WP1 and Mel/Lax/Mel

[connieguy]

I did a work up to look at the dynamics of earning 3,600 SCs via flying Mel/Lax/Mel in the 4 cabins on QF metal. What I found was interesting to me and think should be interesting to other QF FFs:



It would appear the cost spread from $79,400 flying -Y to $119,100 flying F is not as large as I thought. Business looks like the Sweet Spot in this matrix. I believe that if I did 10 QF metal Mel/Lax/Mel Js, most of the time I would be sitting in F as others here have shared they have experienced. So achieving WP1, flying J and some F and only paying $10.5k more than flying in -Y looks to be a no brainer. At least 1 could be a JAXA on the points earned so the cost of the 10 RTNs drops ~$9k.

Comments?

 

[simongr]

Interesting - 10 J rtns to LAX (less if you went on to JFK of course) would be a reasonable amount for some execs. I do a little less than one int'l per month but previously have averaged 1 in'tl/month - that is the sort of job I would be interested in...

 

[djfuzz]

If getting to WP1 was so important, then (time permitting and assuming achievable QF SC requirements), why would you not try to do two-ish SC-optimised DONE4s, at about 1800SCs each for a total outlay of ~$30k?

Of course, then you'd be a WP1 bludger not truly worthy of the benefits that that level entails, and only an enhancement away from returning to the depths of Unloved WP...

 

[connieguy]

If getting to WP1 was so important, then (time permitting and assuming achievable QF SC requirements), why would you not try to do two-ish SC-optimised DONE4s, at about 1800SCs each for a total outlay of ~$30k?

Of course, then you'd be a WP1 bludger not truly worthy of the benefits that that level entails, and only an enhancement away from returning to the depths of Unloved WP...

I will do Adl/Lax RTN ~12 times this QF year. Just looking at my options. I will probably do enough flying this year to get around 5,000 SC. So WP1 is not a goal in itself. The matrix example was created to help me to understand how QF have structured their latest FF offering and how to best align my travel with the current QF reality.

Oh BTW I can do Syd/Hnl on JQ BMax (J) and Hnl/Lax on AA (F), earn 580 SCs for ~$4k spend. This is a better SC earn than QF F at 540 SCs and less than 50% of the QF J fare with a 360 SC earn. ~$6.85 / SC.

Or Air Pacific Syd/Nan/Lax for ~$3k and earn 360 SCs. ~$8.33 / SC.

Or QF J for ~$9k and earn 360 SCs. ~$25 / SC.

Should also point out that Adl/Bkk Rtn on QF (-Y)/JQ (BMax) costs ~$2k and earns 260 SCs. ~$6.90 / SC.

3 Rtns Adl/Syd/Hnl/Lax on QF/JQ/AA plus 3 Adl/Bkk/Adl on QF/JQ will re-qualify for WP+PG (~$18k for 2,610 SCs, $6.90 / SC). Then there is the next 8-9 months.

 

[Jobu]

I did a work up to look at the dynamics of earning 3,600 SCs via flying Mel/Lax/Mel in the 4 cabins on QF metal. What I found was interesting to me and think should be interesting to other QF FFs:

View attachment 2296

It would appear the cost spread from $79,400 flying -Y to $119,100 flying F is not as large as I thought. Business looks like the Sweet Spot in this matrix. I believe that if I did 10 QF metal Mel/Lax/Mel Js, most of the time I would be sitting in F as others here have shared they have experienced. So achieving WP1, flying J and some F and only paying $10.5k more than flying in -Y looks to be a no brainer. At least 1 could be a JAXA on the points earned so the cost of the 10 RTNs drops ~$9k.

Comments?

That's assuming you can book well enough in advance to snag the business class "sale" fare, as opposed to full J class fare of $14.3k, or full F fare of $22.3k, if you book closer to your flying date.

 

[connieguy]

That's assuming you can book well enough in advance to snag the business class "sale" fare, as opposed to full J class fare of $14.3k, or full F fare of $22.3k, if you book closer to your flying date.

