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

 

[hossein_au]

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

Ah, that makes sense. So separate tickets is the key.

That is only one way of achieving what you want. Having separate tickets is not the only way, having different flight numbers for back to back flights or having the same flight number with a gap in between is the key:

*) scenario 1: you can book, say, QF1 followed by QF9 on the same ticket (or different tickets);
*) scenario 2: you can book QF1, followed by a long (>24 hours) stop over in DXB, and then catch another QF1, on the same ticket (or different tickets);
*) scenario 3: you can book different segments on different tickets (they should not be on the same ticket).

I think that's it (there might be other scenarios but I cannot think of any right this moment).

 

[Flashback]

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

That is only one way of achieving what you want. Having separate tickets is not the only way, having different flight numbers for back to back flights or having the same flight number with a gap in between is the key:

*) scenario 1: you can book, say, QF1 followed by QF9 on the same ticket (or different tickets);
*) scenario 2: you can book QF1, followed by a long (>24 hours) stop over in DXB, and then catch another QF1, on the same ticket (or different tickets);
*) scenario 3: you can book different segments on different tickets (they should not be on the same ticket).

I think that's it (there might be other scenarios but I cannot think of any right this moment).

Does that work with the new QF earning though which is based on zones rather than flights?

 

[hossein_au]

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

Does that work with the new QF earning though which is based on zones rather than flights?

*) if you book a A-C itinerary consisting of A-B and B-C back-to-back flights with the same flight number and on the same ticket, you will earn based on a single flight (whether it is zone based or distance based),
*) if you book a A-B flight followed by a B-C flight as described in post #4401, then you will earn based on the two distinct flights (whether they are zone based or distance based).

You need to do your own calculations to satisfy yourself which of the above will provide you a better choice based on your own preference (convenience, total travel time, maximum SC, etc).

 

[serfty]

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

Does that work with the new QF earning though which is based on zones rather than flights?

Here is an example to prove hossein_au's point.

I flew MEL-(QF9)-DXB-(QF8003*EK)-xLHR-(QF10)-MEL earlier this year in Economy.

SC earn was 45-25-70 for 140. I had a 50% SC promo and the bonus earn was 22-12-35 for 69.

 

[MrMitch]

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

Hi all, I'm going to be switching from VA to QF for my next adventure in earning status. I have no status with VA anymore so I'm jumping ship.

I don't have any travel coming up so I'd like to get my QF SC balance running to get to silver, so a Status Run it is. Any ideas to get around 100SC's to start me off? I'm looking at doing something domestically, and relatively achievable (in a day if possible). EDIT: Based out of MEL.

 

[sudoer]

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

Hi all, I'm going to be switching from VA to QF for my next adventure in earning status. I have no status with VA anymore so I'm jumping ship.

I don't have any travel coming up so I'd like to get my QF SC balance running to get to silver, so a Status Run it is. Any ideas to get around 100SC's to start me off? I'm looking at doing something domestically, and relatively achievable (in a day if possible).

Where are you based? Do you already have QF membership and if so what is its renewal date? Is there any use in having status if you have no travel coming up?

 

[MrMitch]

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

Where are you based? Do you already have QF membership and if so what is its renewal date? Is there any use in having status if you have no travel coming up?

Sorry, edited my post - based out of MEL. I have 20SC's from a MEL-SYD run last month. I have travel coming up in both June and a some US flights in September so I'm just wanting to accrue some SC's in the form of a Status Run before then.

 

[serfty]

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

If you have a spare day or three in the USA then SG can be simply reached.

 

[ICUDr]

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

Have you thought about a QP membership?

It gives you access to the QP, better seating allocation (equivalent to silver), preferential phone access (again similar to silver) and once you reach gold then it goes on hold. Mine is on hold since 2014 hehe. Its also cheaper than an status run

 

[MrMitch]

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

Have you thought about a QP membership?

It gives you access to the QP, better seating allocation (equivalent to silver), preferential phone access (again similar to silver) and once you reach gold then it goes on hold. Mine is on hold since 2014 hehe. Its also cheaper than an status run

Interesting, how would I sign up for that? Excuse my ignorance as I'm still all quite new to this. And unfortunately the AMEX/CC methods aren't options unfortunately.

Keep in mind I have no status with QF so I'm wanting to get pretty close to or even achieve Silver so that's why I'm planning the Status Run. I have a few free days in SEA, would I be able to do a Status Run in a day from SEA, for example? Or is QP a better option?

 

[sudoer]

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

Interesting, how would I sign up for that?

Google says https://www.qantas.com/fflyer/do/dyn/QantasClubJoin

It's about $450 per year and there's a $400 initial joining fee. It's a cost effective way to get lounge access if you fly QF/JQ through ports with QF operated lounges (third party operated or OW lounges aren't allowed).

Keep in mind I have no status with QF so I'm wanting to get pretty close to or even achieve Silver so that's why I'm planning the Status Run.

Out of curiosity what do you want Silver for? There are very few tangible benefits to Silver except Business check-in (Intl only) and some extra luggage allowance - these aren't worth spending $1000+ on a status run for. It's also worth mentioning that "getting close to" Silver has no benefits whatsoever.

