WP moving to US, maintain status or move to AA?

[diversitypair1]

Moving to US on E3 visa for a few years.

Currently WP with QF.
Intend to return to SYD minimum once a year, possibly twice a year

Would it be worth trying to retain WP with QF or should I try to be Executive Pro on AA instead?

 

[CaptainCurtis]

Following along, I'm in the same situation.

 

[copperman]

I’d seriously look at the AA Status Challenge scheme. If you’re doing a reasonable amount of flying in the US this will give you a short cut to AA status.
I did it a quite a few years ago and was great value.
From memory, I rang them before starting the challenge and showed I was a WP and that was beneficial. AA don’t normally do a full status match, but I got a partial match then got to their top level by doing the challenge.
AA points are often easier to use than QF ones as well as better value. eg I’m flying from Lisbon to Auckland soon in Business on Qatar for 85,000 points plus $US140 in fees.

 

[MELso]

If you fly a lot of domestic routes, WP on QF will get you lounge access in Admirals Clubs and Alaska Airlines lounges.

 

[Hvr]

If you can get the four ~ on QF every year then consider sticking with Qantas. Especially if you have a realistic chance of getting LTSG.

As previously noted lounge access with QF status is easier in the USA.

 

[Supersonic Swinger]

From my experience living in the US a while ago:

For QF:
- The lounge access on domestic AA or AS legs from QF status is invaluable
- If you are approaching LT status on Qantas, those AA / AS legs will keep getting you closer

For AA:
- Status match / challenge definitely works
- Much more opportunities to earn through other activities
- Redemptions are way easier / cheaper than QF

For free agent:
- If you are traveling a lot domestically in the US, better to take direct flights on any airline rather than connecting through hubs. Delays and cancellations are notorious and you want to get to your destination or home in one hop rather than risk being stranded overnight in DFW or ORD. Where I was based, Delta had the most directs and I status matched to them to supplement QF. If United works best, pick a Star Alliance program you might reach Star Gold in so that you can access United Clubs on domestic legs.

 

[BenP]

Apart from the 4 flight requirement for QF and the other things already mentioned. Two other things to consider
1. What do you value more - lounge access or the chance to be upgraded
2. Where are you going to be based if it is an AA hub your chances of an upgrade won't be that great

 

[Mwenenzi]

Moving to US on E3 visa for a few years.

Currently WP with QF.
Intend to return to SYD minimum once a year, possibly twice a year

Would it be worth trying to retain WP with QF or should I try to be Executive Pro on AA instead?

AA is a revenue based (calendar year) ffp, with different earning rules for some partners.
AS is a distance based (calendar year) ffp.
AS & AA have a very close association, including upgrades. Both are Oneworld and QF ff partners. AS has purchased HA
The chances of an upgrade on AA AS are low for a newbie. Very route dependent. Top status helps a lot.
Where in USA and where in AU are you/will be based?
If say DFW & SYD, flying DFW-MEL-SYD return gets you the 4 required QF flights neded for status, instead of DFW-SYD.
But will you have choice or airlines/routes/price? Your $$ or other peoples $$? QF may not be the best deal.
A few mileage runs in USA can be good for QF status.

 

[CaptainCurtis]

A few mileage runs in USA can be good for QF status.

Do you have any specific examples to look out for, or resources to find these?

 

[levelnine]

Whatever you do in relation to status, make sure you make use of the superior credit card market to earn more points than you would be able to in Australia.