How to Stay Platinum When You Live in Europe?

[shodgso]

I've been a Platinum FF for a few years now, but I'm currently living in London. I'm going to have enough SCs to reach the Platinum level again this year (lots of BA flights) - but I'm not going to have the mandatory 4 Qantas flights, so I guess I will drop to Gold. The alternative is to join the BA Executive Club and build my status up with them, but that would mean losing the lounge access and seat selection priorities that I currently get, until I build up the level with them. Has anybody else done that or have other suggestions?

 

[atreides]

You could look at AY, but I think you'll find BA to be the more fruitful.

 

[Virgin Bart]

If you've got family (preferably brother or sister of same sex and similar age) in Australia, get them to do four quick flights using OLCI in a day. Problem solved.

 

[Princess Fiona]

I've been a Platinum FF for a few years now, but I'm currently living in London. I'm going to have enough SCs to reach the Platinum level again this year (lots of BA flights) - but I'm not going to have the mandatory 4 Qantas flights, so I guess I will drop to Gold. The alternative is to join the BA Executive Club and build my status up with them, but that would mean losing the lounge access and seat selection priorities that I currently get, until I build up the level with them. Has anybody else done that or have other suggestions?

I think the answer depends on how long you will be in London for.
If its for a long period then why not join BAEC, book your flights using the QFF status and then have the QFF number removed and BA number added at check-in. You should be able to continue to use your OWE status to gain access to the Lounges by showing your QFF card whilst building up BA Tier Points.

 

[zachary.august]

You can book QF code shares on international itineraries with oneworld if ticketed with an 081 number (I have first hand experience). You could position to BER and then fly BER - LHR (QF code) LHR - ARN (QF code) ARN - LHR (BA code) LHR - BER (QF code) there is three of them and then I guess you can always go to DXB and back.

 

[JohnK]

Do Jetstar Asia flights get the ~ needed? If so then head over to SIN and do a couple of SIN-KUL returns on Jetstar Asia.

 

[serfty]

Do Jetstar Asia flights get the ~ needed? ...

If booked with a Plus or Max bundle.

 

[williamsf1]

You can book QF code shares on international itineraries with oneworld if ticketed with an 081 number (I have first hand experience). You could position to BER and then fly BER - LHR (QF code) LHR - ARN (QF code) ARN - LHR (BA code) LHR - BER (QF code) there is three of them and then I guess you can always go to DXB and back.

I thought to book these flights you need a QF international inbound/ outbound connection to Europe ? ie cannot just book a stand alone BER LON flight on QF flight number .. would need to be BER LON DXB

 

[Economy_Gold]

I've been a Platinum FF for a few years now, but I'm currently living in London. I'm going to have enough SCs to reach the Platinum level again this year (lots of BA flights) - but I'm not going to have the mandatory 4 Qantas flights, so I guess I will drop to Gold.

Just a warning to avoid disappointment: As far as I understand, the "soft landing" from Platinum to Gold only applies as long as you have the 4 mandatory QF flights, not without. If you do not have the 4 QF flights, you will likely go directly back to Bronze, no matter how many SC you made in your membership year.

 

[serfty]

Just a warning to avoid disappointment: As far as I understand, the "soft landing" from Platinum to Gold only applies as long as you have the 4 mandatory QF flights, not without. If you do not have the 4 QF flights, you will likely go directly back to Bronze, no matter how many SC you made in your membership year.

I believe that to be the case, but a recent thread on FT indicate it may not always be the case:

Minimum of 4 Qantas flights? - Page 2 - FlyerTalk Forums

YMMV

 

[drewbles]

I believe that to be the case, but a recent thread on FT indicate it may not always be the case:

Minimum of 4 Qantas flights? - Page 2 - FlyerTalk Forums

YMMV

Can confirm it's YMMV. I know someone who was WP for a few years and then abandoned QF for other pastures. Each year a lower level card was sent out until they were NB. Not one flight was taken during the slow degrading.