Not Aiming for Lifetime Gold

[StayGoldPonyboy]

So spread your wings fellow travellers - it's a big wide world out there - and it certainly doesn't revolve around qantas - with lots of other airlines that will take you further safely and in comfort!

Literally why this forum exists. People are really helpful. Learning all the ins and outs becomes addictive.

Announce-the-flounce usernames age like tattoos of ex-partner's names.

 

[DC3]

Well, if you like listening [reading] to all that chestbeating - what can i say?

Have you dabbled with FT at all?

 

[elanshin]

All FF change at a dime and its trying to find what is the current best options based on circumstances flying patterns and life.

Not everyone has access to everything easily, but as with everything QFF has its place for its purposes. There are pros and cons to every FF scheme.

Take advantage of what you can because it's pretty clear where everything is going in the future for ALL Frequent flyer programs with the US big 3 leading the way.

 

[RichardMEL]

Well Richard, I don't share your sympathies - I'm beginning to think that you're qantas' CFO and I'm no longer as rich in points as I once was.

Hmm, unsure how pointing out facts makes me the CFO, but you've long missed the boat on insinuating I am an employee of QF. 10 or so years ago it was suggested I worked in Marketing. Both are totally untrue (as much as I love some of the front line staff, no way would I want to work for them with the ongoing cultural problems from the top down, but I digress...).

I get that you don't like the devaluations (which ALL of the loyalty programs do) and that you don't feel Classic Plus rewards are good value. I already noted that many agree, and I do too, although as @Lynda2475 already pointed out, on occasion those rewards can come in cheaper than the "classic" CR pricing (eg the other day there was a post about how Business Class (J) rewards to LAX came in cheaper during a sale). My point was that you had noted one of the problems you had with the current state of the program was the lack of access to rewards seats. Since you had also said you had attained Points Club at some point, that implies at least >150k points earn in a year. Both Points Club and Classic Plus rewards are QF's response to the situation of those who earn a lot of points from non flying activities which it seems you fell into, if not now since you have shifted your game board.

Also, I concede to your contention that I have been playing the game - just a bit differently to many people on here. Certainly not as seriously as some by the looks of things reading these posts.
It surprises me how quickly people respond - they must all be swanning away in the QF lounge or up on the poop deck of their respective sloops!
It seems that I was too busy to fully take notice of all the changes that Qantas introduced along the way - though I doubt I would have acted all that differently. LTG is not a holy grail for me and now at my age would be unlikely. I don't need it anyway.

And that's FINE. Your approach has been to earn and burn points on flights as you've said. I know a number of people who do the same. That's a fine strategy, though getting much harder to attain for many as we know.

I would suggest though that you've become interested enough in engaging (more?) with the loyalty programs since your research brought you here - and that's a good thing! This forum is full of very knowledgeable and helpful people in all of the various programs that love to help everyone get the best out of the programs they're involved with.

Yes, many members here are possibly more "niche" and play the games to extremes - be it credit card "churning" for points bonuses, status runs, double status credits, leveraging fares to the max (ie "Why go direct when you can connect") to maximise value. These are all valid strategies - and they're not for everyone either (I don't do all of these things). So it may seem like some are perhaps more "obsessed" or whatever with the details, but it's an interest and we like making the most of the programs.

There's a lot to learn - specially as things constantly change - usually not for the better, and you can take or leave as you like.

Whilst still a QFF member [it's hard not to be] I have joined Virgin and am a little chuffed to see my points almost reach 5k after about a week, and also now with AC, which on the face of it seems like a more generous program, with full Star Alliance access plus a dozen or more other partners, including Virgin & Emirates.
So spread your wings fellow travellers - it's a big wide world out there - and it certainly doesn't revolve around qantas - with lots of other airlines that will take you further safely and in comfort!

And that's great. I had already responded to one of your comments that, for those that have the ability to do so, "sharing the love" can be very valuable. I've been doing it for decades and have footholds in two of the three global alliances, which makes options varied depending on the need.

