Need 5 Status Credits to upgrade F/F status to Silver

[higheden]

Hello

I'm a frequent flyer between USA, Australia and NZ. I need 5 status credits by Nov 30th to make silver f/f membership.

In checking I've learnt I can only do this by taking a flight which awards f/f points.

So far in the last 5 weeks I've been on 9 flights (these are not for business but personal) so am looking for a short, cheap points paying flight out of Brisbane in the coming few days.

cThe other option in when I get back to the States, to grab an AA flight somewhere, but even those awarding f/f points are costly at this stage.

Have spent hours on QANTAS site trying to find something but at short notice the fares are close to full price ................. has anyone out there been in this situation? Does anyone have any ideas on what I can do?

I would really appreciate some ideas

Thanks
higheden

 

[medhead]

I think firstly we will need some extra information. Like where you are based in the US. What flying you have already, for example how are you returning to the US is there the chance to modify those flights to get the extra 5SC. Do you have time constraints while in Brisbane. Exactly how long are you in Brisbane?

A quick look and I can see Newcastle to Brisbane tomorrow for $79. Could you get to Newcastle by midday tomorrow? Is that realistic? Is silver worth the hassle?

I see the Mal Colston days are gone with no direct BNE-OOL flights.

You could have a day in Sydney tomorrow for about $200. A long day

 

[yohy?!]

Hello

I'm a frequent flyer between USA, Australia and NZ. I need 5 status credits by Nov 30th to make silver f/f membership.

In checking I've learnt I can only do this by taking a flight which awards f/f points.

So far in the last 5 weeks I've been on 9 flights (these are not for business but personal) so am looking for a short, cheap points paying flight out of Brisbane in the coming few days.

cThe other option in when I get back to the States, to grab an AA flight somewhere, but even those awarding f/f points are costly at this stage.

Have spent hours on QANTAS site trying to find something but at short notice the fares are close to full price ................. has anyone out there been in this situation? Does anyone have any ideas on what I can do?

I would really appreciate some ideas

Thanks
higheden

Remember that Any Seat Awards or Points Plus Pay flights earn status credits and points, these may be the cheapest way for you to pick up the needed status credits.

 

[serfty]

Welcome to AFF.

For those five SC's you do need to fly!

For 5 SC's, ANY qualifying flight would do.

From Brisbane, Sydney seems the cheapest at the current time for flights to the end of November.

 

[markis10]

Its going to cost around $150-200 for those 5SCs, if your heading back to the LOTFAP maybe you can reroute your flight via one of the southern departure points? ROK would be a reasonable day trip option, with competition to keep the fare down to $100 or so each way.

 

[medhead]

Ok here is a wild idea. ROK-BNE for $79 on Saturday at 1655. What is the cheapest way to get to Rocky? Bus Friday night?
The tilt train is $108, which is cheaper than the $141 on qantas. But requires a hotel.
Or perhaps Gladstone tomorrow $98 on tilt train to Gladstone arrive at 1712. QF2345 returning at 1900 for $91.

Edit: actually those are stupid ideas. Especially when an any seat award BNE-ROK return is available tomorrow for 16000 points and $80.

 

[docjames]

I'd say the easiest is to route the next US flight SYD-BNE-LAX or SYD-MEL-LAX and pick up the extra 10SCs.

I wouldnt be investing $200+ to get Silver - it's not worth it.

 

[simongr]

Is silver really worth anything? I guess business class queues at the airports in the US might be worth it but the overall benefits are going to be pretty tiny surely?

 

[medhead]

Agreed I'm not sure of the value. The most valuable benefit I can think of is the 25% points bonus especially as the OP sounds like they do a bit of trans pacific flying.

 

[notzac]

Is silver really worth anything? I guess business class queues at the airports in the US might be worth it but the overall benefits are going to be pretty tiny surely?

If the OP is based in the US (it's not entirely clear), then acquiring QF Silver would mean no baggage fees and Priority AAccess when flying on AA, which could be a significant benefit.

Agreed that if the OP is based in AU and mostly travels domestically, QF Silver is of little value.

 

[serfty]

Domestically at least, a PS can avoid middle seats with advanced seat selection.

NB cannot do this.

 

[higheden]

Thank you everyone for your input.
We do live most of the year in the USA, flying back there next week ................ re-routing at this stage to get those 5 status credits is too costly.
Am also very appreciative of the comments about the value of Silver status. The benefits have changed since I was last silver and gold with QANTAS and I hadn't realised how little is on offer for silver now.
Many thanks
Higheden

 

[serfty]

If you live in the USA and already have four ~ Qantas flights, then Qantas Gold status can be had for relatively few $$$ and a spare weekend.

 

[gumpy]

OP I don't know where you're at with this but my friend was in the same position as you, he gave QF a call and they put him up to silver... He did this about 2 months ago.

I'd give it ago, Silver doesn't give you heaps but it's better than nothing.

 

[higheden]

OP I don't know where you're at with this but my friend was in the same position as you, he gave QF a call and they put him up to silver... He did this about 2 months ago.

I'd give it ago, Silver doesn't give you heaps but it's better than nothing.

Wow! I did speak to them but no-go! I had to fly which I did last Monday and is the subject of a blog entry I'm preparing!