QF Getting back to Platinum - a Challenge

[file51]

Background:

Was QFF Platinum for 5 years, had 1 extra year comped, Gold 3 years (1 of those comped) and about to be bumped back to Silver. Originally got to, and maintained the higher tiers due to work flights. (status rollover date is January 31st)

Goal:

To get back to Platinum status in the most efficient manner possible combining both work flights and holiday flights which have all been given the green lights.

How to:

Over the next 12 months several work domestic flights have been confirmed and booked. Mainly from SYD to MEL & BNE and all economy, however they are all with QF so that is a start.

There is a 75% chance I will be doing a SYD to Frankfurt return trip in late February, this will be with QF, and will be discount economy, once again a work trip so I have little input in things other than to select the airline.

I will be travelling to Chicago in mid March for a trade show, this will naturally be with QF in economy, however I am looking at paying a little extra myself and doing the LAX-ORD sectors, (direct or with stops if it works out beneficial) direct through AA in First however I am stumped at trying to work out firstly what the flights would be worth in SC, and secondly the options provided, i.e. Instant Upgrade (P) & First Flexible (F)??? Do both confirm a seat in 1st, and do both earn 1st SC???

Next I have a SYD-HNL trip with JQ in August which is in economy, however am seriously looking at paying extra to go into StarClass (personal holiday) plus will be flying over to LAX which will be with AA

Last confirmed trip will be either to HNL, LAX or SFO in December '08 or early January '09 that will also have several domestic USA flights involved.

So.....

Based on the above and needing 1400 SC is it possible, any tips or suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

thx

 

[littl_flier]

Re: QF Getting back to Platinum Challenge

I will be travelling to Chicago in mid March for a trade show, this will naturally be with QF in economy, however I am looking at paying a little extra myself and doing the LAX-ORD sectors, (direct or with stops if it works out beneficial) direct through AA in First however I am stumped at trying to work out firstly what the flights would be worth in SC, and secondly the options provided, i.e. Instant Upgrade (P) & First Flexible (F)??? Do both confirm a seat in 1st, and do both earn 1st SC???

Hi file51. The upgrade option is a YUPP/KUPP fare which books into P class and awards flights at First Class SC rates. The only problem occurs if there are cancellations or delays and you are accomodated into a lower cabin as per the fare rules. In this case, you'll obviously lose the SC's. (though I'm unsure if you could lodge a missing SC claim in this circumstance?) The LAX-ORD sectors in First Class earn 120 SC's each.

Next I have a SYD-HNL trip with JQ in August which is in economy, however am seriously looking at paying extra to go into StarClass (personal holiday) plus will be flying over to LAX which will be with AA

You could look at booking Star Class or try to grab the $300 upgrades at the airport which will earn full Business Class SC's. (though it's not guaranteed and I would recommend getting in early on the day anyway)

Last confirmed trip will be either to HNL, LAX or SFO in December '08 or early January '09 that will also have several domestic USA flights involved.

Maybe consider a YUPP with a bit of a SC run. A Star Class flight/Jet Flex to HNL and then a YUPP to BWI. Permitted routings include HNL-LAX/SFO-DFW-BWI. The LAX option gives 780 SC's and prices out around $1900 at the moment. Stopovers are permitted in LAX or SFO for $50 USD in each direction.

SYD-HNL-LAX-DFW-BWI-DFW-LAX-HNL-SYD would earn 1060 SC's for around $4,500.

 

[Danger]

Re: QF Getting back to Platinum Challenge

With regard to upgrading to StarClass on JQ, check this thread out concerning whether or not you actually earn SCs (status credits) for an ODU (on departure upgrade).

http://www.frequentflyer.com.au/community/your-questions/odu-jetstar-starclass-10590.html

 

[file51]

Re: QF Getting back to Platinum Challenge

Maybe consider a YUPP with a bit of a SC run. A Star Class flight/Jet Flex to HNL and then a YUPP to BWI. Permitted routings include HNL-LAX/SFO-DFW-BWI. The LAX option gives 780 SC's and prices out around $1900 at the moment. Stopovers are permitted in LAX or SFO for $50 USD in each direction.

OK, now this has got me thinking... on the YUPP, could you enhance the SC value of things by going past Baltimore/Washington and stretching it out to New York (La Guardia or JFK) or even Boston???

SYD-HNL-LAX-DFW-BWI-DFW-LAX-HNL-SYD would earn 1060 SC's for around $4,500

This isnt bad, however I keep reading a lot of threads regarding going via Tokyo Narita. I wonder if that is an option, however that would obviosly cut out the HNL stop (I think).

