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

 

[Aussie_flyer]

re: Discussion/Q&A on Best QF Status Run Options

Be aware if you miss the first flight AA will likely cancel the entire itinerary and you will lose your money altogether

 

[sostopher]

Re: Best Status Run Options - A quick overview!

Sometimes hard to get more than two or three segments on google flight.

I have booked and flown two MR's on AA through Orbitz using this:

ITA-Purchase Fares on Orbitz/Delta/United Userscript - FlyerTalk Forums

Wow that userscript is amazing!

 

[ComeFlyWithMe]

Re: Best Status Run Options - A quick overview!

I think that's way too late. I've seen planes boarded and doors closing 15 minutes prior to the actual door closing time. Especially on the first flight of the day when the plane would most likely have spent the night at the airport and getting away on time is paramount so as to avoid delays throughout the rest of the day.

If there is the slightest problem then your waiting times can blow out very quickly. The TSA wait times are in this link. You're also assuming the taxi will turn up on time and not have any traffic issues.

Do you know the layout of SEATAC? If not you may well spend a few minutes walking around trying to find your gate.

For me personally I would plan to be air side at least an 90 minutes before boarding is due to start.

Other than that it sounds like a great run and one to check out later in the year.

Thanks for the info. There seem to be conflicting data points on whether there is a Priority AAccess security line available at SEA. OneWorld says yes, AA says no, AS says yes and first class pax are entitled. There even seems contention on whether there is a lounge and whether you have access. As a WP travelling F surely there'd be something there.

Either way, I cannot possibly fathom being at the airport any earlier than an hour before. Being a Saturday, I would imagine it to be a bit quieter than a weekday at 4am.

Can anyone confirm whether SEA has priority security for F/WP?

I will book the taxi in advance, and traffic issues at 4am in Seattle shouldn't be a huge problem.

 

[defurax]

Re: Best Status Run Options - A quick overview!

Sometimes hard to get more than two or three segments on google flight.

I have booked and flown two MR's on AA through Orbitz using this:

ITA-Purchase Fares on Orbitz/Delta/United Userscript - FlyerTalk Forums

Great! Thanks for the tip. In my case seems to work with Priceline but not Orbitz.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Re: Best Status Run Options - A quick overview!

Question for the brains trust: for those who have taken AAdvantage of some of the US domestic runs, presuming OLCI has been completed, how late can one turn up to the airport to take their flight?

I have an SEA-PHX-ORD-PHX-SEA booked, with the first flight departure at 05:00. I am staying in downtown Seattle and was planning on getting a taxi at 04:00, getting me to SEA around 04:20-04:30. Does this give me enough time? Hand luggage only and will have OLCI/Mobile BP in hand.

As others have said - you need to allow plenty of time.

TSA lines can take 30 mins if you are unlucky, hand luggage only won't change that. Priority access or First class security can't always be relied on, some airports only operate the lines infrequently, if at all, and sometimes don't let first class in anyway unless you have TSA PreCheck.

If you miss the first flight, the rest of the itinerary may be cancelled, and some YUPs/KUPs come with a specific requirement that any flight changes or cancellations must be made before the scheduled departure time of the first flight.

The other thing to bear in mind is that arriving late at the gate, whether you've checked in or not, can lead to your seat being given away to a passenger on the stand-by list (for upgrades). Getting to the gate anywhere less than 20 minutes or so before departure runs the risk of this happening.

 

[Moindardt]

re: Discussion/Q&A on Best QF Status Run Options

For a 5am flight I would be at the airport by 4am. You would be amazed how many pax you sometimes get around those times. There are also less on the TSA checkpoints so it can take forever. Unless you have TSA pre clearance, assume it is going to take quite a while. I am always there for when they call boarding otherwise you find no overhead locker and your blanket and pillow gone. I had one flight where I was late and they had to put my hand luggage at the back and I had to wait until the whole flight was off. Not a good idea if you are doing a MR.

 

[ComeFlyWithMe]

re: Discussion/Q&A on Best QF Status Run Options

For a 5am flight I would be at the airport by 4am. You would be amazed how many pax you sometimes get around those times. There are also less on the TSA checkpoints so it can take forever. Unless you have TSA pre clearance, assume it is going to take quite a while. I am always there for when they call boarding otherwise you find no overhead locker and your blanket and pillow gone. I had one flight where I was late and they had to put my hand luggage at the back and I had to wait until the whole flight was off. Not a good idea if you are doing a MR.

Good lord, and I thought QF could be uncivilised...! Is that really how AA treat their F pax?

 

[DC3]

re: Discussion/Q&A on Best QF Status Run Options

Don't be late.

If you manage to get on board when you're late, your fellow passengers have already taken all overhead luggage space.

Just arrive at the gate 45 minutes beforehand and all's well (and you will see how well AA does priority boarding. )

 

[ComeFlyWithMe]

re: Discussion/Q&A on Best QF Status Run Options

Don't be late.

