SYD - PEK - Options?

[PlutekPlutek]

Hi,

I have a work trip coming up to Beijing in March/April sometime, and wanted to find out what people's thoughts are the available options that maximise status points earned?

I am DJ gold with 650 status points and have already re-qualified for another year of Gold (starting August), and QFF Silver with 70 points needed to retain silver by end of May (slim chances of getting 570 points needed to reach QFF gold by end of May). My choice of travel in Australia is DJ, as I my main port is NTL, and QF's offering is pretty much non existent, and also because of the lounge access from DJ's gold status. The silver status in QF is a nice to have when I do have a chance to fly with them (which is rare these days), the only benefit I can see is being able to use the Business Class checkin when travelling to Europe, and an increased baggage allowance (also when travelling to Europe)

If the flights are booked in the same relative classes (most likely Economy, but maybe Discount Economy), is it a better option to fly using QF (via HKG or PVG and either Dragon Air or China Eastern onwards to Beijing), or SQ via Singapore, in order to maximise point earning, as well as status point earning?

Cheers

 

[browski]

Having done this route a few times, I typically take the SQ offering. However, I take the opposite approach to you in that I roll with Krisflyer and credit DJ flights to the Krisflyer FF program. If you take the SQ option, just ensure that the fare is FF point earning.

If you are traveling in economy with CX or QF, I'd choose the QF option, even though CX/KA has a better PEK arrival time. I don't like the CX economy seats.

Two other options you might consider.

JAL has a very well timed flight from SYD to PEK via NRT. The stopover at NRT is tight but do-able. OneWorld (QFF earning)
Korean Airlines also have a great flight option ex SYD and via Incheon. Credit to your Skyteam partner.

 

[markis10]

Be careful with the SQ flights - many are non point earning, same with CX.