I have a few free days in SEA, would I be able to do a Status Run in a day from SEA, for example? Or is QP a better option?

You'll find better SC earn rates ex-SEA vs ex-MEL, so if you want to do a status run I'd recommend searching for ex-SEA fares.

Whether QP is a better option over a status run is a choice you have to make based on your upcoming travel plans, anticipated flying patterns, and preferred benefits.

 

[MrMitch]

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

It's about $450 per year and there's a $400 initial joining fee. It's a cost effective way to get lounge access if you fly QF/JQ through ports with QF operated lounges (third party operated or OW lounges aren't allowed).



Out of curiosity what do you want Silver for? There are very few tangible benefits to Silver except Business check-in (Intl only) and some extra luggage allowance - these aren't worth spending $1000+ on a status run for. It's also worth mentioning that "getting close to" Silver has no benefits whatsoever.



You'll find better SC earn rates ex-SEA vs ex-MEL, so if you want to do a status run I'd recommend searching for ex-SEA fares.

Whether QP is a better option over a status run is a choice you have to make based on your upcoming travel plans, anticipated flying patterns, and preferred benefits.

Thanks for your help, I really appreciate it. I understand that 'getting close to silver' isn't going to have any benefits, I'm just wanting to build up some Status for another holiday coming up early next year, which (from the calculations I've done) should allow me to reach Gold.

I'll have a play around with ex-SEA fares as well to see if I can build a nice little earner. Any suggestions welcome!

 

[QF WP]

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

Or if you upgrade to AFF Gold membership ($75 p.a.), then a nice discount on QC membership:

$200+ savings off Qantas Club Membership
[FONT=&amp]Qantas offer "10 or more business travelers" generous savings by creating and joining a Qantas Club Corporate scheme. Visit the [/FONT]Qantas Club Corporate Membership[FONT=&amp] website for full details. The saving amounts to $235 for new Qantas Club members and $90 per year for existing members (as at 13 May 2016). Our GOLD members can use our Individually Managed Qantas Club Scheme and enjoy these savings. Note that if you are already an (Individual) Qantas Club member, you can renew your Qantas Club membership under our scheme at the discounted corporate rate.[/FONT]

Then use the QC membership (access to Lounges in USA are the biggest benefit IIRC) on your SEA trip and any status runs you may undergo. Once you hit Gold, your QC membership will be frozen and when you drop back to Silver, it will then re-commence the unexpired portion.

 

[Awesom Andy]

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

I'll have a play around with ex-SEA fares as well to see if I can build a nice little earner. Any suggestions welcome!

Although if you're only just getting close to silver without status runs, I would wonder if there are any benefits in trying to reach gold. Well, perhaps if your travel pattern is 10 SCs per flight...

 

[sudoer]

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

Well, perhaps if your travel pattern is 10 SCs per flight...

Yep, though if you're doing lots of 10SC flights and Qantas is your primary carrier you're most likely doing domestic flying - in which case QP membership is a more cost effective option. I'm in this boat.. lots of 10-20SC economy flights with my partner whom I can guest, brings our lounge $/entry cost down to <$15pp

 

[Awesom Andy]

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

Yep, though if you're doing lots of 10SC flights and Qantas is your primary carrier you're most likely doing domestic flying - in which case QP membership is a more cost effective option. I'm in this boat.. lots of 10-20SC economy flights with my partner whom I can guest, brings our lounge $/entry cost down to <$15pp

It also depends on how much you value priority boarding (which may or may not work), and being able to select a few rows closer to the front of the plane. And having lounge access for the perhaps occasional few flights when you are on another OW airline.

 

[whatmeworry]

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

Has anybody done a valuation of SG/WP benefits? Eg. Extra baggage, seat selection, lounge access, bonus points etc?

 

[sudoer]

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

It also depends on how much you value priority boarding (which may or may not work), and being able to select a few rows closer to the front of the plane. And having lounge access for the perhaps occasional few flights when you are on another OW airline.

Those are benefits of SG though - the discussion so far has been QP vs PS. Earning SG from scratch with status runs would realistically cost $4k+? QP probably still better value..

Has anybody done a valuation of SG/WP benefits? Eg. Extra baggage, seat selection, lounge access, bonus points etc?

Perhaps too many variables to quantify the benefits into a dollar figure. It'd all depend how you use it - e.g. surely the majority of OWEs would never use their full luggage allowance (who wants to cart 96kg of luggage to and from an airport! ) but for those who do use it often, it could easily save them thousands in excess baggage fees.

 

[wandering_fred]

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

The main benefit to me of QFF? Soft landings

Happy wandering

Fred

 

[marks]

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

HI All,

With the SC AA gives now for business/first travel on status runs, is there any advice for trying to book this now. I see there is a business option on the site now for booking tickets. In the past it used to be coach & first.
What is the best way to get first tickets?
I'm looking for a status run out of LAX in late AUG. I've had success with SJU & PTY in the past.

Cheers.