If you manage to get on board when you're late, your fellow passengers have already taken all overhead luggage space.

Just arrive at the gate 45 minutes beforehand and all's well (and you will see how well AA does priority boarding. )

At the gate 45 mins before a domestic flight? Oh dear, I haven't flown domestically in the US for a long time but don't remember it being that bad... I do remember their flawless priority boarding with the boarding groups on the boarding pass.

Overhead luggage not a huge issue, will have one small hand luggage item, but noted about the stealing of overhead space...

I'm not sure I'll have all my faculties, being up at 3am, at terminal by 4am and a 5am departure, but let's hope so.

 

[Moindardt]

re: Discussion/Q&A on Best QF Status Run Options

Good lord, and I thought QF could be uncivilised...! Is that really how AA treat their F pax?

It's not AA. It's the obnoxious passengers. I have seen them go and find the missing blankets and pillows a few times as well as threaten a few thieving pax. I really wish they would kick more people off who bring these massive suitcases on as hand luggage. People go to extreme lengths to avoid check baggage fees. I have never had an issue on any domestic flights, anywhere else in the world, with overhead luggage, but in the US its a constant battle. And I never sit in the aisle seat cause every rude prick wipes you out.

 

[Princess Fiona]

re: Discussion/Q&A on Best QF Status Run Options

At the gate 45 mins before a domestic flight? Oh dear, I haven't flown domestically in the US for a long time but don't remember it being that bad... I do remember their flawless priority boarding with the boarding groups on the boarding pass.

Overhead luggage not a huge issue, will have one small hand luggage item, but noted about the stealing of overhead space...

I'm not sure I'll have all my faculties, being up at 3am, at terminal by 4am and a 5am departure, but let's hope so.

Shrek ignores all advice to be at the boarding gate 45 minutes before as he's "Emerald flying F"
Anyway, he hasn't yet had to check a cabin bag and I've also independently travelling not seen an F pax having their cabin baggage gate checked.
That's not to say it doesn't happen but I don't think it's a frequent occurrence.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

re: Discussion/Q&A on Best QF Status Run Options

I'm not sure I'll have all my faculties, being up at 3am, at terminal by 4am and a 5am departure, but let's hope so.

Even AA coffee sorta almost tastes ok at 5am.

And a bloody mary (double with 100ml of vodka) at 5.15 helps. You certainly feel a bit happier

 

[ComeFlyWithMe]

re: Discussion/Q&A on Best QF Status Run Options

Even AA coffee sorta almost tastes ok at 5am.

And a bloody mary (double with 100ml of vodka) at 5.15 helps. You certainly feel a bit happier

Haha good tip. Though I will probably duck in to Starbucks before boarding as I detest almost all American coffee, airline supplied or not!

 

[Moindardt]

re: Discussion/Q&A on Best QF Status Run Options

Haha good tip. Though I will probably duck in to Starbucks before boarding as I detest almost all American coffee, airline supplied or not!

At least Starbucks have espresso now, albeit not very well done, but still drinkable. Can never drink that percolated coffee muck. I am sure that they use the toilet waste water in it.

 

[ICUDr]

re: Discussion/Q&A on Best QF Status Run Options

At least Starbucks have espresso now, albeit not very well done, but still drinkable. Can never drink that percolated coffee muck. I am sure that they use the toilet waste water in it.

I was at FLL and craving a decent coffee when I saw a proper barista machine.... I crawled towards it only to find out that they use it to steam the milk and then pour over the percolated made coffee afterwards ='(

 

[DC3]

re: Discussion/Q&A on Best QF Status Run Options

Starbucks do a "flat white" now, so you don't need to try and explain what you are after.

 

[get me outta here]

re: Discussion/Q&A on Best QF Status Run Options

And, if you get it in the tiny cup, it actually tastes quite good.

Starbucks do a "flat white" now, so you don't need to try and explain what you are after.

 

[Danger]

re: Discussion/Q&A on Best QF Status Run Options

I have a 41 minute connection in DCA on my PTY run later this year. ExpertFlyer says the MCT at DCA is 45 minutes yet this itinerary was booked directly on AA's site. On top of that I don't think I'm going to be able to HLO. Shall be fun.

 

[defurax]

re: Discussion/Q&A on Best QF Status Run Options

I have a 41 minute connection in DCA on my PTY run later this year. ExpertFlyer says the MCT at DCA is 45 minutes yet this itinerary was booked directly on AA's site. On top of that I don't think I'm going to be able to HLO. Shall be fun.

If the connection is illegal just pick some alternative flights with F availability and contact AA. They should reissue your ticket free of charge.

 

[Aussie_flyer]

re: Discussion/Q&A on Best QF Status Run Options

If the connection is illegal just pick some alternative flights with F availability and contact AA. They should reissue your ticket free of charge.

It's not illegal, Domestic to Domestic for AA at DCA is 30 min MCT