Why I'll be flying SQ less and QF more: percieved FF program benefits!

[FlyingScotsman]

Hi all,

Amongst other FF programs, I've been a FF with SQ for two years now.

I've kept a log of all my SQ flights during that time, which I'll summarise as*:
- 60 flight legs
- AUD31,000 spent on these flights (all in economy, most full fare)
- 130,000 elite miles in the first year (almost three times necessary to reach Gold status)
- ~350,000 miles each year

The issue I have with SQ is, after 50,000 elite miles are earned in a qualifying year, there's no higher tier! Unless, of course, you spend SGD25,000 on business or first class travel within a year, which gets you PPS status.

So, I applaud Qantas for having a fourth tier, Platinum, which is still attainable with the accrual (admittedly quite a high amount) of economy-level fares.

I joined QFF in November last year, and have just reached Silver status. My plan is to earn the minimum Elite miles required to retain *A gold, and then switch to OneWorld flights until QFF Platinum is reached. I"think", based on the last two years, I should be able to achieve both.

Maybe I haven't researched this enough, and QFF Platinum is just the same as SQG but with a fancier name. Is anyone here both a SQG and QFF Platinum member? Comments?

*this isn't meant to be a boast, I'm just really frustrated that I've spent so much money and time being loyal to SQ without any noticeable change in service the entire time. I need to re-read this later to see if I sound like a petulant and spoilt child...

 

[notzac]

Maybe I haven't researched this enough, and QFF Platinum is just the same as SQG but with a fancier name. Is anyone here both a SQG and QFF Platinum member? Comments?

Hi FlyingScotsman, welcome to AFF!

So far as I'm aware, SQ Gold gives you *A Gold status -- which is the effective equivalent of QF Gold. QF Platinum adds better lounges and more premium check-in to the mix; it's arguably better than SQ Gold. Also note that oneworld recognise an extra tier above the *A Gold equivalent, so you get additional benefits on other airlines also.

 

[dajop]

The issue I have with SQ is, after 50,000 elite miles are earned in a qualifying year, there's no higher tier! Unless, of course, you spend SGD25,000 on business or first class travel within a year, which gets you PPS status.

So, I applaud Qantas for having a fourth tier, Platinum, which is still attainable with the accrual (admittedly quite a high amount) of economy-level fares.

I joined QFF in November last year, and have just reached Silver status. My plan is to earn the minimum Elite miles required to retain *A gold, and then switch to OneWorld flights until QFF Platinum is reached. I"think", based on the last two years, I should be able to achieve both.

I think you have a sound strategy. SQ gold is just equivalent to QF gold/OW sapphire - lounge access (and in SIN a third tier lounge at that) and priority luggage, boarding etc. And really PPS is a rather pathetic excuse for premium status (especially when you consider if you are spending that much in premium cabins, you get most of the benefits when you fly anyway), and in my experience is definitely inferior to QF WP/OW emerald.

Also having status in two alliances can give you a high degree of flexibility without having factor status into the equation - there are significant benefits to having OW emerald /QF Platinum and star alliance gold if you are doing a lot of flying (especially if you personally, or your employer has a BFOD* policy, it really gives you more options for enjoying status privileges and achieving BFOD). Of course this does depend on where you are flying to/from.

The main advantage on SQ is that I find it a lot easier to use KF miles when I want, whereas QF award availability can be difficult at times.

Oh and welcome to AFF!

* BFOD = Best Fare of the Day

 

[kpc]

I used to be both SQ PPS and QF Gold...given up on PPS now and willl / have consolidated all my flights to QF / OW to get to QF Plat. I spent around AUD20000 per year on SQ J travel when I was PPS; with the new PPS requirement of S$25000 per year (not including taxes, surcharges), I figured SQ didn't really want my loyalty...I still will redeem my AMEX pts for KF pts to travel SQ J tho

 

[FlyingScotsman]

Thanks all for your warm welcome and considered thoughts.

