A status run: reassure me, tell me I'm not crazy

[liamg]

Hey all --

I guess here I'm looking for a little reassurement. I want to know that I'm not alone in the world. I need to know my craziness isn't unique.

I'm going on an expensive status run to make sure I make Platinum in the days before my anniversary…

Here's my story: I'm sitting on 525 status points at the moment. I've got booked the following trips, all in Y:

1. MEL-SYD-MEL - 20
2. MEL-LAX-IAD/BWI-ORD-MSY-DFW-SFO-SYD-MEL - 190
3. MEL-SYD-MEL - 20
4. MEL-SYD-LHR-TLV-LHR-SYD-MEL - 180
5. MEL-SYD/SYD-AKL-SYD (J)/SYD-MEL - 180
6. MEL-CBR-MEL - 20

That takes me to a grand total of 1135 status points. This year has been a crazy year for me, and there's no hope I'm going to see a year like it for a while. Including the trips above I make it seven trips to Sydney, two to USA, three to Europe/Middle East, two to NZ, a couple to Perth. Nuts for me, and all in discount Y (except the cheap LAN flights to NZ in a couple of months).

The benefits of WP are obvious: first class lounge, 100% extra points, domestic J lounges, etc. But I think for me at also adds on that I'm unlikely to ever come close SG again, or even PS, let alone WP. Not gonna happen.

Given I've got paid QP that will go on hiatus in a couple of weeks mid-trip to the States, I think it'll be an additional advantage to get QP access for an extra without paying for it when I do travel a bit in the future (acknowledging the huge outlay I've got now, though) when I soft-land that extra from WP to SG and then to QP PS and then to regular QP.

This is what I'm looking at: DCA-MIA-ORL-MIA-DCA with a KUPPRZN fare basis. Now am I right that it earns First status points on AA, so it's a total of 90+60+60+90 status points? That would take me to 1435 status points by the end of my August 31st anniversary deadline and just past the WP post.

Pros are obvious: regular WP benefits, 'extra' benefits of an 'extra' year of access to QPs, the fun of seeing Epcot in Orlando.
Cons are, too: it's a cough load of money, it's a lot of money, it's really a lot of money.

I'm looking for a few things here: reassurance there are others like me, reassurance I'm not wasting my money by looking at the wrong numbers, and I guess just a welcome into the SR club.

Thanks everyone -- and not just for this, but for all the info here I've read that's led me to this point…

L.

 

[Bundy Bear]

Yes you are wasting your money; but if you enjoy it then go for it.

Its ok you are not alone;

I just booked and paid $1248 for the following EWR-ORD-TPA(overnight)-TPA-MIA-DCA I really did want to go EWR-DCA I just took the scenic route; yes there are cheaper options, but mine fitted in with the time I had available.

What did it cost.

Orlando = MCO

Not sure whether the AA flights should end up on your Qantas booking page, paging Serfty

 

[JohnK]

Pros are obvious: regular WP benefits, 'extra' benefits of an 'extra' year of access to QPs, the fun of seeing Epcot in Orlando.

Actually Platinum status will guarantee you at least 2 years of access to the Qantas Lounges.

Cons are, too: it's a cough load of money, it's a lot of money, it's really a lot of money.

It is a lot of money. Do you really need the status? If you are not going to be doing a lot of flying in the future then why go for it?

I'm looking for a few things here: reassurance there are others like me, reassurance I'm not wasting my money by looking at the wrong numbers, and I guess just a welcome into the SR club.

Be very careful. Status and "status runs" are very addictive.

What is a status run? Different people have a different perspective.

I could never fly out to SE Asia or the USA for 2-3 days where all I did was stay in airport lounges and planes just to acquire status just in case I may need the status during the next "status run". Not saying it is wrong just do not understand the need for it. Some people even try to maintain status in more than alliance. I have never understood why people want to do pure "status runs" just for the sake of having status. Just like I could never understand my gambling addiction.

Unortunately I also do "status runs" although I will plan a holiday to a destination flying there the long way, get out of airports and aircraft and if I feel like it may schedule a couple of days out of the holiday for some cheap "status runs".

Do I need the status? Possibly, more likely I do not need it. Why do I crave the status? It is addictive and I do not want to go back to nothing. It feels lonely. Either way I do enjoy what I do and it is not cheap and is part of the reason why I am having financial difficulties....

 

[TimB]

Hey all --

I guess here I'm looking for a little reassurement. I want to know that I'm not alone in the world. I need to know my craziness isn't unique.

