Should I do a status run?

[curiost]

Hi guys, I posted this question a couple of days ago so I don't mean to be pushy or anything I'm just really keen for a second opinion on it:

I'm looking for some advice on whether I should bother trying to keep my silver status, as I have booked SYD-MADRID with two connections each way later in the year but only after my status gets reset to Bronze. I haven't flown much lately so need another 155 to retain silver by the end of July. The only thing is that I'm flying with BA so I don't know if things are going to change with the Qantas/BA break up at the end of March. Is it worth having Silver for the flights I've booked or just to let my status fall to Bronze and most likely get boosted back up to Silver anyway the next year. Thoughts?

 

[simongr]

I don't see that much value in Silver - the best you get is business check in and a bonus on points - likely limited to a small number of carriers soon.

 

[markis10]

A double SC offer often is sent to many just after Easter, and there are quite a few getting them three months or so out from the end of their year date, as that can make a difference to costs etc its worth factoring in, let me explain:

You are planning on going to Spain, what would be the difference in earn with the different levels, as QFs calculator does not like non QF destinations, lets use LHR

Status	Base points	Cabin bonus	Status bonus	Total points	Status credits
Platinum	21,800	-	21,800	43,600	140
Gold	21,800	-	16,350	38,150	140
Silver	21,800	-	10,900	32,700	140
Bronze	21,800	-	-	21,800	140

So as it stands you are looking at getting 155SC so you can earn around 12000 more points and J check in!

Given the best value status run offers 140 SC for 24000 points and $300, I see it as a net loss, that is, not worth it.
However should you get a double SC offer, it might be worth shooting for gold which would get you an additional 20000 points or so for going to Spain.

SC Balance 155
Status run 2 x 24000 + $600 - earns 560 SCs and Gold Qualification. It earns 8000 points for flying and triggers an 8000 point loyalty bonus, meaning real cost is 36000 points + cash.

Like the Silver example your still spending more than your return with just the Spain trip in mind, but your getting lounge access, extra luggage, two years before you drop to Bronze (an additional year of Silver points bonuses) etc etc

At the end of the day its up to the individual to assess the net worth, but dont forget that any seat awards earn points that lower the cost and the higher you go, the longer it takes to fall, which can change the value proposition.

 

[curiost]

Given the best value status run offers 140 SC for 24000 points and $300

How did you work out the above? (sorry if that's a stupid question!). If I get the double status credit offer then I'd definitely think about doing that. Is there a database on this forum of best status run options that's updated? I found the general Best Status runs thread but was wondering if there was something else. I know the Virgin people who use this forum have a spreadsheet that's limited to approved access only (and because I'm a noob of course I don't get access). It would be really great to see something like that for Qantas. I digress...

I worked out that I get 180 status creds for my Spain trip if that hels the analysis, a have a lot of sections with different flight numbers plus a side Morocco trip so 180 isn't too bad for the cheap economy seats.

 

[markis10]

How did you work out the above? (sorry if that's a stupid question!). If I get the double status credit offer then I'd definitely think about doing that. Is there a database on this forum of best status run options that's updated? I found the general Best Status runs thread but was wondering if there was something else. I know the Virgin people who use this forum have a spreadsheet that's limited to approved access only (and because I'm a noob of course I don't get access). It would be really great to see something like that for Qantas. I digress...

I worked out that I get 180 status creds for my Spain trip if that hels the analysis, a have a lot of sections with different flight numbers plus a side Morocco trip so 180 isn't too bad for the cheap economy seats.

Post 1 of the Status Run Options thread does give you a starting point, if your serious just post the scenario you are trying to achieve, where you are starting, and what you can handle and you will soon get suggestions on what can be booked for what cost etc. The example I used above is for TSV to DRW which has often good availability, BNE to KTA is similar value but harder to get.

 

[stomplad]

You also get more baggage as Silver, would that be an advantage on your Europe trip? After that it depends on if you are planning much travel in the new year and if status is worthwhile to u. Do you have many points to burn?

 

[markis10]

You also get more baggage as Silver

9kg on QF services only, still single piece.

 

[curiost]

I travel very light so I don't ever hit over 15kg even for a trip to Europe, so I wouldn't use the baggage. I've got ballpark 100,000 points but I wouldn't want to use them all up. My member year ends at ends of July, so could I expect to get a double status offer April - May sometime? I've never had one before, but I guess that's because I've retained silver for a few years from my usual flying activities anyway

 

[markis10]

The main double SC campaign is likely to hit 1st week of April, and 1st week of May for your anniversary if thats the aim.

