Discussion/Q&A on Best QF Status Run Options

[support]

This thread is for Questions and General discussion regarding the Best Status Run Options for QFF as per this thread:

Overview of Best Status Run Options [not the discussion thread]

Please keep your questions and queries to this thread and avoid posting in the other.

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You can also get some status run inspiration from this AFF article:

The Best Qantas Frequent Flyer Status Runs

Haven't earned enough status credits in your Qantas membership year? Here is a selection of the best Qantas Frequent Flyer status runs.

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

Re: Best Status Run Options - A quick overview!

Look at going to the Au east coast.
A bit more expensive but 20 SC each way and a 330 plane as well unless an equipment swap occurs.

 

[serfty]

Re: Best Status Run Options - A quick overview!

I have had 17 AA segments this year, points and SC posted as expected for 15 of these within 36 hours.

One did not post and another posted incorrectly (as Economy, rather than First). I waited a week before getting those fixed with emails to QFF. (The crediting was simply fixed about 5 days after each email, no further contact was received.)

 

[Moindardt]

Re: Best Status Run Options - A quick overview!

I have had 17 AA segments this year, points and SC posted as expected for 15 of these within 36 hours.

One did not post and another posted incorrectly (as Economy, rather than First). I waited a week before getting those fixed with emails to QFF. (The crediting was simply fixed about 5 days after each email, no further contact was received.)

Same. Just keep your boarding passes until they post. If there is a problem, they want a scan of the boarding pass and e-ticket. 36-48 hrs is the norm. Keep in mind weekends are different so that does affect things.

 

[retsej]

Re: Best Status Run Options - A quick overview!

Cool, looks like my idea of getting the run done and out of the way right at the start of the trip and checking my balance after a few days is the way to go. My SCs from last month were a bit erratic, but I'm guessing they took a while because they were booked on AA.com with AA flight numbers but on QF metal (QF's fault) ? the only actual AA flight posted in a couple of days. Just checked my junk items and found a bonus status email that expired last night. Bugger.

17-Jan-16 AA 7299 ECONOMY 15JAN16 SYDNEY/PERTH
17-Jan-16 AA 7348 ECONOMY 05JAN16 PERTH/SYDNEY
17-Jan-16 AA 7365 ECONOMY 05JAN16 SYDNEY/LOS ANGELES
16-Jan-16 AA 073 ECONOMY 13JAN16 LOS ANGELES/SYDNEY

Not long. A few days to a week from memory.

Edit: I found some from last year:

View attachment 64456

I had about 12 flights, and had to sort out a number of ORC requests when I returned home, due to cancelled/changed flights by AA, but all ended well

 

[medhead]

Re: Best Status Run Options - A quick overview!

From PER maybe look at Jetstar with plus pack. Could be cheaper. Or look for routes that require multiple stops. I did look at PER-OOL recently, but the pricing wasn't that good.

I think I might need to do lunch in ADL, cheapest fare anywhere from PER I can see currently is $350 return for a whopping 30SC. I do wonder what the catering options are at GET ...
The aim would be to knock out 2 QF flights before taking 2 more to get to the states, make SG while over there and at least be able to use the lounges on the way back.

For people who are familiar with doing a run with AA in the US, how long do the SC's take to populate into your QFF account ?

 

[retsej]

Re: Best Status Run Options - A quick overview!

Do those J* flights with plus pack count towards my required 4 flights? Come to think of it, does Jetstar Japan count ?

From PER maybe look at Jetstar with plus pack. Could be cheaper. Or look for routes that require multiple stops. I did look at PER-OOL recently, but the pricing wasn't that good.

 

[Awesom Andy]

Re: Best Status Run Options - A quick overview!

Do those J* flights with plus pack count towards my required 4 flights? Come to think of it, does Jetstar Japan count ?

Yes to both.

 

[Danger]

Re: Best Status Run Options - A quick overview!

Do those J* flights with plus pack count towards my required 4 flights? Come to think of it, does Jetstar Japan count ?

Yes to both.

While we're on this (sub) topic and as I can't find an active thread . . .

Do you Jetstar flights (specifically JQ and 3K but Jetstar generally) count towards the four segments without any bundle? I'm specifically thinking about a price beat fare.

 

[Awesom Andy]

Re: Best Status Run Options - A quick overview!

Do you Jetstar flights (specifically JQ and 3K but Jetstar generally) count towards the four segments without any bundle? I'm specifically thinking about a price beat fare.

No. It needs to be a bundle fare. However, I'm not sure of the case of Jetstar NZ where the non-bundle fare earns points but not status.

 

[medhead]

Re: Best Status Run Options - A quick overview!

