Rewarding Long Term Frequent Flyer Loyalty

[drron]

I'm a late bloomer having hit P1 for the first time this week ....I'm also LTG and have accumerlated almost double that number at around 28,000 SC.

My plan for flying in the future has no reliance on any lousy FF loyalty scheme.... I've amassed sufficient points and cash not to have to worry about flying for SC or TP. Reliance on a FF scheme is a mugs game!

However when you only have sufficient points the "mugs"game does make travel a lot more comfortable.I am getting close to the time when the cash part dries up when I really do retire.

 

[Pushka]

However when you only have sufficient points the "mugs"game does make travel a lot more comfortable.I am getting close to the time when the cash part dries up when I really do retire.

Agree. If not for points I couldn’t justify the cost of paying for anything other than Economy.

 

[TonyHancock]

A fascinating discussion as usual.



A hypothetical for you @wannabeinvestmentbanker: (Or anyone else who’d like to offer a view)
You’re sitting on an QF SC balance of around 6000.
Forward bookings will get you to LTS later this year.
You’re mid 40’s and average 300-400 SC per year, but have achieved/retained SG in recent years thanks to DSCs.
A computer error in your favour currently has you as WP until 2020 .
Corporate travel is currently a QF contract.

Do you:
1. Persist with QF, locking in LTPS then credit to BA, hoping that LTWP still exists by the time you get there.
2. Chip away with QF until reaching LTSG, then credit to BA.
3. Play the long game by dropping QF and credit to BA ASAP.
4. Fly BFOD for all self-funded travel and pay cash for any benefit you want eg. Premium cabins, lounge access etc?
5. Another approach?

The one thing that still amazes me is the number of permutations we all have in our flying lives. It is impossible for a one size fits all solution. In the case presented here the goals/aims are not stated, what do you actually want to achieve?

I think you can forget BA completely, unless you plan to fly for another 100 years at similar patterns.

QF LTG may be achievable if you continue with similar travel patterns for another 10 years or so. (Assuming those DSC offer keep hitting your inbox and they continue to count towards lifetime status.) This will tie you to OW if the goal is to rely on the benefits when your travel declines.

If I was in your position and assuming I wanted to travel a bit in retirement, in comfort, I'd continue to credit QF and accept LTG If I got there but wouldn't specifically chase it. I'd definitely be looking at BFOD and pay for the benefits.There are several posters here that do that and have provided excellent advice here. There are some cracking international fares out there that don't involve Qantas. For long haul to Europe there are all sorts of options including nesting in Asia and Fifth Freedom Flights. I don't fly to the US much so haven't investigated routes to get there properly.

Another route might be to accumulate points in a credit card program that allows you to transfer to many different airlines. Many here look out for credit card sign on bonuses to help. I am led to believe award availability can be better outside of the QF/VA duopoly.

It is so difficult to give good advice because of the sheer number of variables in our travel patterns and needs. At face value you would think @RichardMEL and I would be relatively similar requirements and both benefit from the exact same strategy and FF Program, but in reality our travel patterns vary enough to make my strategy useless for RichardMel and his strategy won't work for me.

 

[oz_mark]

It is so difficult to give good advice because of the sheer number of variables in our travel patterns and needs. At face value you would think @RichardMEL and I would be relatively similar requirements and both benefit from the exact same strategy and FF Program, but in reality our travel patterns vary enough to make my strategy useless for RichardMel and his strategy won't work for me.

I am concerned about this post. It is so sensible and considered, that I am wondering what you have done with the real Tony Hancock

 

[amaroo]

However when you only have sufficient points the "mugs"game does make travel a lot more comfortable.I am getting close to the time when the cash part dries up when I really do retire.

The mugs game I’m referring to is the SC/TP rat race. Generating points and burning them on premium cabins is a beautiful game providing all the benefits that can flow from status.

 

[TonyHancock]

I am concerned about this post. It is so sensible and considered, that I am wondering what you have done with the real Tony Hancock

Griselda took control of my account...but don't worry it will be business as usual shortly - watch out for a Qatar Airways trip report!!

 

[wannabeinvestmentbanker]

But it's only been an advertised benefit since 2013, whereas the OP's been with QF for 22 years.

I was not aware of that so good to know and I guess does complicate the issue.

A fascinating discussion as usual.



A hypothetical for you @wannabeinvestmentbanker: (Or anyone else who’d like to offer a view)

Based on those circumstances I would just stick with QF when it makes sense and keep chipping away to LTG which would keep you at the same status to which you are used to. Those travel patterns are not frequent enough to touch anything meaningful with BA and unless doing multiple international trips it would tricky to get the 4 required sectors.

For me, I'm in my 20s and average 2000SCs a year. I still require another 7000 SCs for LTG as I've only started serious work travel in last 2 years. What frustrates me the most about QF is how much we are penalised for taking other OW carriers as my flying is 60/40 international/dom. As I have a bit of time on my side I can't wait for the freedom to travel any OW carrier I want and reasonably believe I can make Lifetime Emerald.

 

[Pushka]

I am concerned about this post. It is so sensible and considered, that I am wondering what you have done with the real Tony Hancock

Griselda has had stern words I’ve heard. And hidden the whisky.

