I've been having similar thoughts lately. Especially when I'm on say QF and realise VA is flying the better aircraft on that route. That's when it gets up my nose as to why I shouldn't just fly the better aircraft on the route. I book flights with one then when I think I've flown enough to retain status I switch to the next programme etc.
The truth is I'm happy in economy for my short haul flying. I get annoyed when I'm flying QF out early mornings so why do I fly it? The VA or NZ flights that leave a bit later are way more convenient! With EK coming off the AKL-Oz routes I'm not so enamoured with QF anymore. I appreciate J is still very good on the A330s. I prefer the QF lounges over VA generally but I tend to head to priority pass cafes if hungry regardless of airline as the food is so much better IMO, then head to the lounge if time. Alcohol is served earlier than in the lounges too
. Admittedly QF has been useful flying partner airlines, VA less so.
Debating just buying Koru club for NZ in the future when needed which still has benefits with VA but also useful for domestic flying. Maybe pay for economyX if the partner is flying VA too, otherwise fly Y with whomever. Also excited China Airlines is bringing their A350 TT. Have zero status but I'm excited to fly them in all cabins just to nosey
. Not excited about check-in queues but I have been noticing the OLCI and bag drop queues look ok at some airports. I'm less enamoured with QF now EK is leaving AKL TT routes. Although I am a bit excited I can book the dreamliner as part of a AKL-MEL-PER itinerary, but I don't need the sc until July so then I'd choose VA because I still need sc to retain status...what am I doing? I want to fly the dreamliner and the opportunity is right in front of me...
. I haven't booked this trip yet because I'm still struggling to make sense of myself
My favourite time of year is achieving status with the carriers and then I can actually relax and just fly who I want to and whoever is most convenient, which is actually the way most people fly without status. I have thought about using the QF DSC to achieve targets earlier so I can get back to flying any carrier I want because that seems to be what I really want.
For the first time I've actually booked some long haul J flights using points I've bought from AA and SPG so it's possible to fly J with points. I understand the availability thing. There's also some amazing J sale fares that pop up and I am happy flying some LCCs on certain routes.
I don't think I need status..... I just haven't accepted that yet