There's more than a few people here who'll confirm that you're not the only crazy one, myself included.

I'm going on an expensive status run to make sure I make Platinum in the days before my anniversary…

...

This is what I'm looking at: DCA-MIA-ORL-MIA-DCA with a KUPPRZN fare basis. Now am I right that it earns First status points on AA, so it's a total of 90+60+60+90 status points? That would take me to 1435 status points by the end of my August 31st anniversary deadline and just past the WP post.

You don't say how expensive. How did you choose this particular run? Was it because you actually wanted to spend time in Orlando or Miami, or just because it was the best run you could find when you had time available?

If you're able to do your status run from other starting points in the US you should be able to do much better. At the moment, I'm looking at LAX-FLL and vv., via either DFW or ORD, which is around AU$750 for 420 SCs (in F) -- one of the best runs available for places I'm going to. In case you don't know, FareCompare has a great site for finding good YUPP/KUPP fares from whichever starting point you want -- Discounted First Class and Flyer Talk Fares.

And if it's any reassurance, I considered this morning adding a FLL-LAX and vv. run in the middle of my other flights, just to get me to WP sooner so I'll have access to the F lounge before my next overseas trip (which would get me to WP anyway). So I think it's only degrees of craziness you need to worry about...

Tim.

 

[Cairnsexpat]

You're not crazy. Sad probably. No, definitely a sad case. I've been there. QF Platinum for 5 yrs (no status runs required), trickled down thru gold to LT Silver over the last few yrs. NZ Gold, EK Silver. You know, life carries on after they knock on your door and take away your platinum. You discover that the food in the public (excuse me for using that word) amenities is actually worth paying for, in the same way that the QF lounge food is worth what they charge you... The ambience in some of the smaller bars is very pleasant. QF lounges are ambience-free zones. Ooo. You get to spot a few celebs in the lounge. Gettalife. And do you honestly enjoy the 'coffee' that spurts out of those machines in the lounge, made with powdered milk an all? Compared to a live human barista at work? C'mon! You can't even buy a drink for your mate, or a pretty girl, in the QF trough. Ah, but wot about the free showers in the lounge, you protest! Look. If you are in the middle of a couple of long hauls, there's every chance the airport will have a lounge you can pay to use on a casual basis. Some even have a massage service, to repair your damaged non-platinum-plated ego. The money you're wasting on unnecessary flights to earn a cheap little grey piece of plastic, could buy you a tailored suit or three, some quality luggage, Italian shoes, and see you quaffing some serious vintages while you await your next flight. That's lifestyle, not something you'll experience in an airline lounge. Wake up buddy!

 

[samh004]

That’s impressive mostly in Y, but my advice would be (dunno if it’s already been brought up) that if you have an direct earn CC’s, you should look into booking some J Any Seat Awards as they’ll give you some SC’s for free.

I know that’s what I’d do if I had the points.

 

[serfty]

This is the wrong forum to ask if that's crazy. Of course it is, but I have done such and plan on doing such again.

In reality, it's not so 'crazy' as it's only 265 SC's you need - can be done in the USA for < AUD600 easily.

... Wake up buddy!

That's easy to post when you've been there done that.

If nothing else, it may well be worth it for the OP to experience being a WP, at least once. Having typed that, note that Status is not worth a brass razoo if you are not flying.

Now to the OP's plan. I assume MCO (Orlando) is somewhere you wish to got. First Class fares out of WAS and Orlando are generally expensive. If that what you want go for it.

There may be cheaper desitnations, use Fare compare to look for option ex WAS.

Use this link: http://www.farecompare.com/search/yupfares.html?departure=WAS

The select "[+] Carrier Filters" and "American (AA)

"

 

[blueflamenco]

I'm sorry, you are crazy!

 

[anat0l]

You're not crazy, but that's my opinion (this isn't something that you can assess in black-and-white using a scientific method or mathematics). People do status runs. I do it, too. Don't believe me - read a couple of my trip reports and my ba97 profile.

I was like you. I had quite a bit in a year. I was close and as close as I thought I could ever be to holding status. I thought SG was enough because doing it again to get WP (first time) was unthinkable. I don't know how I got hooked onto the cheap (at that time) Japan Star Class fare that all of the sudden changed my perspective - I was only 200 SC away from WP - I came so far!

You're not crazy. Sad probably. No, definitely a sad case. I've been there. QF Platinum for 5 yrs (no status runs required), trickled down thru gold to LT Silver over the last few yrs. NZ Gold, EK Silver. You know, life carries on after they knock on your door and take away your platinum. ... That's lifestyle, not something you'll experience in an airline lounge. Wake up buddy!

