Is Platinum really worth it?

[marcoakis]

Hi guys,

I'm currently SG and sitting close to 800 SC... I have enough velocity points to burn for a weekend in J to Perth from MEL in June and still claim the SC, taking me to Platinum.

However... is Platinum really worth it? I was thinking about saving the points to upgrade a long haul trip to J sometime next year. It seems that the benefit gap is very small from Gold -> Platinum.

What are your thoughts?

 

[day-heg]

Extra points earned on fares (100% bonus as opposed to 75% for Gold), extra baggage allowance, access to row three pretty much every flight, 4 free domestic upgrades (on any route) plus the opportunity to (re)status match to the top level with Hilton/IHG and Hertz/Europcar.

Edit: plus access to the Etihad Flounge in Abu Dhabi if you travel intl with EY?

I'd say worth it, just so long as you NEVER select seat 3B/E next to me!

 

[eckorock]

I believe it all comes down to whether or not you will be doing regular flights enough to enjoy the benefits.

For someone who flys enough to earn Gold then the answer would (probably) be yes, but it's your call.

 

[Ausbt]

Yes. But don't go for it - concentrate on making Gold at Q, Jetstar and Tiger first.

 

[moa999]

If you fly lots of ECoast-Perth flexis.... well worth it.
Even the extra points earn can add a bit of value.

 

[Markmat]

I find it is worth it, but only if you are flying regularly (which you are if you are gold) The biggest benefit I have seen is that you can always get an earlier flight at the lounge even if you are on an ineligible fare, but even greater than that is during all the disasters of the Sabre reservation system changeover, Platinums seemed to be able to get priority treatment in seat allocation, point processing, etc (Not sure how others fared though!). The bonus points are good and if flying internationally Platinum seems to get better treatment from partner airlines.

 

[MandM]

I am in a similar situation and have decided to have a go for plat. All the above were definitely factors, but the one thing that really secured my decision was the soft landing. I'm not sure that I'll be flying as much in the next 12 months, so to know that I'll have 24 months of gold+ status for just 200 points (I'm at 800) was a real kicker that I had not really thought of until someone on this board mentioned it (I love this place ).

 

[carwashhair]

I am in a similar situation and have decided to have a go for plat. All the above were definitely factors, but the one thing that really secured my decision was the soft landing. I'm not sure that I'll be flying as much in the next 12 months, so to know that I'll have 24 months of gold+ status for just 200 points (I'm at 800) was a real kicker that I had not really thought of until someone on this board mentioned it (I love this place ).

I am on the other side of your coin, MandM. Been sitting on 740SC and wondering whether to go for plat, in order to get soft landing. But since 360sc have just expired, realised I probably should have pushed a little harder. I won't get that close to plat again.

My only problem (though it doesn't feel like it here on AFF) is inventing reasons to fly. It's all leisure SC's for me, and only have 2 domestic flights over the next 8mths lined up. But even from my perspective, I'm going to say plat is worthwhile.

 

[brzbnkr]

Unadvertised benefits can be the best.
When the weather caused massive delays early this year, I was booked on the last flight out of Adelaide to Brisbane, WITH check-in luggage... when I got to the airport, they 2nd last was about to depart - the check-in girl gets on the phone, saying "I've got a Platinum here, can you get him on the flight"... they rushed me through, boarded 2 minutes later... bags arrived in BNE on time, flight was jam-packed full... best of all the flight I was supposed to be on was cancelled --->> saved me an overnight in ADL!

 

[cove]

In my last 10 J flights my Platinum shadow has worked except for one where I was seated with a lovely Chairman's Lounge GP.Mrscove is a first year Platinum and never scores a shadow so I don't know how that system works.

 

[markis10]

In my last 10 J flights my Platinum shadow has worked except for one where I was seated with a lovely Chairman's Lounge GP.Mrscove is a first year Platinum and never scores a shadow so I don't know how that system works.

This is a Virgin thread??

 

[Clivem]

Currently 985 SC .......today's 'J' MEL / BNE will do the deal ......

I'll report back from the other side ....... ALTHOUGH..... if VA don't get their website dramas sorted toot sweet they can jam the whole lot .......

I cannot believe their shareholders aren't rioting in the streets ....... The amount of good people, with good bankable coin wanting to drop it into the Virgin tin, but give up and go to Qantas or others due to 'website' frustration must be huge ........

 

[marcoakis]

Thanks for your comments, I've decided to go for Platinum. I'm taking my girlfriend to weekend getaway in Noosa from Melbourne in J, that should do the trick!