis]

Thanks serfty