 

[drron]

Griselda has had stern words I’ve heard. And hidden the whisky.

But she's left the gin out.

 

[Pushka]

Dammit.

But she's left the gin out.

 

[JohnK]

Do you:
1. Persist with QF, locking in LTPS then credit to BA, hoping that LTWP still exists by the time you get there.
2. Chip away with QF until reaching LTSG, then credit to BA.
3. Play the long game by dropping QF and credit to BA ASAP.
4. Fly BFOD for all self-funded travel and pay cash for any benefit you want eg. Premium cabins, lounge access etc?
5. Another approach?

One thing I won't do is start chasing Tier points to get BA status. I'm not sure I understand this obsession chasing BA Lifetime Platinum in your 40's let alone in your 50's.

I made Lifetime Gold ~5 years ago and quite happy continuing crediting to QF attaining Platinum each year for as long as I can. When I won't be flying as much I have Lifetime Gold waiting.

 

[drron]

Yes definitely wait until you're 70 as I did.

 

[TonyHancock]

One thing I won't do is start chasing Tier points to get BA status. I'm not sure I understand this obsession chasing BA Lifetime Platinum in your 40's let alone in your 50's.

I made Lifetime Gold ~5 years ago and quite happy continuing crediting to QF attaining Platinum each year for as long as I can. When I won't be flying as much I have Lifetime Gold waiting.

It is another one of those "One size does not fit all" moments.

It looks like you have yourself sorted and out and know exactly what to expect when your travel slows down, and clearly 20 to 30 years of crediting to BA to reach BA LTG would be absurd with your travel patterns.

To add a slightly different slant it will take me approximately four and a half years to reach BA LTG so whilst chasing this was not part of my original plan there is clearly some value in it for me. My travel patterns suit this and I suspect there may be others in a similar position. The benefits of GGL are also very good....providing you are flying BA enough to use them.

What I won't be doing is chasing BA LTGGL

I think one of the big issues in the FF community is that it is sometimes difficult to imagine other FF's travel patterns being quite different to our own. We each have our sweet spots, and they don't suit everybody.

 

[RichardMEL]

Yes and QF have captured the biggest market share, and by keeping PAX striving for WP and not handing it to them for life they are maximising revenue. Sad but true.

Domestically yes, but internationally QF's market share has dropped significantly. Last I checked it was around 40% of all internationa in/out of Oz. It's probably less now, specially with the ME3 large frequencies(with large AC), ramped up services from the Asian airlines (CX, SQ, JL and even NH) and even "dogs and cats" like AA, HA, DL and the various Chinese airlines (MU, CZ, etc) all eroding QF's share .

However they absolutely rely on the "captive" markets of Aus based passengers and members no question.

I do ownder about the real numbers of passengers who "strive for" or chase WP. I very much believe that., apart from niche communities like this one, most general pax(ie the majority) could care less about status. They probably get it through work travel which is great, but work spend is more or less out of their direct control in most cases and while that may influence leisure spending it's a side effect but your average self funded leisure pax is unlikely to fly enough to get much more than Silver (huge generalisation obviously) and are unlikely to "chase" status actively.

I've met more than one passenger who seriously had zero idea of their status perks with Gold and Plat status.

 

[RichardMEL]

I've heard of someone who used to do exactly that. Friday night drinks at the airport. Often with guests in tow. It wouldn't surprise me if blatant abuse like this is part of why QF is probably never going to bring such access back.

True. I also believe one too manY CL's abused this way too much which led to them losing anytime access last year.

 

[woodborer]

True. I also believe one too manY CL's abused this way too much which led to them losing anytime access last year.

As with anything in the Frequent Flyer game - leave a door slightly ajar, and people will start driving trucks through it.

 

[JohnK]

It is another one of those "One size does not fit all" moments.

It looks like you have yourself sorted and out and know exactly what to expect when your travel slows down, and clearly 20 to 30 years of crediting to BA to reach BA LTG would be absurd with your travel patterns.

I don't disagree with your assessment. You had existing travel and opted to chase BA Lifetime Gold and it has paid off.

What I don't understand is the people who made Qantas Lifetime Gold and are now chasing BA Lifetime Gold with status runs. Makes no sense to me and I do enjoy flying around in circles.

 

[serfty]

I don't disagree with your assessment. You had existing travel and opted to chase BA Lifetime Gold and it has paid off.

What I don't understand is the people who made Qantas Lifetime Gold and are now chasing BA Lifetime Gold with status runs. Makes no sense to me and I do enjoy flying around in circles.

It makes sense to me:

LTG with QFF = Life Time Sapphire with *O
LTG with BAEC = Life Time Emerald with *O

Every one is different ...

 

[drron]

Besides we are not all going for LT status with BA.With our travel patterns it is both easier and cheaper to reach OWE with BAEC than with QFF.

 

[amaroo]

Domestically yes, but internationally QF's market share has dropped significantly. Last I checked it was around 40% of all internationa in/out of Oz. It's probably less now, specially with the ME3 large frequencies(with large AC), ramped up services from the Asian airlines (CX, SQ, JL and even NH) and even "dogs and cats" like AA, HA, DL and the various Chinese airlines (MU, CZ, etc) all eroding QF's share .

I thought is was under 20% and falling.