QF points on OneWorld airlines other than BA/AA?

[Supersonic Swinger]

I've been a QF FF for some years now primarily because of work, and when I take holidays try to take OneWorld flights. But I've noticed that on the airlines other than BA and AA (I've taken CX, IB and LA) the flights count for the same status credits but much lower points... As someone who likes to avoid Heathrow and thinks American Airlines is a budget airline masquerading as a full service carrier, it means I miss out on points.

Does anyone know the reason for these tiered levels? Are some alliance members more "alliance" than others?

And does the same thing happen in the Star Alliance? I haven't been with any of them since Ansett went under and am wondering whether it's time to experience them again, especially if my ancient SQ KrisFlyer membership gives me equal points regardless which airline I fly.

 

[freqbugsmasher]

American Airlines is a budget airline masquerading as a full service carrier

If you fly economy in any US domiciled carried unfortuantly you'll find that to be the case. (Having said that I've only done it twice, could just have been unucky).

The T&C's (Link below) will tell you more but form what I can remember the earn rate is on parity with BA and AA, but with a few changes, such as a 500 point guarantee, rather than the 1000 etc.

Frequent Flyer - About the Program - Terms & Conditions

 

[JohnK]

Does anyone know the reason for these tiered levels? Are some alliance members more "alliance" than others?

I guess it all comes to what the airlines negotiate with one another. Certain fare classes on some OneWorld airlines don't earn SC's or FF points and other earn SC's and discounted FF points. Just recently some fare classes on CX have dropped in QF FF earning potential.

I understand that of the major airlines in OneWorld the only ones that offer significant QF FF reductions are AA, BA and now CX. New codeshare partner 9W (Jet Airways) only earn 0.5 FF points for some discount economy classes and SK (Scandinavian) used to have reduced earning but is now gone. The rest of the airlines earn discount economy QF FF points at 1:1.

And does the same thing happen in the Star Alliance? I haven't been with any of them since Ansett went under and am wondering whether it's time to experience them again, especially if my ancient SQ KrisFlyer membership gives me equal points regardless which airline I fly.

The same definitely happens in Star Alliance. For example you can purchase very cheap Air NZ airfares that do not earn anything on other FF programs and the same happens with discount SQ airfares.

 

[HardieBoys]

Of course, the biggest culprit regarding lack of SCs and FFPs is Jetstar...

CX will give SCs and cabin bonuses, but not tier bonuses, on most of their flights. The really cheap CX tickets can give neither, or will charge a surgcharge (I know that's a tautology, but whatever) if you want the points/SCs.

 

[NM]

I've been a QF FF for some years now primarily because of work, and when I take holidays try to take OneWorld flights. But I've noticed that on the airlines other than BA and AA (I've taken CX, IB and LA) the flights count for the same status credits but much lower points... As someone who likes to avoid Heathrow and thinks American Airlines is a budget airline masquerading as a full service carrier, it means I miss out on points.

Does anyone know the reason for these tiered levels? Are some alliance members more "alliance" than others?

It depends on what the various airlines are willing to pay each other for the FF miles. QF has managed to score a better deal with its major partners (AA and BA) than the other alliance members.

So it always helps if you can find an AA code share on CX operated flights, or a BA code share on IB or AY flights.

And this is one reason why AA miles can accrue faster than QF points for Platinum members - AA pays their status bonus for all OneWorld airlines.

By the way, AA's domestic first class and international business and first classes are really quite good products these days. Certainly as good as QF domestic business class (each has its own pros and cons). For me, the third world nature of the travel experience in the USA is more related to the TSA and other airport-imposed restrictions than the in-flight experience (in AA domestic first class).