Converting SWMBO

[dfcatch]

Well, despite the recent setback in another thread - http://www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au/showthread.php?t=32707

I think (says cautiously), that SWMBO "might" be coming around slightly (or at least was, before the latest incident).

She was very spoilt in the last few weeks including:
- J on A380 from LAX-SYD
- SYD F lounge
- Nice Jetconnect 738s
- NZ seatback AVOD
- MEL F Lounge

Although when we were in the SYD F lounge, the first thing she said was "so is this where you and your lounge buddies hang out?"

But I knew I was making progress when we stepped onto a 763 SYD-MEL and before we even sat down she said "damn this plane looks old, is it going to make it without falling apart?", followed by looking at the projection screens "wow, I'm impressed by the HD tv on this modern plane"

And the clincher, where I finally think we passed a crucial turning point - when things when pearshaped with AA, she says "Maybe you should see if your lounge buddies can give any advice"

AFF is vindicated

 

[Alanslegal]

Congrats

My girlfriend is definitely converted too. A while ago I could try to explain, persuade, talk about the good things of travel and she would just brush it off, wouldn't careless imo. Then one day back in 2009, I booked her onto the same QF11 SYD-LAX in J on the 388 and that was the turning point. Not only did we have a brand new 388 to play in, the time for the entire travel process was amazing (to her). When we even zoomed past everybody during boarding time, and walking that gauntlet, she reminded herself how lucky it is to have boarding at your own leisure rather than waiting and waiting.

She said there was nooooo way she would want to go back*.

 

[sr81]

I have now converted my fiancé who once referred to AFF as “the nerd brigade”.

Moment of change; nose of a QF 747 LAX-MEL in First. This flight is also known as the “greatest movie night of my life”. Something like four movies with ice-cream, steak sandwiches and rather good champers all whilst tucked up in bed with fresh PJ's and a big soft doona.

She also said of Thai in J – “this really is rather average compared to Qantas isn’t it.”

 

[WindowSeat]

Glad I'm not the only one to be called a nerd recently based on researching AFF and building points spreadsheets. Oh well, it'll all be worth it when flying the pointy end next year to Europe with the points I've accrued! SWMBO already appreciates the lounge access but when the J seats kick in on the longhaul flights the nerdiness will definitely be worth it!

 

[straitman]

I managed to complete the conversion quite a while ago and SWMBO is QF Platinum in her own right and enjoys the trips.

 

[dfcatch]

Well - the success was short-lived.......

Evidently the BNE dinner tomorrow is providing her with plenty of material to poke fun at again


The subtle dig started with the first question.....

"So............. which lounge are you meeting at..??"

 

[cove]

Very good dfcatch....we are all playing on the same field.
One of my kids said "So dad is it ok for me to meet someone I don't know on the net and go out to drinks and dinner after a few messages?"
I shifted all the family along with First and Business class travel but it feels like a bit of a roller coaster ride.
SWMBO deletes all AFF messages on her IPAD but loves front of the plane travel so maybe this is as good as it gets.
I do think she is warming to AFF ideas I try out but it is taking time!

 

[pagingjoan]

Very good dfcatch....we are all playing on the same field.
One of my kids said "So dad is it ok for me to meet someone I don't know on the net and go out to drinks and dinner after a few messages?"
I shifted all the family along with First and Business class travel but it feels like a bit of a roller coaster ride.
SWMBO deletes all AFF messages on her IPAD but loves front of the plane travel so maybe this is as good as it gets.
I do think she is warming to AFF ideas I try out but it is taking time!

Well, it's role reversal in our household. It is HE who goes glassy eyed at the mere mention of AFF tips and strategies. And he is Plat One, while I am a pleb WP! Mind you, he would not be P 1 without my management of his travel .....

 

[ozmille]

I don't think SWMBO will ever be converted, she lets me do my thing and go off with the other Frequent Flyer's. The last couple of weeks she has been having particular fun with our Flounge Christmas run on Saturday.
The thing is she does really like her WP status which she wouldn't have without the tips on this forum! Thanks for that, happy wife is happy life

 

[Paddy55]

Mrs Paddy is making steady progress... but she's really "plateaued" and needs to try harder... Mrs Paddy is a teacher

Conversion started nearly 3 years ago when we snagged a couple of CX 2-for-1 JX SYD-LHR-SYD tickets as part of celebrating a significant birthday. That gave her a taste of life at the other end of the plane and went down really, really well.

The SCs from that flight, plus some knowledge from AFF got me to Gold, and then later that year when we were travelling to the US we scored an op-up just after take-off on that basis. Only to PE... but again not the back of the boat. That trip, with a couple of YUPPs Drewbles put me on to, got me to WP, where I've stayed ever since.

Amex and Woolies knowledge from AFF ensured an F award on for Mrs Paddy when she travelled by herself to LHR (I was doing a DONE4 of course and met her there ). The meeting at the kerb, F checkin, F lounge and F flight experience, and then J in the A380 with me on the return journey means Mrs Paddy accepts J/F is the only way to fly long haul and that there is valuable advice on AFF that helps this happen... but...planning a trip to USA on AA points next Xmas and suggested we return from MIA to SYD via LHR instead of LAX so I could get some more points... and I got an emphatic "NO".... so pleasing progress, but a way to go.

Paddy

 

[simongr]

I am allowed to spend a little extra time travelling (mileage/SC runs) if it leads to F/J seats for mrssimongr. The impending Nespresso machine is also helping.

However on our trip to LCA/PFO next year with mrssimongr and boygr I have been informed that the most direct routing is the only option for the trip with a four year old...

 

[Flying Fox]

When I initially read this thread, I thought it was about how to change from one SWMBO to another :shock:

My SWMBO likes to poke fun at me with regards to my 'nerdy-ness' and 'AFF'. However, she is more than happy to obey my instructions on shopping here & there to get more points as she knows the benefits are flying at the front of the plane.

I have only had to use the line, 'well its OK if you don't want to do it, it just means I'll be flying F/J and you will be going Y' once or twice. Normally that gets her very motivated to help out.