"price" of status credits - has anyone calculated it?

[Hvr]

$2.80/SC when running CX J TPE-HKG-MNL-HKG-TPE (plus first positioning flight to TPE cost)

I've done this run, a long day but well worth it. Can also stop in at the QF HKG First lounge to get some more vegemite.

 

[pmdg7444]

Kerrodt, there are several links contained within the link I included in my original post for LOTFAP status runs. Browse through them and you might also search the QF forum for 'AA status runs'... there are plenty of threads with cheap status runs, albeit some in cryptic tongue

And they need to stay that way for good reason as some of them are already gone! (...................or trebled in price)

 

[penegal]

IMHO everything in Australia is expensive... Why would air tickets (and status credits / airline miles) be any different?

---

It certainly is easier to earn SCs on partner airlines in other markets. To be honest this doesn't concern me. If you could earn SCs at the same rate in Australia, then one (or both?) of two things would happen:

• There would be a lot more high-tier frequent fliers
• The number of SCs required for each tier would be higher, thus reducing the 'value' of each SC

I think the current system has a kind of symmetry to it. The local cost of reaching each level is high, but to those who do some research and hard work, it is possible to gain access to high tiers for a moderate spend (but still flying a lot). To academics, the current frequent flyer landscape is a great personification of gamification. And of course the airlines/hotels regularly move the goal posts through 'enhancements' and new rules; Thus the 'game' is always changing.

 

[penegal]

Kerrodt, there are several links contained within the link I included in my original post for LOTFAP status runs. Browse through them and you might also search the QF forum for 'AA status runs'... there are plenty of threads with cheap status runs, albeit some in cryptic tongue

Whilst we're all helpful and friendly here, when it comes to status runs, posting information has to be selected carefully.

Most people who do the runs will carefully factor in the best value SC/$ ratio, but posting these runs on public forums like this results in those fares drying up cery quickly.

It used to be possible to do SFO-LAX-LAS return for around $2/SC (great for if you were short on time and needed a few SC's from the west coast) but that no longer exists.

Airlines do keep an eye out for people exploiting these things, so it's probably not a good idea to post exact runs up here.

And they need to stay that way for good reason as some of them are already gone! (...................or trebled in price)

I tend to agree.

I am more than happy to share my [very limited] knowledge, but I think a bit of hard work goes a long way. If you really want to get the best value, you should be willing to sit at your computer and do some of your own research.

In my experience there is a lot of great info posted publicly, but the 'best' tips, tricks & 'secrets' are discussed in person or via PM / email. And I think this is the way it should be.

 

[Favfern]

Have just received my AFF email newsletter with a link to this thread! Having been a member of this site for a year or two or so, but being these days, an infrequent frequent flyer, I am always amazed at the mathematical contortions and calculations my fellow members will go to in order to save a buck! I really admire their dedication and fortitude, but sometimes think they might be better advised in putting their considerable brain power into solving something like the "answer to the universe and everything"! We all know the answer is "42" but I reckon AFF members might come up with an alternative hypothosis!

 

[pshepvic]

Have just received my AFF email newsletter with a link to this thread! Having been a member of this site for a year or two or so, but being these days, an infrequent frequent flyer, I am always amazed at the mathematical contortions and calculations my fellow members will go to in order to save a buck! I really admire their dedication and fortitude, but sometimes think they might be better advised in putting their considerable brain power into solving something like the "answer to the universe and everything"! We all know the answer is "42" but I reckon AFF members might come up with an alternative hypothosis!

Around here the answer would be "42... Status credits"


Sent from my iPhone using AustFreqFly app

 

[Favfern]

Around here the answer would be "42... Status credits"


Sent from my iPhone using AustFreqFly app

Well done, pshepvic! I expected a few clever responses!

 

[Gold Member]

Have just received my AFF email newsletter with a link to this thread! Having been a member of this site for a year or two or so, but being these days, an infrequent frequent flyer, I am always amazed at the mathematical contortions and calculations my fellow members will go to in order to save a buck! I really admire their dedication and fortitude, but sometimes think they might be better advised in putting their considerable brain power into solving something like the "answer to the universe and everything"! We all know the answer is "42" but I reckon AFF members might come up with an alternative hypothosis!

If by 'mathematical contortions and calculations' you are referring to my earlier post in this thread, then let it be known that I led the CERN team that conducted the Higgs-Boson experiment seeking the 'answer to the universe and everything' - we know what it is now... '42'

 

[Anthony]

Newbie here. Tad off topic? We intend using AA to fly MIA-MSY-DEN (via DFW)-ORD-LAX next year. There are super cheap economy fares available.
Different search engines give a wide variance should we choose to do some legs in F. My question is, and I appreciate your patience, am I better off to assign all miles to my AA ff now that AA has emailed that one can use points for QF flights; upgrade to F on (what) legs for QF SCs given that the el cheapo fares do not earn SCs? Currently am Silver, always just shy of the elusive Gold.
Being retired, we travel to the USA but once a year in J (love the A380) from Melbourne and various domestic travel.
I have read the various threads but maybe my friend Al Zheimer is preventing comprehension of calculations.

