My first status run to Gold!

[ronaldh]

So after spending a fair bit of time on these forums learning and taking on the wisdom that others have passed around, I decided to go and do a status run next week to Gold!
Have a JASA CBR-BNE-TSV-BNE-CBR booked (cash and points - $300 + 36,000, for a total of 200 SCs) and a MEL-CBR-MEL in Y.
Just thought I'd say thanks for the inspiration! Might do a trip report after

I do have a few questions though...the CBR-BNE-TSV trip at the moment departs CBR at 1:15pm, touches down at BNE at 3:00pm, before I jump on the next flight at 4:55pm to TSV. I get to CBR at 9:30am.

I'm thinking of changing to an earlier flight - probably QF952 leaving at 11:05pm then taking the 1:55pm QF974 to TSV but doesn't seem to be available at the same price bracket when I change online. Looking at ExpertFlyer, I can see that there is 6 pax availablility for U for CBR to BNE, but no U for BNE to TSV (but J9).

Does anyone know whether Qantas will release more U availablity closer to the date OR if I fly the earlier CBR-BNE, is there any chance of moving to an earlier flight if I ask at the J Lounge in CBR? (also, would changing flights there affect status credits and points?).

The other question I had was...what is the J experience like on a 737-400? Reading around, I know they're just converted Y seats!...is the meal/service J? and what sort of offerings would I expect?

Thanks

 

[Newk]

have a good time. Next year I bet you will want to try for WP

 

[ronaldh]

haha, yep, that did cross my mind! Got the double status credits promo..so would be just another 350 or so SCs. But don't have enough points nor the time before the membership year is over!

 

[stomplad]

Yes be warned LOL! I got the bug and went from silver to Plat in one year. Chasing status is now my hobby and guilty self indulgence.
Canberra J lounge is not a bad place to be waiting at it is a beautiful lounge. I have always found that the if there are seats available on the day you can make flight changes at the lounge, without cost if you get friendly lounge staff. So if u cant change before do it at J lounge.
Happy travels

 

[markis10]

I doubt you will be able to change flights before the day, on the day might be a different story. As for the J experience on the 734s, its no different to other single aisle service, having said that I find the Breakfast out of TSV great.

 

[samh004]

On a 734, make sure you choose row 1 (D/F) as the right hand side has a cutout for your feet, increasing your legroom, but the left doesn't!

That's my advice

Staff in the QP at TSV are generally pretty good with flight changes too, or at least have been with me.

 

[ronaldh]

Yes be warned LOL! I got the bug and went from silver to Plat in one year. Chasing status is now my hobby and guilty self indulgence.

It is tempting! Maybe next year...the F Lounge access in SYD would be awesome for the overseas trips I have planned at the end of the year though...
If I have checked baggage, will I still be able to change at the QP or would I do that before I did bag drop?

 

[ronaldh]

Also...is it possible to go from a red e-deal fare to a JASA without penalty? As I understand it..you're not actually "changing" the flight?

 

[Kangol]

Also...is it possible to go from a red e-deal fare to a JASA without penalty? As I understand it..you're not actually "changing" the flight?

You are changing the fare though... so the answer is most probably a no.