Your choice, your prerogative, your lifestyle. I have mine, we'll leave it at that. I'm sure most of us know there is more to life than just flying, lounges and airports. You aren't the only human being on this discussion board.

What is a waste of money? It depends on the individual. If someone buys an iPad because they like it and would want to use one (business or personal), that is probably an investment to one person, a toy for another and a piece of expensive trash to yet another individual.

If someone goes on a mileage run, it will be a fun adventure to one, a temporary pain for a next-years gain for another and an expensive waste of time and effort to yet another person.

On slightly more tactical assessment:

• Usually if I was going for a SC run, I'd be going for the cheapest option I can find (including accommodation). Unless you need to be somewhere specific; well, if you can kill a couple of birds with a stone, all the better.
• Make sure you can use your new status! No good getting WP and then having any flights the next year.
• Be prepared for what happens after you get your WP status...

If you have a SO, you might also want to consider the potential impacts on your relationship.......

Good luck!

 

[liamg]

It is a lot of money. Do you really need the status? If you are not going to be doing a lot of flying in the future then why go for it?

It's not that I won't be travelling, I will. A fair bit still, but not this much (it's insane) and not enough to earn lots of status credits. Mostly MEL-SYD runs every month or so, a MEL-PER every now and again and international 1-2 times per year. Might get me PS, but not lounge access.

You don't say how expensive. How did you choose this particular run? Was it because you actually wanted to spend time in Orlando or Miami, or just because it was the best run you could find when you had time available?

FareCompare is how I found this run... I'm going to DC for a week or so for a conference, but I'm arriving a couple of days early. Was going to trudge around DC, but realised I've seen most of what I want to see and it'll be more fun once I meet some people at the conference anyway... I don't

And so I thought, why not go somewhere cool? New England was #1 priority, but there weren't any flights there really, so of all the places I was offered, Orlando was the best.

I could have saved $200 to go somewhere else, but would have been bored out of my mind. If I'm going to do it, it's pointless to fly in-fly out, I reckon. That's (even more of) a waste. But seeing Epcot will be fun (even though it's just adding to my spending). More fun that Vail, CO or Fort Myers, FL, which were the other real options...

I didn't write how expensive it was because I'm pretty embarrassed to be considering spending that much money, to be honest. It's a frightful sum -- AU$1100. For some points. Come on. That's nuts. Insanity. I should be institutionalised for even considering it.

But I figure the extra year of QP that it'll save me is $500 or so anyway. Plus the benefit of extra points against a future 'free' ticket (plus maybe being able to get one without a year's planning, being at WP and all), a (better) chance of an op-up on annoying cattle class legs to the Middle East, better food in domestic J lounge, first class lounges. Plus, Epcot's getting me excited.

The long-term benefit is also that I can't see myself ever being close enough to SG or WP again that I'll be tempted by a run. Maybe the year after next, trying to retain SG, but I highly doubt it...

Thanks everyone for your help... Now I'm going to find a nice, cheap place to stay... Any suggestions? Wotif has Quality Inn Florida Mall at $37 for the night... Anyone have history there or anywhere else?

L.

 

[anat0l]

I didn't write how expensive it was because I'm pretty embarrassed to be considering spending that much money, to be honest. It's a frightful sum -- AU$1100. For some points. Come on. That's nuts. Insanity. I should be institutionalised for even considering it.

If that's what you're paying - $1100 for 300 SCs - that's actually a pretty decent rate (excluding accommodation).

FWIW the best status runs in Australia domestic go for about AU$4.50 per SC at absolute best, including credit card charges but excluding accommodation.

I thought when you said 'frightful sum' you were considering a sum of about 1.5 to 2 times as much as you say! Now that would be rather frightful, unless you booked them for a purpose (and it seems you have, but in this case the price is pretty right).

One way to save on accommodation is to burn points for them (e.g. Amex MR points, or your own hotel program points).

 

[liamg]

If that's what you're paying - $1100 for 300 SCs - that's actually a pretty decent rate (excluding accommodation).

Alright, you sold me. I booked. Flights and accommodation for the night total is about AU$1150. Plus money to get into Epcot, transport to/from both airports, etc. should bring it up to $1300 I reckon. At least breakfast is free. And Internet.

My wallet is lighter, but I'm telling myself it's worth it. I think it is. I sure hope it is...

Thanks everyone again...

L.

