Is P1 worth a couple of hundred SCs?

[kidmystic80]

Hi folks,

It looks like I'm going to end my membership year a couple of hundred SCs away from P1 - unless I do something about it. It seems a shame to miss out on P1 if I'm this close.

I get the sense though that the benefits of P1 over WP are a little underwhelming.

Anyone care to convince me otherwise?

I know this topic isn't the first time this has been discussed, but curious on your thoughts about how much the P1 benefits are actually worth.

Many thanks in advance...

 

[Kendall Roy]

If you have a similar amount of travel planned for next membership year, it may be worth it if you can find some good deals.

 

[gethsemene]

If you have a similar amount of travel planned for next membership year, it may be worth it if you can find some good deals.

I was about to post the opposite! If you have a quiet year planned next year, the soft landing to plat may be worth it. Think of it as requalifying for platinum with 200sc...

 

[Kendall Roy]

I was about to post the opposite! If you have a quiet year planned next year, the soft landing to plat may be worth it. Think of it as requalifying for platinum with 200sc...

Agree with this as well, but lots of travel and access to VIP can be a god send.

 

[RichardMEL]

Tbh, not really.

I am coming up to 11th year as P1 and yes, some things are very valuable - the most notible (imo) being far better reward seat release ability. Other things like upgrade priority are good too..and almost always the VIP Team. But in the main.. is it worth going out of one's way for? Probably not.

However, I would consider these general things in deciding:

- cost to get the "few hundred SC's" required. DSC would really help with that! Not just financial cost but time/effort to do essentially SC runs

- benefit use. Would you over the next membership year be looking to redeem rewatds and potentially use this (better) access? (Plus not knowing what effect, if any, the upcoming changes will have). What about other benefits like upgrades?
- planned travel during next membership year - ie making use of the travel benefits potentially. Is a lot planned? Is most to be with QF? Partners do not see anything different with the status - so treated just like WP.
- Can the spend be justified?

I would absolutely NOT go for P1 with thoughts of the unpublished benefits that the P1 experience thread is awash with like the comp upgrades*rare) and infamous event invites. If they happen they can be very nice, but no reason to seek the status. Disappointment is likely if so imo.

I would do a cost / benefit chart about doing the extra to get there and how useful it may be in the near future. Only you can really decide but I'd personally not advise the chase for the White.

 

[kidmystic80]

Hi all. Thanks for these considered responses.

I'm pretty sure I'll make it to WP next year, though P1 is less likely.

I think you're right, @RichardMEL. It's probably line ball, and I'll need to see how close I get, and how much effort it's going to take. Will think about it.

(Also, someone has made an offer for the extra Platinum membership )

 

[Fergo747]

Partners do not see anything different with the status - so treated just like WP.

I would argue that QF sometimes treat P1s like WP (from my experience) and that I've had better experience on other airlines (EK, CX, AA) as a P1 (and WP) than on QF too.

Agree with everything that RichardMEL has said and it's not worth going for. Even the VIP Team are limited in what they can help with. Majority of my travel during my time as a P1 has been international with a mix of QF and OW carriers so very limited in my case.

Only other real tangible benefit is the partner platinum and you have to consider whether you'd get use from that.

 

[wannabeinvestmentbanker]

I say why not…if you’re only a couple of hundred you’ve come so far

In terms of treatment it really comes down to crew but I value getting access to prime seats and just knowing you theoretically should have the best treatment in case of IRROPS or onboard. My travel is all work so there’s always a safety net should things go wrong but being P1 has helped get home earlier and have a few soft touches along the way.

Selfishly I want the number of P1s to drop so my advice is uncharacteristically altruistic

 

[kermatu]

Completely agree with what others have posted. I’ve been on and off P1 maybe 4 years total pre-Pandemic and then ever since. On balance I wouldn’t chase it.

The only consideration I’d have is if you actually enjoy travelling and have the time / resources to get it, then go for it, but keep your expectations low!