Would like an opinion

[stickshaker]

Hi All,

Starting a new job which will involve flying just like my last job but i am wondering if the best scenario is to maintain Virgin Platinum and take it on the chin when i have to fly Qantas or do i split the travel and be Gold in both FF programs?

Any help would be greatly appreciated

 

[aussiel]

I'd say it depends on a few things such as how often you fly (and the likely split between airlines), what time you fly and where you fly to/from. For instance, if you usually get 6am flights, I find that lounge access isn't a huge benefit. Personally I'd be going for Gold in both FF programs, as that will give you access to many airlines when flying internationally. What I keep telling people (and this may be a bit different to AFF) is that it's better off taking a flight that's $300 cheaper, than flying with your FF airline. The major benefits (F Lounge access etc) can be well and truly made up for with the money you save!

 

[Hvr]

What is the company policy regarding the purchase of fares? Do you actually have a choice of airlines?

If you have a BFOD policy then you'll have to put up with what's cheapest.

 

[stickshaker]

That was my original thoughts as i don't think the difference between gold and platinum are that great. If i was getting the odd random upgrade it might be different but i think i will just split the travel and and have lounge access for both.

Thanks for your thoughts

 

[Mattg]

Probably the best option, if you'll be flying a mix, would be to go for Gold on both airlines. Platinum on either airline is nice, but if you then have to fly with the other airline, and have no status, then frankly it's going to suck.

However, a left-field suggestion would be to go for Airberlin Platinum. As airberlin is partners with both QF and VA, you'd get into both airlines' lounges (including QF dom J and QF F lounges). The only difficulty is that it can be very hard to maintain airberlin status with only domestic economy flying due to the partner earning rates. But if you're doing several Int'l J trips per year, I would say go for it. Have a look at the free "shortcuts to status" guide in the knowledge centre if you're interested - the airberlin program is explained a bit there.

 

[ozbeachbabe]

If you have QF Plat you could always try for a status match to EY Gold which would get you into the VA Lounges. Also the Amex Platinum charge card (or Platinum Reserve, I forget which) will give you access to VA Lounges as well as AA & DL so even if you were Velocity Red you'd have lounge access.

As VA aren't a member of an alliance it's rare to find an airline who will give you a status match to VA WP however if you did the family pooling option 4 people flying could get you to Plat without you having to do all the flying yourself.