How much better is Qantas Platinum than Gold?

[JohnK]

The MEL & SYD FCL's lounges are nice, but if they weren't there I'd just get to the airport much much later, like I do when flying SQ or EK out of MEL.

I agree but see no reason why you wouldn't go to the airport earlier for the normal business lounges.

1200 SC for 2k?

1200/2000=$1.66 per SC? That's still pretty good. Most AA Y'up's and K'up's are around $2.00 per SC and up.

Looking at my credit card statement it can be done for ~AUD2100 at the moment but it is not nearly as efficient as the USA YUP/KUP runs. Depending on the routing you will still need to sacrifice 5-6 days (4 flights per day) to the cause and need 4-5 nights accommodation. If you are lucky and happen to be in the area a couple of times of a year then it is not really that a significant cost to re-qualifiy Platinum.

The access to the first lounges internationally is beneficial. Don't forget that with Platinum you can use the International Business Lounge whenever you are flying, regardless of One World Carrier or not. You can enter the business lounge domestic at anytime which is useful if meeting friends at the airport and they happen to be delayed.

This is a great benefit. Not sure it is worth all the money but it has certainly served me well over the last couple of years and will be of tremendous help on my SYD-SIN-BKK return award trip on SQ in a couple of weeks.

 

[dajop]

I agree but see no reason why you wouldn't go to the airport earlier for the normal business lounges.

It's probably sad, but nevertheless true, I have reached a threshold where a "normal" business lounge is just a comfy seat (perhaps), some cheap food (that you can pay minimal money for to buy in most airports), and some free booze. Don't get me wrong, they're great for transitting - especially between long flights when you can take a shower, great when delays happen, and great whilst getting to the airport early, waiting for a flight when coming home from somewhere you have no ties to.

But to be frank, these days when I'm leaving from home, I'd rather just get to the airport and jump straight on the plane, and have the extra time at home (once upon a time I did feel differently, but the novelty of lounges has worn off, again a bit sad.). Unless of course something special like the MEL/SYD FCL's!

 

[AnonymousCoward]

But to be frank, these days when I'm leaving from home, I'd rather just get to the airport and jump straight on the plane, and have the extra time at home (once upon a time I did feel differently, but the novelty of lounges has worn off, again a bit sad.). Unless of course something special like the MEL/SYD FCL's!

+1

But even the novelty of the FCL lounge wears off - even when flying in first. SYD-SIN commuting this year has made me realise that I'd rather just be at home.

 

[kangela]

Most of my international travel is Trans Tasman but I do at least 1 trip to Europe or North America each year. Therefore I consider WP (SG definitely) worth it for the reasons spelled out in this thread.

I too pay for my travels and thus look for value. However, over the 'status qualifying year' I probably have paid close to $2,000 in small increments to ensure that I get some QFF points and, more importantly, SCs.

For instance, for a forthcoming trip to AKL, the availability on QF was limited to the more expensive fares. JQ was half. BUT, I paid $100 extra for JetFlex to snag the points and SCs. Similarly, there was limited choice on QF so I went for LA. BUT, I elected to pay $200 extra for J and the 80 SCs. (One could argue that I'm getting way more value than my usual Seat 4 on QF's 738, which in this instance costs only marginally less).

Thus I figure I am forking out an extra $2,000 over the year to qualify for WP but it's worth noting that I need to make these trips. None have been pure status runs. Just costlier regular runs.

So, the question is - should I have forked out $2,000 in the beginning on a Status Run, got WP and then sat back and enjoyed the privileges while travelling on the 'value' fares thereafter?

I will qualify with a week to go before the qualification period expiry . Then it's the Spa for the missus and eggs benedict for me