Hi All -

I've been going around and around figuring out whether to get a Qantas FF Account or keeping and accruing with my AA Account. However, now that some of my travel has changed - I'm not sure that I can get in 4 AA segments this year (Have 2 and don't expect any more), but know I can get in 4 Qantas segments easilly. (I currently have BA Silver, but see bottom on why I am considering AA or QF).

I like the earn/burn rate and cheaper taxes with AA for award travel, but status is also a big thing - lounge access is very important as I travel a good bit - and not usually in biz class. Upgrades would also be a big plus.

I had decided that I was going to go with AA because I didn't think I could even come close to getting enough Credits on Qantas to get Gold (club access regardless of class), and could potentially get enough AA segments and points to get Platnium by year end.

Now, I will be flying to Shanghai and found a great deal on Finn Air in business. 2,500 GBP - which is in my travel budget for this trip. I just wanted to confirm miles/credits I could get on a Qantas FF account. The routing is LHR-HEL-PVG. By my figures, for each LHR-HEL flight, I would get 1,150 x 1.25 miles and 60 status credits. For each HEL-PVG flight, I would get 4,590 x 1.25 miles and 120 status credits. Therefore, 14,350 miles and 360 status credits for the round-trip. Is this correct? This would be enough to obtain instant Silver when I get in the 4 Qantas Segments.

I will then fly premium economy to Sydney, LHR-SIN-SYD return. My calculations show LHR-SIN as 6770 x 1.10 miles and 80 status credits each way. SIN-SYD is 3,900 x 1.10 miles and 60 status credits. Therefore, 23,474 miles and 280 status credits. I would now have in my 4 segments and 640 status credits, only 60 away from Gold.

Finally, premium economy to Hong Kong (on Qantas). 6,000 x 1.10 each way and 80 status credits. Another 7,200 miles and 160 status credits, making Gold on my first flight to Hong Kong (is it possible to use the lounge for my return flight??).

So, by my calculations, I could make QF Gold and have lounge access as well as priority for upgrades on QF. If I can get 2 more AA segments this year, this travel would get me well over the 50,000 status miles needed for Platnium.

It is also important to note that I will be moving to Sydney next March.

First, can you please confirm my calculations above? Second, QF Gold or AA Platnium?