 

[straitman]

Alright, you sold me. I booked. Flights and accommodation for the night total is about AU$1150. Plus money to get into Epcot, transport to/from both airports, etc. should bring it up to $1300 I reckon. At least breakfast is free. And Internet.

My wallet is lighter, but I'm telling myself it's worth it. I think it is. I sure hope it is...

Thanks everyone again...

L.

For theme park entry have a look at Orlando Attractions which is by far the cheapest place to get tickets.

 

[JohnK]

The money you're wasting on unnecessary flights to earn a cheap little grey piece of plastic, could buy you a tailored suit or three, some quality luggage, Italian shoes, and see you quaffing some serious vintages while you await your next flight. That's lifestyle, not something you'll experience in an airline lounge. Wake up buddy!

I enjoyed reading the point of view from someone who has been there and has seen the light.

It's not that I won't be travelling, I will. A fair bit still, but not this much (it's insane) and not enough to earn lots of status credits. Mostly MEL-SYD runs every month or so, a MEL-PER every now and again and international 1-2 times per year. Might get me PS, but not lounge access.

If you are going to fly enough in future years then I do not see an issue with justifying getting status. I do SYD-BNE almost weekly and my Platinum status comes in very handy.

I have read a number of threads on AFF where people go out of their way and spend a huge amount of money to get Gold or Platinum status because they have a return trip to London next year and would like lounge access on the trip. That sounds crazy.

The long-term benefit is also that I can't see myself ever being close enough to SG or WP again that I'll be tempted by a run. Maybe the year after next, trying to retain SG, but I highly doubt it...

Don't forget that you will have Platinum status for 1 year and then drop back to Gold status for another year. If you happen to get comped status for whatever reason you may end with status an extra year or two....

 

[TimB]

Alright, you sold me. I booked. Flights and accommodation for the night total is about AU$1150. Plus money to get into Epcot, transport to/from both airports, etc. should bring it up to $1300 I reckon. At least breakfast is free. And Internet.

My wallet is lighter, but I'm telling myself it's worth it. I think it is. I sure hope it is...

Your arguments sound a lot like mine from last year; my run was to Tampa, and I drove to (guess what?) Epcot. Read about it here if you like: planning a status run.

And if you still need convincing that you made a good choice, you can read about the fun I had in my 4 hours or so at Epcot: lightshows in disneyworld.

That status run only got me to SG (after a lot of wrangling with QF to get the SCs to post), so I'm now contemplating doing it again or something similar to get me to WP. Like you, it may be the only time I get there, so I may as well go for it. Besides, it's only money, right?

Tim.

 

[Leumas]

Now I'm going to find a nice, cheap place to stay... Any suggestions? Wotif has Quality Inn Florida Mall at $37 for the night... Anyone have history there or anywhere else?

You're crazy if you don't get status with a decent hotel chain to match your WP card.

 

[markis10]

FWIW the best status runs in Australia domestic go for about AU$4.50 per SC at absolute best, including credit card charges but excluding accommodation.

You can get it as low as $3.73 per SC ex Brisbane no accommodation required if you are keen with 340SCs in just a tad under 24 hrs on selected days when there is a Melbourne service if you are really keen:

 

[liamg]

You're crazy if you don't get status with a decent hotel chain to match your WP card.

Well -- I'm at the Hyatt in DC for almost a week, so I figure I'll get enough luxury there...

L.

 

[Bundy Bear]

Alright, you sold me. I booked. Flights and accommodation for the night total is about AU$1150. Plus money to get into Epcot, transport to/from both airports, etc. should bring it up to $1300 I reckon. At least breakfast is free. And Internet.

My wallet is lighter, but I'm telling myself it's worth it. I think it is. I sure hope it is...

Thanks everyone again...

L.

If you have never been to Epcot you are going to love it, and I think the $1,100 you paid to get there won't seem like that much at all.

I had a good line as my signature and it will be back soon. 2 weeks and counting down.

 

[markis10]

I enjoyed reading the point of view from someone who has been there and has seen the light.

Not really, I would suggest that the person seeing the light was not able to experience the new F lounges or DOM J lounges so the comments are dated in the context of WP benefits for todays flyer, especially with regard food vs public offerings etc, different people have different priorities, I was a WP since it was introduced until two years ago, I will be doing a run this year to get back to WP as the difference it makes to my work trips is worth it, the private trips and sending SWMBO to the SPA are icing on the cake.

Well -- I'm at the Hyatt in DC for almost a week, so I figure I'll get enough luxury there...

L.

When are you going, I take it you have checked out the instant status at Hyatt thread along with their current stay two get one night free promo, it could be a very cheap night!