QP vs QFF

[Mrmaxwell]

Let me pose a newbie question I've been thinking about for a few days.

What are the benefits of being a paid QP member vs being a QFF (Gold/Silver/Plat)?

Reason I ask is I am currently a QP member paid by work but only bronze QFF as I've just started travelling. As a QP member it seems I get most of the benefits that come with many hours and $$$ of QFF travel.

Is it worth chasing the SC's for a higher QFF status which will only get me the benefits I already have (bar a few).

I guess the actual accumulation of FF points is the obvious benefit over just being a QP member...

'Cuse my thinking out loud...

 

[Hvr]

I too started as a paid NB QC member for work. Nice and made work a bit easier. Now I'm at SG level I don't have to pay for the QP which is an immediate saving even at corporate rates.

The higher status does assure you of a better seat, even just a couple of rows ahead in the plane has its benefits. Since becoming an SG I have had much better success when, ever so politely asking the QP staff for an exit row aisle.

If your plane is cancelled you will get reassigned as an SG level before the PS and NB level. Of course the CL/WP level personnel get first bite at any available seats.

I don't get FF points because of work rules but the SCs are nice. Go for it.

Also, when applying for an upgrade they start at the top tiers and work their way down. So if you're an NB you will wait until everyone on a higher tier gets theirs even if you applied earlier. Status has its benefits.

 

[serfty]

To add to what HVR posted, as an PS you do get 25% more points on eligible QF, BA, AA and JQ flights over 800 miles in Y.

The real benefit is when travelling overseas - as a oneworld ruby or higher, you get benefits generally unavailable to QP members.

Compare this:

- Flying with Us - Qantas Club - Benefits

to these:

- Frequent Flyer - About the Program - Benefits & Privileges - Status Privileges

- oneworld - Qantas

 

[Febs]

It's also important to note (as serfty linked to) - that the lounge access you get with QP membership is only for Qantas, shared Qantas, AA and BA lounges.

The lounge access you get with OneWorld Sapphire (QFF Gold) and above is for all OneWorld lounges, which makes life much easier when travelling to airports without shared Qantas lounges.

Cheers,
- Febs.

 

[NM]

In my view, a complimentary Qantas Club membership that comes with Gold/Platinum FF status is going to provide better benefits than a paid Qantas Club membership for many people. The differences as I see them are:

• More QF FF points earned due to status bonus
• Access to all OneWorld airline lounges and not just QF, BA and AA for Qantas Club members
• Higher up the upgrade waitlist priorty

And of course all the other OneWorld Sapphire/Emerald benefits available to QF FF Gold and Platinum status members.

 

[AnonymousCoward]

Reason I ask is I am currently a QP member paid by work but only bronze QFF as I've just started travelling. As a QP member it seems I get most of the benefits that come with many hours and $$$ of QFF travel.

Correct - you get most of the benefits, especially if you're mainly travelling domestically. Others have posted links outlining the exact differences.

Is it worth chasing the SC's for a higher QFF status which will only get me the benefits I already have (bar a few).

Only you can answer this question. How much is your time worth? Do you like flying? How much additional flying do you need to do?

My personal take on this - if I was at 100SCs I wouldn't bother. If I was at 550 or 1150 SCs (i.e. just short of requalification), then I would.

Having status has its benefits. Whether that's worth sitting in a plane for another 20 hours or 200 hours, only you can answer unfortunately. HTH