No. It needs to be a bundle fare. However, I'm not sure of the case of Jetstar NZ where the non-bundle fare earns points but not status.

My general rule of thumb is, if JQ flights earn you get a ~. That's been the case for my JQi and 3K flights. JQ NZ is an interesting one, wonder what happens.

 

[turnip666]

Re: Best Status Run Options - A quick overview!

I'm banging away the the AA site, trying to get best value for April.

Starting in SFO and want to head to TPA and PHL/ NYC as the only real stops.

I've found some sectors which work well , but when I try and price it as one itinerary on the multi sector booking tool, I have two problems....there are only six legs in the tool and It never comes up with the flights I've found point to point, so won't price those options.

Generally am I better to break it into different blocks, eg. West-S East , S East- N East and N East - West?

 

[defurax]

Re: Best Status Run Options - A quick overview!

I'm banging away the the AA site, trying to get best value for April.

Starting in SFO and want to head to TPA and PHL/ NYC as the only real stops.

I've found some sectors which work well , but when I try and price it as one itinerary on the multi sector booking tool, I have two problems....there are only six legs in the tool and It never comes up with the flights I've found point to point, so won't price those options.

Generally am I better to break it into different blocks, eg. West-S East , S East- N East and N East - West?

If you use ITA matrix, have a look at the fare breakdown (i.e "Fare1", "Fare2", etc) on the last page it often helps finding which city pairs to enter in the multicity booking tool on AA for complex itineraries with more than 2 stops.

 

[turnip666]

Re: Best Status Run Options - A quick overview!

If you use ITA matrix, have a look at the fare breakdown (i.e "Fare1", "Fare2", etc) on the last page it often helps finding which city pairs to enter in the multicity booking tool on AA for complex itineraries with more than 2 stops.

I've just been in the AA US site. Will look at ITA matrix now.

IS is better to try and book all legs in one go, or breaking it up?

 

[defurax]

Re: Best Status Run Options - A quick overview!

I've just been in the AA US site. Will look at ITA matrix now.

IS is better to try and book all legs in one go, or breaking it up?

So typically the way to initially find the best fare is to use ITA and then try to replicate that itinerary on AA US website. Alternatively, if you use Google flights there is a direct link to book the itinerary on AA.com (doesn't always work...).

 

[amaroo]

Re: Best Status Run Options - A quick overview!

Every time I hear this song ... it makes me think of the status runners

This ain't no party, this ain't no disco,
this ain't no fooling around
This ain't no mudd club, or C. B. G. B.,
I ain't got time for that now
Heard about Houston? Heard about Detroit?
Heard about Pittsburgh, P. A.?
You oughta know not to stand by the window
somebody might see you up there
I got some groceries, some peant butter,
to last a couple of days
But I ain't got no speakers, ain't got no
headphones, ain't got no records to play​

[video=youtube;obAtn6I5rbY]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obAtn6I5rbY[/video]

 

[dede]

Re: Best Status Run Options - A quick overview!

I've just booked one for June this year earning 780SC @ $AUD1.83 / SC over three days without any hotel costs.

Starting and finishing in LAX with a SC earn per segment of:

40-90-120-90-60-60-90-120-90-40


Could have pushed it a bit further however I'm no fan of constant 50 min connections and would rather play it a little safer.

Well done!

I'm searching for one for May. Need about 450 SC ideally. Can leave from LAX (or LAS) or EWR. Still searching using Google Flights.

 

[MH_fan]

Re: Best Status Run Options - A quick overview!

First time poster in this thread. Even though I've been a frequent flyer for many years, I've never ever done status runs before. However, it looks like I may possibly be falling short for requalifying for WP this year by 120SC. I'm based in Sydney and won't have the opportunity to do status runs in the US. Any general advice about status runs from Sydney (obviously keeping costs to a minimum as well)? Thanks in advance.

 

[retsej]

Re: Best Status Run Options - A quick overview!

The other more knowledgeable members will chirp in soon, but there is currently a sale SYD-AKL in J that might achieve what you need

First time poster in this thread. Even though I've been a frequent flyer for many years, I've never ever done status runs before. However, it looks like I may possibly be falling short for requalifying for WP this year by 120SC. I'm based in Sydney and won't have the opportunity to do status runs in the US. Any general advice about status runs from Sydney (obviously keeping costs to a minimum as well)? Thanks in advance.

 

[MH_fan]

Re: Best Status Run Options - A quick overview!

Thanks. Will have a look at that.

 

[Moindardt]

Re: Best Status Run Options - A quick overview!

Great post on how to use advanced routing rules on ITA Matrix for those new to it. Find An Ideal Flight With ITA Matrix Advanced Routing Codes