Should I go for VA WP one more time?

[SYD]

I think the answer is "No" but open to ideas.

I've been VA WP since the original status match with QFF. My work travel (once or twice a month domestically and one or two Euro trips in J per year) has generally keep me there. The odd DSC offer helped some years.

Due to a change in work circumstances I doubt I will be doing much paid flying on VA again. My status year rolls over in January 2020, whilst I already have the eight sectors I will be well short on SCs - we're talking about a Euro return trip in J on SQ or EY - which I'm happy to do if there is a super cheap fare for October (I've been looking).

All my personal travel is on OW and I maintain QF WP/LTG. SYD+1 (also QF WP/LTG) has never set foot on a VA aircraft - despite me gifting complimentary VA WP a while back. The only time we've Family Pooled is a trip on SAA in J booked as part of a QF fare.

Why do I need VA WP?

Well, moving forward, the only real benefit I can tell is EY 1st Lounge access in AUH. I was kind of hoping to see what the mid-field terminal offer will be now that it might actually open soon. I have a lot of VA points that I could use on EY J next year.

I also transferred a stash to SQ before the devaluation. But I know that VA WP doesn't get any special treatment with SQ.

Assuming I get a soft landing to SG through to Jan 2021, I still get the same lounge access (other than AUH) and my use of VA and SQ points is probably going to be on J award travel (mainly international).

So, "Row 3" and free YX probably won't be a loss as I don't expect to be doing any paid/points travel in whY on VA (apart from maybe the odd repositioning flight on points).

I often don't get to use the comp upgrades. Work travel policy usually prevented Flex fares and I haven't needed to by flights myself. I should at least look at using the ones I have, but a sale J fare can be the same as Flex whY.

Have I missed anything?

 

[Bagpuss]

Have I missed anything?

You seem to have it covered.

No point chasing Plat unless you are going to use the benefits. Gold is the sweet spot.

 

[serfty]

@SYD I agree with @Bagpuss - while it can be nice to "have" status, it is generally nicer when you 'use' status.

If you won't be flying VA much, then enjoy using your points.

 

[SYD]

@SYD I agree with @Bagpuss - while it can be nice to "have" status, it is generally nicer when you 'use' status.

If you won't be flying VA much, then enjoy using your points.

Yes, that was pretty much my conclusion. I couldn’t think of other tangible benefits. Outside of a proper alliance and lack of international destinations.

For me, maintaining QF WP/OWE is quite a different proposition even when flying J (points and paid).

 

[cqtiger]

I like that you can book econX for all those on the booking and taking extras into the lounge and will always use the business upgrades but how you have listed it Gold will be fine

 

[RisingPhoenix]

How many routes have you found viable for the Plat business upgrades? Nearly every route except BNE-CNS seems to be almost the same price for Freedom and Business Saver, I'd rather earn the extra SC.

 

[SYD]

How many routes have you found viable for the Plat business upgrades? Nearly every route except BNE-CNS seems to be almost the same price for Freedom and Business Saver, I'd rather earn the extra SC.

Yes, I’ve noticed that (especially if you throw in a discount code). I few recent searches and Business Sale fares were cheaper than Flex whY.

Transcon would be the other exception - pity because it’s the best use of upgrades. $699 is still a lot for whY SCs. I’d rather spend less and do EK J codeshare to CHC.