SC Run on QF, Target 250

[file51]

Have done the sums and it looks like I may fall short of Plat status by 250-230 SC's.

I am well versed from prior suggestions by helpful members here how to get good SC runs earning 600-720 SC's (US domestic flights), however using the same principles I keep coming up with the required points, approx 250SC's but a cost which is close to what I would get earning double or triple that.

So once again I ask for suggestions.

I am open for a domestic run if cost verses SC return is good, plus I will be flying to HNL in *class on 25th of December (with return flight to SYD in *class, booked and confimed), with a need to be in Seattle for a week thereafter (looking at flying HA direct to Seattle to maintain Pualani Gold Status).

Was looking at instant upgrade fares from SEA to LAX and back to HNL a week later and they could be an option although it may leave me a few points short, and after reading the QF earning T&C I am unsure if I get the points or SC's from SEA if flying on a codeshare with Alaska, going via DFW is an option, however pricey.

Whilst I dont have a preset budget on what I am willing to spend to get back to Platinum status, I dont want to go overboard, partly because I know next year I will easily make the Qualify point level and maybe get close to PG status as well.

SC's need to be earned by end of January '09.

thx in advance

 

[Leumas]

I'd aim for a spend of around $6 to $8 per SC, probably more towards the top end of that range now with the various fuel fines, etc.

Perhaps:

SYD-CBR (but make sure you pick the 737 flights)
SYD-New Zealand (LAN in F or J to Auckland and/or QF in J)

SYD-CBR return should get you 80 SCs.
SYD-NZ in J return should get you 160 SCs. If you do this trip in F, you should get more than enough for your 250 SCs.

SYD to BNE and/or MEL in J are likely to be pricey due to the number of business travellers (even if you do a SC run during the weekend).

 

[bambbbam2]

SYD-NZ in F??

Who offers this?

 

[simongr]

I believe EK do.

I thought LAN had an F class but not from SYD that I could find

 

[Platy]

I believe EK do.

I thought LAN had an F class but not from SYD that I could find

Simongr, yes EK do F to AKL and ExpertFlyer is showing F/A class availability on the LAN flights between SYD and AKL (note they do not fly every day).

File51, if you are willing to do a domestic/NZ run try the LAN website Flights to Chile, Perú, Argentina, Ecuador & South America - LAN.com and you'll find F availability at around $2,900 return for your 240 Ss, but will need at least one night stopover in AKL.

An alternative would be do do something like SYD-CNS-AKL-CNS-SYD with the SYD/CNS legs in (discount)economy and take one CNS/AKL leg in discount business (D class) with the other in (discount) economy - the D class fares are around $1,100 if you can get them - thus 160 + 20 + 20 + 20 + 20 = 240 SCs for $1,100+ $250 + $250 + $500 = $2,100. The downside is having to add hotel costs onto this for possibly three nights.

This may not offer any advantage over an instant upgrade fare from aa.com if you have the time when in the US (eg. SEA-DFW-SEA is US$1,400 return (c. AUS$1,750 or $7.30/SC) for 240 SCs and may be possible to do as a day trip thus saving additional hotel costs.

 

[straitman]

LAN from SYD-AKL-SYD in business is approx $A1260 for 160 SC (or about $A960 if you book AKL-SYD-AKL)