Question about should i pay to become gold!

[martinp1986]

Hey Guys,
I just wanted to see what people saw as the value of qantas gold status?
currently i am about 100 points shy of making gold, and was thinking of just doing a status run to get the last of the points, in essence im asking if paying about $700 for flights to get the 100 points is worth it. Or is gold simply not worth $700.
This is after taking into account all of my booked upcoming flights
I fly for business (international) once every 2 – 3 months (generally economy). I have the occasional personal travel but nothing extravagant
Does anyone here have any views on whether its worthwhile me spending the (*Approx) $700 to get there?
Thanks
Martin

The guys on whirlpool have referred me here!

Thank you in advance

 

[Mattg]

I personally do think it would be worth it if you regularly travel overseas (or even just domestic) in economy. A Qantas Club membership alone would cost you $895 as a new member, or $660 if you join through the AFF corporate scheme. So IMHO that's reasonable value considering the extra perks apart from just lounge access that you get as a gold QFF member.

By the way, may I ask how you plan to get 100 QF status credits for $700? It sounds like reasonably good value but we may be able to help you do that more cheaply.

Oh, and welcome

 

[martinp1986]

Hi,

A flight from Sydney to Hamilton Island is $660, essentially straight there and back = 60 Status Credits, then an additional 30 Status Credits from the acquire promotion (+50% additional status credits)

If you could help me get any cheaper options im all ears!

Thank you guys so much i really appreciate it!

 

[Hvr]

As a regular international traveller Qantas Gold (SG) will be very useful with lounge access across the OneWorld network. Also you should get better seat selection.

Last point, renewal is only 600 SCs per annum.

 

[Mr_Orange]

You say you are about 100 SCs short, but are looking at a flight that nets you 90. Is 90 enough, or do you need the extra 10?

 

[medhead]

There are a couple of Stickys on status runs that might be worth a look.

 

[gaz0303]

Worth it with that type of travel - great lounge access world wide (better than than QF club), greater chance of op ups if having to travel on emirates metal, better seat selection, business check in. I would be surprised if you couldn't retain it with that much travelling.

 

[clazman]

yes from me ....

 

[martinp1986]

Hi Thanks for your response, you are correct, but i just figured a quick sale fare up to gold coast would almost certainly cover it. i need 100 Points, but with this i would get pretty much there.

My travel in the next year would surely keep me at this level, but i was hoping to be able to utilise the gold benefits.. but just not sure they warrant about $700

if anyone has any better suggestions please let me know

Regards
Martin

 

[gaz0303]

Does you next international trip coincide within your flying year? Could always pay the difference to fly business (work paying for economy) out of personal funds , claim back at tax time, and bag the extra SCs???

 

[Mattg]

Where are you based, Martin - Sydney?

There is some info here on Qantas status runs:

http://www.australianfrequentflyer....gram/best-status-run-options-quick-35258.html

http://www.australianfrequentflyer....program/best-qf-status-run-options-46552.html

 

[martinp1986]

Hi Yes, i am based in Sydney

Thanks for all the advice, such a big thread!

 

[Mattg]

Hi Yes, i am based in Sydney

Thanks for all the advice, such a big thread!

OK, and with the 50% bonus status credits you only really need 70? Does the bonus apply to all types of fares?

 

[martinp1986]

Hi yes,

It applies to all fares.. is there a better one that i could possibly do?

Thanks for your response.

 

[Mattg]

Hi yes,

It applies to all fares.. is there a better one that i could possibly do?

Thanks for your response.

Hmm. MEL-SYD-OOL earns 40 status credits each way in Flex, for $289. Unfortunately you'd have to start in Melbourne. Doing something like SYD-MEL, MEL-SYD-OOL, OOL-SYD could be workable but not quite as good value.

Another option could be to visit Launceston. SYD-MEL-LST-MEL-SYD picks up 40 SCs in discount Y and is often on sale for around ~$200-250 return. (Full price it's about $350 return). You could also wait for a QF Link sale and do a bunch of trips to regional NSW.

These are just a few ideas. I'm sure there are others.

 

[medhead]

I thought there was a good suggestion recently of SYD-MEL-CNS return

 

[JohnK]

Definitely worth the effort getting gold status if you are flying often.

 

[RichardMEL]

100 SC short of Gold is worth it with the future travel patterns for the bag allowance, priority and lounge access (and if visiting the USA on work with domestic AA sectors, the OWS(Oneworld Sapphire) is very handy. Yes, I would do it.

If one was 100 short of Silver that would be a very different situation. Gold is a vast step up and definitely worth it.

IMHO.

 

[Sdtravel]

Does you next international trip coincide within your flying year? Could always pay the difference to fly business (work paying for economy) out of personal funds , claim back at tax time, and bag the extra SCs???

Is that actually a thing?
I had assumed that you are out of pocket for it if you upgraded on your own.

 

[Chesty]

I would say it's worth it. I am in the same boat except to get to Platinum. A SYD-BNE-CNS return in flex economy for around $650 will get you 100SC