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

 

[randomly_chaotic]

Blame having kids.. but been out of the game a little while. Looking to use this DSC to get back to WP (currently, SG). Does the gift voucher trick still work? That is, buy vouchers during the DSC promotion period to generate a booking reference and then use said voucher to book later and still get the DSC's (provided flights take place during specified promtion period)?

Would also love to know this.

 

[Lynda2475]

Would also love to know this.

Conditions explicitly state only earn DSC on GV where they voucher was purchased and redeemed in the booking window. NO i would say that old loophole has been closed.

 

[dairyfloss]

Conditions explicitly state only earn DSC on GV where they voucher was purchased and redeemed in the booking window. NO i would say that old loophole has been closed.

True - but that's been added for some years now... and it didn't change the outcomes One thing that is different in 2023, is that they will allow QF flight credits to be used in forming an eligible booking, and these effectively assume the same form as GVs, with an existing PNR already in place and dated from the point of the initial booking, or sometimes conversion to credit. As a result, they may have needed to alter things to recognise these as eligible, and it's possible that could have messed with the DSC GV situation, even if it wasn't the focus. It would only have ever been a tinier than tiny fraction of the customer base that played this game, and they'd end up booking something anyway... it was just a matter of timing.

Cheers,
Matt.

 

[Lynda2475]

I just prefer to book with certainty rather thank gamble and lose.

That said you could risk booking a cheapo one way flight, then modify the booking later to include other flights before the Feb end date and likely still benefit. That has worked in the past.

 

[Silvia]

what is the go with AKL being filled with narrow bodies? Can't find any A330s from SYD-AKL and they are not selling Biz for QF3/4

 

[Lynda2475]

Its been like that for a ages, but since its basically a domestic flight I understand the widebodies being used on longer routes.

 

[kangarooflyer88]

Its been like that for a ages, but since its basically a domestic flight I understand the widebodies being used on longer routes.

There are many many international routes QF operates around the region that are serviced by narrow bodies, NZ being one of them but I think destinations like Fiji, Nouveau Caleodnie, etc. are served by narrow bodies too. Whether NZ is a domestic destination is up for debate though. Yes Aussies have a tight immigration stitch up with NZ but I would argue that it's not the same as flying inter-state (aside from the quarantine detector dogs).

 

[elanshin]

what is the go with AKL being filled with narrow bodies? Can't find any A330s from SYD-AKL and they are not selling Biz for QF3/4

Likely utilisation of a330 is desparately needed on other routes. Theres many routes they would like to fly but don't have the aircraft to do so with the 787 delivery delays.

 

[Lynda2475]

I meant basically domestic in terms of duration. It is quicker/shorter to fly SYD to AKL/WLG/CHC/ZQN/NOU/NAD/SUV than it is to to fly to PER and same duration as CNS-SYD.

The mid range Widebodies better used on routes of 5-10hrs.

 

[kangarooflyer88]

Widebodies better used on 5hr plus

Or on super short routes like SYD > MEL where one could upgrade their $99 red e-deal to J for 10,900 points and then proceed to eat and take a half hour nap thereby maximizing their use of the aircraft!

 

[Lynda2475]

Or on super short routes like SYD > MEL where one could upgrade their $99 red e-deal to J for 10,900 points and then proceed to eat and take a half hour nap thereby maximizing their use of the aircraft!

Disagree, think its a waste to put a A330 on SYD-MEL unless we are swimming in spare aircraft. I did like it when they used A330 on SYD-CNS but that is all 737 now too.

They could charge a better premium using the A330 on SYD/MEL to PER

 

[Bindibuys]

When you are costing out the $ per SC, are you working on the DSC value or base?
Spent $1841.07 for 205 sc x 2 (410 total) Syd-Alk-Mel-Syd in J

 

[WilsonM]

When you are costing out the $ per SC, are you working on the DSC value or base?
Spent $1841.07 for 205 sc x 2 (410 total) Syd-Alk-Mel-Syd in J

DSC, so you're spending $4.49 per SC in this case

 

[kangarooflyer88]

Disagree, think its a waste to put a A330 on SYD-MEL unless we are swimming in spare aircraft. I did like it when they used A330 on SYD-CNS but that is all 737 now too.

Per Wikipedia approximately roughly 40% of QF's fleet is made up of some type of wide body aircraft which is roughly in line percentage wise with other larger carriers. Given the fact that Qantas is predominantly a regional airline servicing parts of Asia and the Pacific, one could argue that they don't have as much of a need for wide body aircraft than larger global airlines that serve several continents.

They could charge a better premium using the A330 on SYD/MEL to PER

Yes but there's not a lot of business travellers on that route whereas SYD > MEL is chock-a-block with ASX types.

 

[SYD]

Given the fact that Qantas is predominantly a regional airline servicing parts of Asia and the Pacific, one could argue that they don't have as much of a need for wide body aircraft than larger global airlines that serve several continents.

QF services every continent (except Antarctica). The only European airline that does that is BA (because it flies to Oz!).

 

[Lynda2475]

Yes but there's not a lot of business travellers on that route whereas SYD > MEL is chock-a-block with ASX types.

As someone who used to fly SYD-MEL-SYD at least fortnightly for work, I can tell you most companies dont permit J (or W) for such a short flight. Add in a meal service and you aren't going to get any shut-eye on a less than 90 mins flight. A330 is a waste, given there is a 737 every 15 mins in morning/evening peak (actually every 10 mins on a Monday morning).

The serious road warriors arent CEOs, they are sales, middle managers and consultants and you fly what the company/client is willing to pay. You can get J written into contracts for long flights, but they will mostly just laugh you out of the room most time for a SYD-MEL.

 

[kangarooflyer88]

When you are costing out the $ per SC, are you working on the DSC value or base?
Spent $1841.07 for 205 sc x 2 (410 total) Syd-Alk-Mel-Syd in J

You would calculate the total status credits earned (including any bonus) and divide that by the money spent. The reason being is that you are presumably earning status credits to earn (or retain) frequent flyer status, so should be looking at the total contributing to it rather than the base. The only time I could see the double status credit promotion not factoring into the calculation is if you are a frequent flyer with another program like BA or American where such promotions wouldn't apply to you. Otherwise, if you are a Qantas Frequent Flyer earning status on that program, then yeah calculate the total status credits earned. Indeed the fact that we are in this promotion, is making many otherwise marginal trips represent particularly good value (i.e. the aforementioned AKL > DRW trip).

-RooFlyer88

 

[justinbrett]

Given the fact that Qantas is predominantly a regional airline

Glossing over the fact QF has multiple entries in all of the world's longest routes lists, and was the only airline that ordered the 747-400ER, and now the launch customer of the A350-1000ULR.

For a country of 26 million at the end of the line, QF punches well above its weight for being an international airline.

In North America, most international routes of ~3 hours are served by narrowbodies.

 

[Quickstatus]

QF services every continent (except Antarctica

It does if the Antarctic joylights are included.

 

[Flyfrequently]

Seems like CR availability to Darwin even in peak season is okay. But the accommodation prices in Jun-Aug... eye-watering stuff.

Can get 244 status credits in DSC if you book SYD-ADL-DRW-ADL-SYD though, which isnt bad for 83k points.

Havent found a good status earner ex-SYD so far, looks like I will settle for domestic CR status runs in J.

I was looking at MEL-ADL-DRW, will DSC apply to QF coded Alliance Aiirlines ADL-DRW leg? Aware it is QF metal for international but domestic?
Also any thoughts on Embraer 190 business?