 

[legroom]

...The example I used above is for TSV to DRW return which has often good availability, BNE to KTA is similar value but harder to get.

At risk of running off topic, when I punched into the QF calculator your route - TSV DRW - it showed only 60 SCs return in Y.

It did not have any J option on that route.

Route: Townsville - Darwin - Townsville
Class: Economy

Status	Base points	Cabin bonus	Status bonus	Total points	Status credits
Platinum	2,319	-	2,319	4,638	60
Gold	2,319	-	1,740	4,059	60
Silver	2,319	-	1,160	3,479	60
Bronze	2,319	-	-	2,319	60

How did you get 140 ?

Stopover somewhere ?

Thanks

 

[markis10]

At risk of running off topic, when I punched into the QF calculator your route - TSV DRW - it showed only 60 SCs return in Y.

It did not have any J option on that route.

Route: Townsville - Darwin - Townsville
Class: Economy

Status	Base points	Cabin bonus	Status bonus	Total points	Status credits
Platinum	2,319	-	2,319	4,638	60
Gold	2,319	-	1,740	4,059	60
Silver	2,319	-	1,160	3,479	60
Bronze	2,319	-	-	2,319	60

How did you get 140 ?

Stopover somewhere ?

Thanks

Check out the thread: http://www.australianfrequentflyer....gram/best-status-run-options-quick-35258.html

Most of the good runs for JASAs involve going backwards.

 

[medhead]

At risk of running off topic, when I punched into the QF calculator your route - TSV DRW - it showed only 60 SCs return in Y.

It did not have any J option on that route.

Route: Townsville - Darwin - Townsville
Class: Economy

Status	Base points	Cabin bonus	Status bonus	Total points	Status credits
Platinum	2,319	-	2,319	4,638	60
Gold	2,319	-	1,740	4,059	60
Silver	2,319	-	1,160	3,479	60
Bronze	2,319	-	-	2,319	60

How did you get 140 ?

Stopover somewhere ?

Thanks

Take the options via BNE and there is J available.

 

[legroom]

Check out the thread: http://www.australianfrequentflyer....gram/best-status-run-options-quick-35258.html

Most of the good runs for JASAs involve going backwards.

Got it, thanks

Still a novice when it comes to status runs

 

[curiost]

I think I'll wait to decide when/if the double status offer comes out. I'm thinking that it probably isn't worth it without that seeing as I've got 155 SC to get until the end of July

 

[markis10]

I think I'll wait to decide when/if the double status offer comes out. I'm thinking that it probably isn't worth it without that seeing as I've got 155 SC to get until the end of July

That would be it in a nutshell, save the points for a double offer where they are best used!

 

[lovestotravel]

Short answer - I wouldn't bother

 

[curiost]

Short answer - I wouldn't bother

Thanks, I love an honest opinion

Does the double status offer work for airline partners or is it only on QF flights? I've done a few searches to random destinations and it seems that qantas is far more expensive than everyone else, especially internationally. Low cost carriers have prices at a quarter of the price.

 

[CaviAck]

Thanks, I love an honest opinion

Does the double status offer work for airline partners or is it only on QF flights? I've done a few searches to random destinations and it seems that qantas is far more expensive than everyone else, especially internationally. Low cost carriers have prices at a quarter of the price.

Only with a QF flight number.

I did get DSC on a codeshare flight with a QF flight number on AA metal HNL-LAX late November last year.

 

[markis10]

Thanks, I love an honest opinion

Does the double status offer work for airline partners or is it only on QF flights? I've done a few searches to random destinations and it seems that qantas is far more expensive than everyone else, especially internationally. Low cost carriers have prices at a quarter of the price.

Dont use Qantas.com to search pricing, use skyscanner etc when it comes to international options, and think outside the box, sometimes its cheaper to buy a one way to a destination, then buy a return from a destination, if you intend going back!

 

[curiost]

Wow skyscanner is amazing! Woot!

I'm hesitant to fly Qantas internationally, everyone I speak to says not to do it. My normal travel agent said that in the last few years he's only sold 3 international qantas flights and that he strongly advises people not to fly them.