Others have already posted their own comments about how they've moved from program to program to find sweet spots and situations that work for them with their needs. Absolutely agree that QFF is not the only option out there. Absolutely.

I think we may have gotten off on the wrong foot because it appeared as though you came in guns blazing with a seemingly arrogant and/or condescending attitude with a generalisation that everyone looking for something like LTG with QFF were somehow foolish ("I feel sad ...") and accusing people of "chest beating" while doing pretty much the same thing yourself imo with how you'd left and the grass is greener (and for you, right now, it is).. IMO your comments dismissed many other members with their own goals, needs and situations and I didn't feel that was appropriate.

And I was still waiting for you to explain your comment about there being "prerequsites" for earning SC. Though perhaps you're referring to the complex web of SC earnings on partners? (and sadly QFF is very good at that, but far from the only one with limits and conditions on earnings with partners - Star is full of them too).

So anyway, let's move on. I think it's totally fine (but hey who cares what I think? we all have opinions and all are valid!) to not go for status, high status or indeed lifetime status (and VA doesn't offer it currently iirc, so not an issue there! ). Everyone's value propisitions, situations, needs, goals and wants are unique - and they change over time (along with the programs - usually annoying).

So, let's aim for more positive posts. Perhaps you can share your wisdom on the VA forums and elsewhere for positives to help others, and of course soak up some of the really helpful knowledge shared here freely.

I know QFF is frustrating you. It's frustrating for a lot of people (me included). There's many aspects that are absoltely not right or fair (sorry, "simpler and fairer") and we all share that. Here, in between the grips and annoyances and changes, we try to find the best ways to play the system to our advantage - that's what we're all here for.

 

[RooFlyer]

Oh, my goodness. What a train wreck.

At first I thought you were trolling, but now feel otherwise.

I think you were right the first time.

It was words in the title about LTG being the "Holy Grail". They made me chuckle and raised my curiosity. The more I read the more amused I became.

In reading some threads I thought I may find similarly disenchanted disappointed frequent flyers like myself, only instead to discover a whole pile of more recent converts inebriated with the jungle juice that qantas espouses.

You really need to read some more of the forum. Do that, and you'll realise just how poorly most of your posts here read.

Oh please!!!! Live to serve? I'm here to be served when I fly - but I certainly go above & beyond for my own clientele

Again, read a bit, learn a bit (please) and know 'who' the people are here so you can reply without sounding like a goose.

I'm the 'RooFlyer' so you'll no doubt know where I stand

 

[QantasGonza]

Oh, my goodness. What a train wreck.



I think you were right the first time.





You really need to read some more of the forum. Do that, and you'll realise just how poorly most of your posts here read.



Again, read a bit, learn a bit (please) and know 'who' the people are here so you can reply without sounding like a goose.

I'm the 'RooFlyer' so you'll no doubt know where I stand

No doubt you also read "whatever floats your boat"

 

[QantasGonza]

Hmm, unsure how pointing out facts makes me the CFO, but you've long missed the boat on insinuating I am an employee of QF. 10 or so years ago it was suggested I worked in Marketing. Both are totally untrue (as much as I love some of the front line staff, no way would I want to work for them with the ongoing cultural problems from the top down, but I digress...).

I get that you don't like the devaluations (which ALL of the loyalty programs do) and that you don't feel Classic Plus rewards are good value. I already noted that many agree, and I do too, although as @Lynda2475 already pointed out, on occasion those rewards can come in cheaper than the "classic" CR pricing (eg the other day there was a post about how Business Class (J) rewards to LAX came in cheaper during a sale). My point was that you had noted one of the problems you had with the current state of the program was the lack of access to rewards seats. Since you had also said you had attained Points Club at some point, that implies at least >150k points earn in a year. Both Points Club and Classic Plus rewards are QF's response to the situation of those who earn a lot of points from non flying activities which it seems you fell into, if not now since you have shifted your game board.



