Status matches - how to migrate QF to VA - need advice

[kamchatsky]

I have to say that for domestic flights I generally find VA better than QF, especially considering for the earn rate, the flights taken to get QF Gold, I would get VA Platinum, and VA does treat Platinum quite well, especially with the Economy X access for free, plus 4 free domestic upgrades and Fly Ahead.

 

[kermatu]

Only three aspects of QF are winning for me at the moment. The F and domestic lounges, the P1 team taking care of simple requests like flight shift requests, and its A330 J seats. Otherwise I’ve enjoyed VA (silver and gold) more the past 3 or 4 months. Perhaps it’s still something of a honeymoon period. Not that everything has been perfect on VA, with a couple of poorly explained delays, and onboard service being a little careless (enthusiastic but forgotten orders/ mix ups on requests).

 

[tifmono]

Following keenly on original question about how to get a Status Match from QF to VA, particularly since QF has fired the opening shots with status challenge last month and alliance with ex-VA partner AirNZ.

QF Platinum for multiple years, same as thread poster - thought of trying Virgin but simply no incentive to drop from QF dom business/int first lounge to no lounge prior to VA flights.

 

[boomy]

If you have AMEX plat then no need to bother with VA status. I fly them sometimes when QF gets too expensive. I'm using premium entry, lounge access and emergency exit (or economy X as they call it) allocated for free on the day when available. What else can status give you, some upgrades maybe... Not sure how generous VA are with upgrades but if they are like QF then status won’t help much there.
One thing I don’t like about VA is their lounges, too crowded and wines are cheap quality. Coffee is good tho, I like it more than in QF lounge. Maybe they use different blend or better machine.

 

[Daver6]

If you have AMEX plat then no need to bother with VA status. I fly them sometimes when QF gets too expensive. I'm using premium entry, lounge access and emergency exit (or economy X as they call it) allocated for free on the day when available. What else can status give you, some upgrades maybe... Not sure how generous VA are with upgrades but if they are like QF then status won’t help much there.
One thing I don’t like about VA is their lounges, too crowded and wines are cheap quality. Coffee is good tho, I like it more than in QF lounge. Maybe they use different blend or better machine.

Unless VA is serving box wine, I'm not really sure how it could get any cheaper than the QP wines.

 

[boomy]

Unless VA is serving box wine, I'm not really sure how it could get any cheaper than the QP wines.

QF has J lounges. VA status pax have no alternatives.
Not sure how the wines in QF Club but in J lounge is ok.

 

[kermatu]

More importantly the QF lounges have spirits!

 

[travellerqff]

So not possible to request a status match anyone?

 

[tifmono]

Following

 

[kermatu]

I think general consensus / experience is that status match requests are politely declined. Only exception seems to be the recent promo for Fed Govt employees.

 

[ozstamps]

And oh boy did I get a genuine shock when I went up to what I thought was the bar and asked for a scotch on the rocks - was met with a cold stare and a terse "we don't serve spirits".

It had simply not occurred to me that an Aussie lounge would not serve spirits. I think I stood there dumbfounded for 3 seconds, wondering if I'd misheard, or was being cut-off!

​

Had never actually noticed Domestic V lounges do not serve spirits, as I do not drink them.

My hunch is the cost to Virgin for a nip of Basic Scotch is LESS than many of the fancy craft bottled beers they seems to have on hand. Probably 50c a nip wholesale. BIG deal. A couple slices of ham and cheese and a roll costs far more.

Odd.

If a Biz traveller prefers a Scotch or Gin or Vodka - no idea what their issue is not having 5 or 6 basic brand spirits on hand? No-one is expecting Chivas Regal 20 year old etc.

What peeves me is the number of times I see IMPORTED wines on hand. In a country like Australia sourcing decent local wine is a cinch and SHOULD be a company policy.

 

[Duffa]

Halfway through a J rtn to Dublin
I see that I will end up with 560 SCs, so Gold but am wondering what the "sector requirement" means?
Surely the 4 sectors to DUB and back to MEL will count, or will they?
Have never earned status before so all help gratefully received....

 

[jase05]

Halfway through a J rtn to Dublin
I see that I will end up with 560 SCs, so Gold but am wondering what the "sector requirement" means?
Surely the 4 sectors to DUB and back to MEL will count, or will they?
Have never earned status before so all help gratefully received....

Need to do 4 sectors that start with a QF, JQ, BL, GK or 3K flight code. Need 700 SC’s to attain Gold

 

[Duffa]

Need to do 4 sectors that start with a QF, JQ, BL, GK or 3K flight code. Need 700 SC’s to attain Gold

Thanks Jase,
I should have said that this trip is on EY earning Velocity credits and points, sorry.
My bad
I just want to make sure that my hard earned cash spend, will eventually convert to status !!

 

[Matt_01]

Need to do 4 sectors that start with a QF, JQ, BL, GK or 3K flight code. Need 700 SC’s to attain Gold

I thought we were discussing VA not QF

 

[jase05]

I thought we were discussing VA not QF

I really have gone around the twist

 

[jase05]

Thanks Jase,
I should have said that this trip is on EY earning Velocity credits and points, sorry.
My bad
I just want to make sure that my hard earned cash spend, will eventually convert to status !!

Yeah, oops sorry. In that case you need 4 sectors on a VA flight code

 

[Duffa]

Yeah, oops sorry. In that case you need 4 sectors on a VA flight code

Waaa?!! I still have to take four more flights ???
I thought I was home and hosed. If Mrs D and I take a trip to Sydney can I transfer her sectors to me? Let me guess..... No!

Ah well. No biggie really. I still have Amex, PP and 7 QF lounge passes.
Thanks for all your advice