Pay more for Qantas Premium Economy over Air New Zealand? Am I crazy?

[Pleb Status]

Interesting. That puts a whole different perspective on it. I wasn't aware that PER-AKL-Lax rtn gives 420 VA SC and thus 80 VA SC short of VA SG. Having said that, I never fly VA domestic thus finding the extra 80 VA SC can be tough.

Just out of curiosity, LAX-LAS rtn in Y would yield how many VA SC?

Fly in standard DL Y and you will get 10 VA SC each way. Fly in DL Comfort+ and get 30 VA SC each way.

You will still need the 4 VA sectors to qualify SG however (VA codeshares also count).

Note that once you have qualified SG, it is only currently 400SC to retain versus 600SC to retain on QF.

 

[trippin_the_rift]

you're not really going to LA with friends if you're not on the same flight. More like, meeting friends there. I would put a premium on travelling with friends and the status a secondary factor.

 

[Pleb Status]

you're not really going to LA with friends if you're not on the same flight. More like, meeting friends there. I would put a premium on travelling with friends and the status a secondary factor.

Could not agree more....

 

[deuteros]

you're not really going to LA with friends if you're not on the same flight. More like, meeting friends there. I would put a premium on travelling with friends and the status a secondary factor.

Agree, and the reason for starting the thread. I let the logical side of me decide and didn't feel right.

 

[njba]

I'm not sure if I place much value on being on the same physical plane as friends. But then I'm a headphones-on sort of traveller not a 'pub in the sky' guy. But seriously, everyone will be watching TV or sleeping, so there's not a lot of benefit on having them nearby.

You must surely seize the opportunity to retain SG. Plus, you could always put in for an upgrade for your QFi flight, which is something unavailable to you on ANZ. I know what decision I'd make, at any rate!

Good luck and have a nice trip!

 

[deuteros]

To close out this thread, I didn't change my booking, choosing to stay with Qantas Premium Economy, whilst my friends flew Air NZ Premium Economy. I booked PER-MEL-LAX return and requested points upgrade to J. I successfully got upgraded on all 4 legs. Together with lounge access due to SG status, I had a very comfortable trip, with no jet lag upon landing at either end. By arriving in LAX 10 hours earlier, I also managed to squeeze in a day at Long Beach for the Indycar, before my friends arrived. I was also fresher and less tired than my friends, who continued to suffer jet lag for the next couple of days. Although they were jealous of me, the friendship didn't suffer and I'd do it again next time without questioning myself. On both long haul legs, I took the opportunity to sleep 8+ hours so not travelling with friends didn't mean much.

Hard to put a cost on comfort, but I'm unlikely to pay ~$9k for J return however using 120k points and $3+k for premium economy seat was quite palatable.

Interestingly on all 4 legs, the J cabin was full, every seat taken. One wonders how many were full fare paying customers and how many were allocated for point upgrades.

Thanks to all for your wonderful insights.