And that's FINE. Your approach has been to earn and burn points on flights as you've said. I know a number of people who do the same. That's a fine strategy, though getting much harder to attain for many as we know.

I would suggest though that you've become interested enough in engaging (more?) with the loyalty programs since your research brought you here - and that's a good thing! This forum is full of very knowledgeable and helpful people in all of the various programs that love to help everyone get the best out of the programs they're involved with.

Yes, many members here are possibly more "niche" and play the games to extremes - be it credit card "churning" for points bonuses, status runs, double status credits, leveraging fares to the max (ie "Why go direct when you can connect") to maximise value. These are all valid strategies - and they're not for everyone either (I don't do all of these things). So it may seem like some are perhaps more "obsessed" or whatever with the details, but it's an interest and we like making the most of the programs.

There's a lot to learn - specially as things constantly change - usually not for the better, and you can take or leave as you like.



And that's great. I had already responded to one of your comments that, for those that have the ability to do so, "sharing the love" can be very valuable. I've been doing it for decades and have footholds in two of the three global alliances, which makes options varied depending on the need.

Others have already posted their own comments about how they've moved from program to program to find sweet spots and situations that work for them with their needs. Absolutely agree that QFF is not the only option out there. Absolutely.

I think we may have gotten off on the wrong foot because it appeared as though you came in guns blazing with a seemingly arrogant and/or condescending attitude with a generalisation that everyone looking for something like LTG with QFF were somehow foolish ("I feel sad ...") and accusing people of "chest beating" while doing pretty much the same thing yourself imo with how you'd left and the grass is greener (and for you, right now, it is).. IMO your comments dismissed many other members with their own goals, needs and situations and I didn't feel that was appropriate.

And I was still waiting for you to explain your comment about there being "prerequsites" for earning SC. Though perhaps you're referring to the complex web of SC earnings on partners? (and sadly QFF is very good at that, but far from the only one with limits and conditions on earnings with partners - Star is full of them too).

So anyway, let's move on. I think it's totally fine (but hey who cares what I think? we all have opinions and all are valid!) to not go for status, high status or indeed lifetime status (and VA doesn't offer it currently iirc, so not an issue there! ). Everyone's value propisitions, situations, needs, goals and wants are unique - and they change over time (along with the programs - usually annoying).

So, let's aim for more positive posts. Perhaps you can share your wisdom on the VA forums and elsewhere for positives to help others, and of course soak up some of the really helpful knowledge shared here freely.

I know QFF is frustrating you. It's frustrating for a lot of people (me included). There's many aspects that are absoltely not right or fair (sorry, "simpler and fairer") and we all share that. Here, in between the grips and annoyances and changes, we try to find the best ways to play the system to our advantage - that's what we're all here for.

Well said Richard. As for me I have been chastised here for being 'off topic' with some posts deleted and others moved - so I'm moving on too! All the best to you and others in your various quests

 

[sudoer]

I'm moving on too!

Safe travels.

 

[TheInsider]

What's a Gonza anyway?

 

[CaptJCool]

If you’re not. Heading in the LTG direction….

I suggested to my friend who isn’t (mid-60s) and wished to have lounge access and was travelling fortnightly between 2 capital cities and some leisure travel

1. Buy QF CLub In the first year
2. Book most your flights during DSC
3. Earn points & SCs from those flights
4. He already had Points club (CC Churning - smart move by him)
5. Once qualified for SG, book the second years flights on reward points during DSC to make 14 SC per trip = 52 one way trips (26 return trips) x 14 = 728 easily requalify for gold (600 needed)
6. Once qualified for SG in the 2nd year, do it all again for the 3rd, 4th, 5th year etc etc etc

 

[UP4014]

For someone who dislikes Qantas, why put it in your name?

I enjoy QF and they are the home team for me flying everywhere I travel so would be silly not to use them.

I appreciate not everyone likes them and that’s good for aviation and lounge seating capacity when I want to enjoy a Chivas at the airlines expense.

 

[RichardMEL]

For someone who dislikes Qantas, why put it in your name?