I emailed an extended version of my initial post to KF, inviting them to comment on planned changes to the KF FFP. The response was underwhelming, if not summarily disappointing. I'm still in dialogue with their customer service team, but feel like a tiny fish in a vast ocean.

So, hello One World! I just returned from Shanghai tonight, and my Elite miles balance is now at 45,000 with eight months left in my Gold re-qualification year. I can just sit on this and requalify at the last minute.

As I write this, I actually feel slightly melancholy. SQ has become so comfortable and familiar to me, but it feels like I'm the only one trying in the relationship!

I'm greatly anticipating comparing the service levels of *A vs OW, as I move through the tiers. With another dense year of international travel, perhaps I'll even reach Platinum. We'll see, starting with MEL-SIN-LHR-ZUR-LHR-SIN-MEL in May!

Looking forward to learning from all of you.

 

[auriga]

I'm greatly anticipating comparing the service levels of *A vs OW, as I move through the tiers. With another dense year of international travel, perhaps I'll even reach Platinum. We'll see, starting with MEL-SIN-LHR-ZUR-LHR-SIN-MEL in May!

I look forward to reading about it!

 

[Tooner]

As I write this, I actually feel slightly melancholy. SQ has become so comfortable and familiar to me, but it feels like I'm the only one trying in the relationship!

I'm greatly anticipating comparing the service levels of *A vs OW, as I move through the tiers. With another dense year of international travel, perhaps I'll even reach Platinum. We'll see, starting with MEL-SIN-LHR-ZUR-LHR-SIN-MEL in May!

Looking forward to learning from all of you.

Another welcome from here too. I'll be interested in your comments, as I was lured to SQ later last year by a cheaper J fare and overwhelmed by the great service. If I read your earlier post accurately, you travel Y a lot, so the difference may not be there, but there are definitely benefits to Platinum even in Y.

Keep us updated!

 

[maninblack]

Below is lifted from my post in another thread, my point speaks for itself I think.

...but if I were to compare 3 of the 4 most recent O/S trips I have done (fourth was with QF though I could have done it cheaper on others) which all ended up being with *A carriers in business and first and were all multiple passengers the price differential between *A and QF/OW was $34,000. I'll keep the $34,000 over keeping Platinum any day. By the way they were with SQ and NZ so one can't complain about the quality either.

 

[Sprucegoose]

Thanks all for your warm welcome and considered thoughts.

I emailed an extended version of my initial post to KF, inviting them to comment on planned changes to the KF FFP. The response was underwhelming, if not summarily disappointing. I'm still in dialogue with their customer service team, but feel like a tiny fish in a vast ocean.

So, hello One World! I just returned from Shanghai tonight, and my Elite miles balance is now at 45,000 with eight months left in my Gold re-qualification year. I can just sit on this and requalify at the last minute.

As I write this, I actually feel slightly melancholy. SQ has become so comfortable and familiar to me, but it feels like I'm the only one trying in the relationship!

I'm greatly anticipating comparing the service levels of *A vs OW, as I move through the tiers. With another dense year of international travel, perhaps I'll even reach Platinum. We'll see, starting with MEL-SIN-LHR-ZUR-LHR-SIN-MEL in May!

Looking forward to learning from all of you.

While I am surprised at the comments FS, i guess you could understand their position on your total $$$$ spend. I can relate my experience as being quite positive.

I was a PPS for a few years and SQ really tried hard. They gave me the same seat, gave me gifts on my birthday. I left my wallet in the lounge (F lounge quite adequate - excellent food/drink) in SIN and they both found and lost it. The sales manager and two staff came around to my office with a bottle of Krug to apologise.

I was in their top 50 flyer list in Aus, not sure how they manage things now. I dont believe they respect Y class as much as premuim passengers. My spend was $150K-$180K per year so they would have their metrics here.

But if you are not happy vote with your feet ol chap. I did find them extremely good, you dont get the anticipation with other carriers, will this be a good flight?? - as it always was. Is that boring for some people? - I guess it could be.

Happy Landings

SPRUCE