Retained platinum, now what?

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Roflco

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I've earned enough SC to retain platinum within 6 months. Still have another 6 months to go, and will be earning SC (via flights and flybuys), but not sure if there's any worth to it?

Probably will not earn enough for Partner gold, and even if I did, my partner only flies with me anyway so there's no point.

Is there anything I'm missing? should I link Flybuys to Etihad instead, or direct my domestic FF earn to Krisflyer or something?

Seems like a waste of SC.
 
You're correct that there appears to be very little incentive for you to remain loyal. While you likely won't achieve SQ Silver/Gold given the hard mileage requirements (and what would be the benefit to you anyway?), you may be close to QF Gold which lets you hedge your bets in the future.
 
You could go for +500 (to give Gold) or +1000 (Platinum) SC to give to a mate.

Usually my year looks like this (I fly pretty much every week), in order of priority:
1* Qualify for QF Platinum 1
2* Qualify for VA Platinum
3* Qualify for SQ PPS
4* Qualify for AA ExPlat

Hope in 2018 I don’t get all 4 (top 3 are good enough, especially as I can double dip the 2nd and 3rd)
 
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Why do people want to be under the constant 'pressure' to earn/retain status?

Why not enjoy the period of relative 'freedom' once you have retained WP to do/fly whatever/whoever you like?

Why would you not continue to fly VA once you have retained your VA status if they still offer the best value for money?

As VA WP is very easy to retain, like the OP, I normally can retain VA WP within six months. This year, once I had retained VA WP, I have then used the opportunity to reduce my FF miles over the my various programs knowing that my 2018/2019 status was locked in...

My revenue flights during this period have still been on VA and their partners as they generally offer superior value for money. That is why they are now my primary FF program in the first place!

It would be insane to pay more to get less on the 'opposition' just because earning further VA SC is 'wasted'.
 
Oh I’m not looking at changing my flying behaviour - work books VA exclusively, and because of WP status I also book VA recreationally

I was just seeing if anyone had any other thoughts as to what to do after renewing WP. Seems like a waste to have ~200 SC go unused.

I think it’s probably not worthwhile - I rarely fly international. Even if I pushed every SC and point to KrisFlyer I doubt I would ever get the required sectors up on SQ metal (or any other VA partner)
 
Having used Y(X) on VAd now several times, and seeing that you don't fly internationally that much, sticking with VA could be a good idea, as I think was mentioned on here, that WP can get rows in Y(X) for free without having to pay the seat selection fee, ($29 upwards, and no points earnt on this).
Paid $300, $261 + $39 for 3F, and got 1305 VFF points, and 20 VFF SC for Elevate ADL - BNE. That $39 did not earn me any VFF points, (paid with a non earn visa debit).
If not going for I/J seats, Y(X) is actually quite good, with lounge access thrown in.
I was in I BNE-ADL, and it looks like VA is not keen on filling those 8 seats in I/J with upgrades, as half the J cabin was empty, out of 8 available, only 4 were filled, including me, a couple and another lady on right side, I was sole occupant on left of the 737.
Also VFF WP gets you (Air)NZ Koru entry anyways.
So just keep sticking with VA I say.
Personally, no sleigh against SQ, but I have no interest in SQ KF as I don't fly them that much either.
Edit: supposedly Flybuys and Etihad are on a stop at the moment.
If you go to the Flybuys website under rewards, you will find Flybuys travel, Velocity, and Budget car rentals, but no Etihad.
 
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Having used Y(X) on VAd now several times, and seeing that you don't fly internationally that much, sticking with VA could be a good idea, as I think was mentioned on here, that WP can get rows in Y(X) for free without having to pay the seat selection fee, ($29 upwards, and no points earnt on this).
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Isn't the OP already Platinum and enjoys this? I think the OP is after other options for the remainder of the qualifying year.

I'd (as I do) hedge my bets as mentioned earlier and do the QAN thing (at least gold), although as you mention if your work only does Virgin you're screwed but worth sussing it out.
 
I credit my VA flights to DL after retaining Platinum.

Skyteam is not great in Asia-Pacific but it does give you a lot of direct routes to Asia (especially from China) and a lot better coverage within Europe and Europe to USA. Even though this might seem strange to 'overlap' partners, I like that I can just book VA in Australia for everything and decide what FF number to use on the day. I can also get a bit more value out of the new VA fares that only give a pathetic 5 SC.

QF might make more sense to you, but I don't go to the UK really and hate LHR so BA isn't the best partner in Europe for me.

I suppose KF might be a similar strategy, opening up Star Alliance airlines if you gain status with them, with the added benefit of an additional partner in the US (UA). It would also give you a lot more lounge access options when flying SQ than VA elite gets you. Don't know much about the KF program though.
 
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