QF Getting back to Platinum - a Challenge

[serfty]

Earning relates relates to the Class/Segments flown and luck in having good value YUP fares on the routes you want.

For a rough Guide (not 100%) to YUP flights out of ORD, look here:

• Find the Lowest Airfare Prices, Discount Airline Tickets & Cheap Flights on FareCompare.com

e.g. FOR HNL-ORD-HNL you can book YUPS for ~USD2800 and earn 660 SC's by going HNL-LAX-SFO-ORD-DFW-LAX-HNL - no cheapies there.

But ORD-TPA-ORD can be had for USD970 and earn 300 SC's for the return by using DFW each way.

 

[file51]

I dont think I would bother with a ORD-TPA-ORD run when the return is far greater starting from the west coast. Even though it would suck up a full day, there is one day that I wouldnt be doing anything on other than going for a drive or vegging out in the hotel.

What I am thinking... HNL-LAX (stopover for 2-3 days, potential SC run done during this period LAX-TPA/MCO-LAX) DFW-ORD-LAX-HNL (some routings also through STL to ORD which I need to look into)

 

[file51]

...actually, for a SC run it looks like SFO is a much better option over LAX

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

I have just looked up the same flights and have got a similar price, but the SC's would only be 420...

 

[serfty]

SFO-LAX-DFW-TPA earns 270 SC's. You can get the reverse route on the return.

For more information, look at this thread here:

• http://www.frequentflyer.com.au/com...-advantage/good-sc-earning-value-ex-8840.html

Some slight updates; select "Price & Schedule", then use the "View All Results" option down the bottom.

Look for multi sector "Instant Upgrade" fares that have no "Economy" Warnings.

 

[file51]

Now to throw another spanner in the works....

Whilst the LAX/SFO-TPA SC Run is an option, I am thinking the core flights could be HNL-LAX (Stopover) -DFW-CMH-DFW-LAX-HNL which would generate a minimum of 720 SC's for US$1950 plus adding a CMH-ORD-CMH in economy (classes offered are N, Q, S, V, W - do these earn SC as Discount Economy?). Th CMH-ORD return prices out at US$144 and would give me a chance to catch up with friends in Columbus as well as going to the trade show in Chicago.

Given the LAX stopover I guess this will need to be done by a TA so that maybe another $50 or so...

Prior to leaving I would have a good look at flights later in the year as the SC run as suggested to earn an extra 540 points may not be needed.

No point in going much over 1400 SC's unless 2100 SC's becomes an option for partner gold status.

 

[Mal]

Watch the stopovers. You won't get a KUP or YUP to price out correctly if stopping in a city for more than X hours (I believe 4, or the next flight whichever is longer), although you should be able to stay overnight if you fly in on the last flight and depart on the first flight.

You might have more luck with the AA call centre in getting it priced properly, but am yet to see a KUP or YUP that works with a stopover longer than the ones above. (Of course this doesn't apply to your turnaround city )

 

[file51]

...Bugga

Might see what else I can dig up... aside from the requirement to be in ORD for a few days I really wanted to have a quick stop in LA for 2-3 nights

 

[serfty]

... No point in going much over 1400 SC's unless 2100 SC's becomes an option for partner gold status.

Get your WP first, who knows? ... the PG may follow - I certainly never expected to achieve that level, but it simply happened ...

 

[JohnK]

But ORD-TPA-ORD can be had for USD970 and earn 300 SC's for the return by using DFW each way.

Actually this routing should earn 360SCs.

I guess you can do this in a one day turnaround but sounds very risky, especially with ORD, DFW and TPA weather, and much more SCs on offer if stopping overnight.

 

[serfty]

You are correct; 'twas a mistpye - one 0 too many and not enough 6's.

802 & 929 miles each way in F => 4 * 90 SC's = 360 SC's.

 

[file51]

I was going to wait till later in the month before giving the credit card a flogging, however with the special offers that JQ have to HNL the moment I couldnt wait.

March 14th SYD-HNL $140 plus nasties (total $348)

I am thinking for the return flight going *class, booked in US$ it isnt a bad deal, that can be done later.

Now to the task of working out what flights I need to do to be in the places I want to be in, and possibly throw in a 24hr SC run for good measure (some of the suggestions made previously have given me a miriad of choices to consider - thx)