 

[file51]

Re: QF Getting back to Platinum Challenge

With regard to upgrading to StarClass on JQ, check this thread out concerning whether or not you actually earn SCs (status credits) for an ODU (on departure upgrade).

http://www.frequentflyer.com.au/community/your-questions/odu-jetstar-starclass-10590.html

I have read that, and there seems to be a lot of confusion as to whether you get the SC's and points or not.

I will keep watching updates on this and make a decision on whether to try the ODU way or just pay the extra closer to August. (if early check-in is required to have a chance at an ODU... no problem)

 

[littl_flier]

Re: QF Getting back to Platinum Challenge

OK, now this has got me thinking... on the YUPP, could you enhance the SC value of things by going past Baltimore/Washington and stretching it out to New York (La Guardia or JFK) or even Boston???

You could take it to New York I guess though the fare basis is HNL-BWI so you'd have to purchase the segments separately after BWI. (but BWI-JFK is just a quick little jump in a Regional Jet which is all economy so defeats the purpose really)

I'm unsure how many sectors you can actually stretch out a YUPP for but the AA website will only allow up to three sectors in each direction so maybe this is the limit?

This isnt bad, however I keep reading a lot of threads regarding going via Tokyo Narita. I wonder if that is an option, however that would obviosly cut out the HNL stop (I think).

You could go via Tokyo NRT but I have a feeling you may be referring to the cheaper DONE3/4/5's out of NRT which alot of people take advantage of. Is this the case? If so, it probably wouldn't be ideal. Fare is around $7k and gives you up to 20 sectors around the world including 6 in North America in First Class where Business Class is not offered. Remember you have to add in the cost of getting to NRT as well.

There are a few AA/JAL or QF deals offered which include Business Class with QF/JL to NRT and then Business Class on AA to SFO or LAX though I can't find this particular fare at the moment. Another similar is here: Australian Travel Agent : Best Flights - discount travel - Travel Agent Australia though it's more a cheap Business Class fare to LAX/SFO rather than a good SC earner. (and note that JAL taxes and fuel fines are through the roof so these need to be added on)

 

[file51]

I am thinking the HNL-BWI option is looking to be the best option, thanks for that...

 

[JohnK]

Since you will already be in ORD a very simple YUP/KUP from ORD-TPA will earn 420 SCs for ~US$950. It will require an overnight in TPA. Travel on the right dates and this may increase to 450 SCs. Another option is a YUP-KUP from ORD-DEN which will earn between 360-480 SCs for around the same amount of money. Again this will require an overnight in DEN.

If this was my challenge I would be trying to get to 1400 SCs without going too far over. Look at your planned travel and calculate how many additional SCs you will require to reach QF Platinum.

To me $4500 for 1060 SCs sounds too much to pay especially in the USA. Your planned travel should earn around 500 SCs possibly a little more. The two YUP/KUPs I mentioned above would almost get you to the target for a fraction of the cost.

 

[file51]

To me $4500 for 1060 SCs sounds too much to pay especially in the USA. Your planned travel should earn around 500 SCs possibly a little more. The two YUP/KUPs I mentioned above would almost get you to the target for a fraction of the cost.

Thanks JohnK, I am assuming the ORD-TPA & ORD-DEN YUP-KUP you refer to are return flights??? (sorry if this seems like a stupid question). Either way it is certainly a saving and could easily sneak one of those into the work budget without having to shell out J flights from SYD

 

[JohnK]

Thanks JohnK, I am assuming the ORD-TPA & ORD-DEN YUP-KUP you refer to are return flights??? (sorry if this seems like a stupid question).

Yes the airfare and SCs I quoted are for a return flights. The number of SCs possible depends on the day of the week and what flights are available? Definitely a decent enough SC run but do not attempt if you will check in luggage as even minor delays will mean that you will make the flight but your luggage won't.

 

[file51]

Maybe consider a YUPP with a bit of a SC run. A Star Class flight/Jet Flex to HNL and then a YUPP to BWI. Permitted routings include HNL-LAX/SFO-DFW-BWI. The LAX option gives 780 SC's and prices out around $1900 at the moment.

OK well I am tossing up the above suggestion (with the addition of a ORD leg), or the following HNL-LAX (Stopover)-ORD-DFW-LAX-HNL However for the life of me cant find a fare for less than US$2500. the only important factors are that I am in ORD between the 18th & 20th of March, everything else is flexible. I guess it doesnt help that Easter is later that week either... :evil:

 

[JohnK]

OK well I am tossing up the above suggestion (with the addition of a ORD leg), or the following HNL-LAX (Stopover)-ORD-DFW-LAX-HNL However for the life of me cant find a fare for less than US$2500.