I guess it's what floated his boat to do?

One reason I considered that they may be trolling.

Anyway to the general point about NOT working towards LT Status (otherwise known as all VFF members for example lol) is perfectly legitimate.

There are plenty of people out there who only earn(mostly from not flying) to burn as rewards and/or simply don't fly enough to even get near status, so don't care as it's not on the radar - let alone earning LT Status.

Further, there are others who play all the games to attain points to redeem premium travel only for their needs. Since that provides for most of the perks of status, there's no need to chase it (some I know who do this plan well ahead to secure what they want pretty much when space opens up which also can be very tricky. Others wait to the last minute too).

Imo, the reality is that LT Status is for a small minority of total members. Sure, every 2nd member of this forum seems to have it, but of course AFF is a tiny subset of very interested folks. The other reality is that most people just don't have the opportunity or need to travel enough to get close - specially if using discount fares and not playing the game on purpose via DSC promos and the like.

I know certainly I view it as a "insurance policy" of sorts, or for the time when I don't have my current lecels of activity (and sure, that may mean I can rarely use the LT status, but at least it's there either way). I am over 90% towards LT status in Star Alliance, and while that more or less crept up on me, that is incentive to use that carrier to get there for the same reason, even if tgat would not always be my first preference - if the deal works then sure). That's just me, and luckily I have had the ability to do this. Many don't.

For most, LT Status is just not a thing and I candefi itely understand it being viewed as something not to worry about.

I suppose if anything positive has come from this little diversion it us a reminder that the AFF "bubble" doesn't always repressnt the majority view, or experience (or care factor).

 

[VPS]

For someone who said he was gonza they have been back for a look

 

[QantasGonza]

If you’re not. Heading in the LTG direction….

I suggested to my friend who isn’t (mid-60s) and wished to have lounge access and was travelling fortnightly between 2 capital cities and some leisure travel

1. Buy QF CLub In the first year
2. Book most your flights during DSC
3. Earn points & SCs from those flights
4. He already had Points club (CC Churning - smart move by him)
5. Once qualified for SG, book the second years flights on reward points during DSC to make 14 SC per trip = 52 one way trips (26 return trips) x 14 = 728 easily requalify for gold (600 needed)
6. Once qualified for SG in the 2nd year, do it all again for the 3rd, 4th, 5th year etc etc etc

Crikey - isn't flying complicated enough!

 

[RichardMEL]

It's only as complicated as one wants to make it.

 

[QantasGonza]

For someone who said he was gonza they have been back for a look

That's because I keep getting prompted every time one of you guys, with little else to do with your time other than fascinate over SC's and whether you can get into a lounge or not, keep making comments on my earlier posts. I find it amusing and a bit sad too!

Post automatically merged: Aug 13, 2024

It's only as complicated as one wants to make it.

Di you live on this site Richard?

 

[sudoer]

Crikey - isn't flying complicated enough!

I thought you were moving on?

 

[RichardMEL]

I see you've taken the low road. Ah well. Enjoy floating your boat.

 

[QantasGonza]

For someone who dislikes Qantas, why put it in your name?

I enjoy QF and they are the home team for me flying everywhere I travel so would be silly not to use them.

I appreciate not everyone likes them and that’s good for aviation and lounge seating capacity when I want to enjoy a Chivas at the airlines expense.

I pay for mine if I need to, using savings generated by either using points or flying with other airlines that regularly offer comparable services and flights for a lot less $$$. Frequently they offer such niceties gratis anyway. I am not and never will be tied to Qantas just to build up SC's

Post automatically merged: Aug 13, 2024

I see you've taken the low road. Ah well. Enjoy floating your boat.

Love it Richard! You're a gentleman.

 

[RichardMEL]

A suggestion for the mods: I think this thread is only going downhill, and I doubt any more serious discussion about the topic, such as it is, will be forthcoming. Perhaps consider closing it and everyone concerned can move on to hopefully more productive and positive community engagement.