 

[scheps]

Do most people just go restricted F when doing us status run or hedge bests on YUPP etc?

 

[drewbles]

Do most people just go restricted F when doing us status run or hedge bests on YUPP etc?

Restricted F is a YUPP/KUPP. YUPP's are more flexible than a KUPP though when it comes to routing rules and restrictions as well as mileage credits for passing through certain cities when connecting.

Yet another complexity to an already confusing fare basis system.

 

[serfty]

Generally the main value in first class fares in relation to status credits is with the 'cheap' ones.

There were some full F fares on AA*AS codeshares at quite good rates on the west coast but these went away earlier this year.

Posted on a wing and a prayer ...

 

[drewbles]

Generally the main value in first class fares in relation to status credits is with the 'cheap' ones.

There were some full F fares on AA*AS codeshares on the west coast but these went away earlier this year.
Posted on a wing and a prayer ...

They went too? Damn. I used to use those as well as the other 'recently returned but not as good value' plenty. AS was always a refreshing change to AA as well.

 

[scheps]

Restricted F is a YUPP/KUPP. YUPP's are more flexible than a KUPP though when it comes to routing rules and restrictions as well as mileage credits for passing through certain cities when connecting.

Yet another complexity to an already confusing fare basis system.

Sorry, indeed i am confused, i meant instant upgrade fares...

 

[drewbles]

Sorry, indeed i am confused, i meant instant upgrade fares...

Instant Upgrades are YUPP/KUPP fares

 

[ShaneN]

I reached platinum status for the first time yesterday. Last night before I saw this thread I compiled a spreadsheet of the total cost of achieving WP from my anniversary date of 1 September 2011. Total cost for 1475 points was $6248 plus 144000 points. Total number of flights was 37, comprising 2 upgrade flights in USA, 12 JASA flights in Australia (3 return trips), and 23 discount economy flights. Discount economy included 2 return international flights, 2 domestic USA and the remainder within Australia, mostly SYD-BNE.

Points earned from flights in the period were 82645, giving a net cost of $6248 plus 61355 points.

My best value for fully paid flights was first class Boston - Miami - New Orleans, 210 SCs for AUD738, $3.52 per SC.

Within Australia, JASA Sydney - Hobart via Canberra earned 260 SCs for $1.36 plus 246 points per SC. Sydney - Townsville was similar, 200 SCs for $1.36 plus 240 points per SC.

Thanks to all at AFF for helping to reach WP status. Two years ago I did not know what a JASA or KUPP was. Now I am looking at how to retain WP next year. All of my travel is self-funded. I am not sure whether to thank or curse all at AFF.

 

[flyingfan]

I am not sure whether to thank or curse all at AFF.

Curse when you realise you've spent x months of mortgage payments on flights taking you to a far-flung airport only to turn around immediately, and you're away so much your family's forgotten what you look like.

Thank when you get the beep at the gate and the flight attendant in F smiles and asks which bubbly you care for before takeoff

 

[Princess Fiona]

I reached platinum status for the first time yesterday. Last night before I saw this thread I compiled a spreadsheet of the total cost of achieving WP from my anniversary date of 1 September 2011. Total cost for 1475 points was $6248 plus 144000 points. Total number of flights was 37, comprising 2 upgrade flights in USA, 12 JASA flights in Australia (3 return trips), and 23 discount economy flights. Discount economy included 2 return international flights, 2 domestic USA and the remainder within Australia, mostly SYD-BNE.

Points earned from flights in the period were 82645, giving a net cost of $6248 plus 61355 points.

My best value for fully paid flights was first class Boston - Miami - New Orleans, 210 SCs for AUD738, $3.52 per SC.

Within Australia, JASA Sydney - Hobart via Canberra earned 260 SCs for $1.36 plus 246 points per SC. Sydney - Townsville was similar, 200 SCs for $1.36 plus 240 points per SC.

Thanks to all at AFF for helping to reach WP status. Two years ago I did not know what a JASA or KUPP was. Now I am looking at how to retain WP next year. All of my travel is self-funded. I am not sure whether to thank or curse all at AFF.

Head back to the US for that retain. Pretty easy to go sub $2 per SC

 

[scheps]

Instant Upgrades are YUPP/KUPP fares

LOL ok. i am totally confused.

I thought restricted first are like first specials. Costs money to make changes etc as opposed to flexible. And there is no risk of losing your seat to a downgrade...
YUP/KUP = INSTANCE UPGRADE or at least a type of?

Please set me straight or maybe i should just go to bed ........

 

[ShaneN]

Curse when you realise you've spent x months of mortgage payments on flights taking you to a far-flung airport only to turn around immediately, and you're away so much your family's forgotten what you look like.

Thank when you get the beep at the gate and the flight attendant in F smiles and asks which bubbly you care for before takeoff

Fortunately I did not do any immediate turn around trips. While there were 2 "status run" trips which I would not otherwise have made, I did stay for two days to make a long weekend at the destination. My opportunity to do this arises because I do not have a family to ask too many questons.