I do not think that HNL-ORD regardless of the routing would yield a decent status run especially with a stopover in LAX. Just remember that not every destination gives decent status run. Just because HNL-BWI or HNL-BOS are good status runs does not mean that HNL-ORD will be a good status run. You can play around with the booking engine all you like but if the status run is not there then move on until you find a favourable status run.

Your best bet would be to get to ORD and start a status run from there as I have recommended.

 

[file51]

When I said with the addition of an ORD leg I meant off something like the BWI routing suggested, i.e. a seperate return flight leg (BWI-ORD-BWI)

At the end of the day, if I can get at least 700 SC whilst not going crazy with flights that is fine. Given some developments over the past few days for potential travel in the 3rd and 4th quarter this year (all Y class, but all with QF) that gives me another 200-300 SC that wasnt in the pipeline already.

 

[file51]

ok, suggestions requested, or someone point me in the right direction to work out the best deal myself.

I have been allocated a budget of A$2100 plus the flights to HNL on JQ (albeit these are discount economy, so unless I can score a ODU or pay the difference myself I will leave that as is).

Dates I am looking at are leaving Mar 13th and coming back sometime between the 20th and 23rd. The only things I want is a day or 2 in LA at the start of the time period, and to be in ORD between the 18th & 20th.

The rest of the time I am open to a crazy SC run, or whatever will fit within the budget (not a huge amount allocated, but it isnt my $$$). I am willing to chip in a bit of cash if the outcome would be significantly better off.

Oh, it would be carry on only, as I noticed some crazy connection times on some moke up itenerarys done on the AA site.

Many thanks once again

 

[littl_flier]

With $2100 probably the best bet is to go HNL-LAX-DFW-BWI/BOS and then purchase a point to point BWI/BOS-ORD in discount economy. It will still be a little more than $2100 but will yield 780 SC's + the BWI/BOS-ORD discount economy SC's. Note, the YUPP's seem to have gone up and HNL-BWI is now USD$2054 and HNL-BOS are $2080.

A point to point HNL-ORD YUPP doesn't seem to be the best value at won't come in under your $2100 budget. HNL-LAX-DEN-ORD and ORD-STL-LAX-HNL price in at $2126.90 USD though this might be a better value even with the lower SC's. 690 SC's could be earnt on this route.

I believe you will have to use a travel agent to book the stopover in LAX. I'm unaware of any way this can be done via the AA website. Alternatively, you try calling the AA US phone number and speaking with an agent.

 

[file51]

Thanks littl_flier.

It looks like I am back to the drawing board for a few things. The SYD-FRA trip has been changed so only 1 person from work is going (and it isnt me... grrrrrrrr). So there goes 120 SC, not many, but a good start especially when it wasnt paid for by myself.

I think I will go with one of the suggested routes above and just aim for 700-800 SC's at this stage.

I still have 2 other US trips already confirmed prior to my status anniversary date, so there is opportunity for a couple of SC runs there on top of several domestic flights here at home...

What I am very interested in, is something that has been raised on another thread... being able to earn enough SC's for Platinum status spending only $2100 to $3000... In all honesty, I would pay for such information if it was really possible.

 

[serfty]

No need to pay. Last year I earned 1200SC's ex BOS for an outlay of ~AUD2500 (HNL & MCO returns). However, the YUP fares out of BOS are no longer as cheap as they had been.

Out of ORD it's harder as one really needs to begin on the East or West coast to maximise earning ability.

A Y/KUPP type fare I am currently eyeing is SFO-TPA on a KUPPRSP fare. This can earn 540 SC's for an outlay of USD967 (~AUD1090)

 

[file51]

Thanks Serfty.... now you have given me something else to consider.

I have one day which I am now thinking of doing a SC/MR on and the SFO-LAX/TPA or even MCO run does look very interesting. Given that this will be fully self funded I think the cost verses return is quite good (not that my partner understands this... I just keep telling her once this is done, plus the other flights she can enjoy the F lounges that she got quite attached to over several years (plus a few good champas can keep her quiet for a couple of hours in flight ))

Unless my maths are as bad as I get told they are, a SC run on top of HNL-ORD sectors booked as P class should return approx 1000-1100 SC's

 

[simongr]

I just keep telling her once this is done, plus the other flights she can enjoy the F lounges that she got quite attached to over several years (plus a few good champas can keep her quiet for a couple of hours in flight ))

Just dont talk up the champas in the US Lounges...

 

[file51]

Just dont talk up the champas in the US Lounges...

That is when sleeping tabs, motion sickness tabs, etc come in handy.... nice and drozy