Yup. Prices were mid July for a 2 week stay.

 

[docjames]

A breakdown on other routes would be interesting, some that would be interesting (to me at least):

- BNE/SYD/MEL - LHR/FRA

- BNE/SYD/MEL - PER

- BNE-SYD-MEL - AKL/CHC/WLG

- extending the OP's to JFK (ie. MEl-LAX-JFK)

"Basic" DONE
BNE/SYD/MEL-LAX-JFK-LHR-HKG-BNE/SYD/MEL

"Complex" but "easy - not too much backtracking" DONE
BNE-SYD-MEL-SIN-HKG-LHR-MUC-LHR-BCN-LIM-SCL-EZA-SYD/BNE/MEL

Sheesh, looking at it it'd be a bit of work!

There's a heap, but those might be interesting.

 

[cove]

Gowatson it would be easier to do the markis10 JASA run using points costing say 0.833 cents each and hit the repeat button.
WP1 is possible for about $10k and without the jet lag.
He suggested a BNE start going to Townsville and Darwin but you could start in ADL or pretty much any city near the east coast.
We would need a volunteer and I think we would need a bit of variety

 

[ozmille]

I think a positioning flight to LHR and 5 return first class tickets at 9000 each get you the required 3600SC's for around 50000

 

[ab156]

Sure, but how many times do you want/need to be in LAX. QF are fully aware of the splits. They WANT the F passenger to achieve more easily. Thats the point. They don't want to mileage run / commuters to mingle with their paying F class clients

Suggest you wait until WPWhatever benefits are announced before making it a target. In the interim try the competition, if you are doing 12 trips a year I am sure arrangements can be made to ease your transition...

 

[cove]

It may be that Wp1 and CL benefits are not published.

 

[ab156]

It may be that Wp1 and CL benefits are not published.

Well, they have already stated they will announce WPW. Regardless, if you were that important to them you would already be CL or otherwise taken care of. It is the people in the middle that are being tested.

 

[pauly7]

It may be that Wp1 and CL benefits are not published.

I'd expect since it was publicly announced at least some of WP1 would be published.

 

[cove]

ab156 I have 2 CL business associates who wanted to put me up for CL and I thought a lot about it.
I decided that I love the thrill of the chase to get the lowest cost best seats on both SQ and QF rather than buy tickets.
Redeeming pointy end flights is just a game that I play to win and I have decided not to give it up.
To be frank if you have a zillion points you can make your QF status that you need within a few weeks using JASA flights.
You still get into the best lounges and keep your huge savings in your pocket.
This has been one of my best investment decisions ever.

 

[cove]

I forgot to say every customer is important so if an airline forgets this they will go out of business.

 

[ab156]

ab156 I have 2 CL business associates who wanted to put me up for CL and I thought a lot about it.
I decided that I love the thrill of the chase to get the lowest cost best seats on both SQ and QF rather than buy tickets.
Redeeming pointy end flights is just a game that I play to win and I have decided not to give it up.
To be frank if you have a zillion points you can make your QF status that you need within a few weeks using JASA flights.
You still get into the best lounges and keep your huge savings in your pocket.
This has been one of my best investment decisions ever.

In your specific case i believe your behaviour to be outside of the norm and slightly insane however, if it is the thrill of the chase that makes it fun for you (and i have no issue with that) then the rules are just guidelines for the game you play with QF and them changing them should have little impact. Different scenario to the OT although still interesting.

 

[cove]

The thrill of the chase applies to all who aspire to a nicer seat using points.
Mrscove wouldn't disagree with you but then where is she going tomorrow and what class? Yep turn left Mrscove.
It is true that coming up with between one and two million points to manufacture a WP1 on status credit runs does involve time and effort and would be outside the norm. Personally I have remained QF Gold but I am watching what WP1 is.
Going to England tomorrow.....now that tubed a lot of points!