Originally Posted by
Himeno
I'm currently QF Platinum through August 2015. I have averaged 2435 SC each year for the last 4 years (up from an average 350/yr from 2006-2009), but the upcoming earn changes at QFF are going to cut that by a lot. I'm about 2800 SC away from lifetime gold.
My travel is fully self funded.
I used to make CBR-MEL trips every few weeks, but the reason for that has now stopped.
My usual travel (since 2010) consists of a circle asia from AU to Japan or Korea and a round the world from there with a few extra short flights in the US and Europe. I sometimes have one off short trips to Japan or the US.
I normally only use QF points for upgrades and points + pay tickets.
I have rarely (if ever) gone over a 23kg baggage limit.
I would prefer not to have AAdvantage as AA members can't access lounges on flights within North America.
How useful is LTS with QF? How much do you value QF LTG?
With a circle Asia and a xONEx (at least one in biz) I would think OW Sapphire would be possible with almost any OW program. Are you able to generate the 30K followed by 60K with Cathay while your QF status is active and providing lounge access? Though you might qualify for a status match with CX (MPC Silver) which would enable earning/keeping MPC Gold much easier. Keep you boarding passes as they will be required for the match documentation.
If you maintain OW Emerald, luggage should not be a problem with the new alliance wide allowances.
OTOH the $99 30-day AA lounge pass would be cost effective if you only have one trip to the USA each year. My issue with AA is the loss of a soft landing (from EXP).
Alas I don't think I have enough travel in 2013 to get a match with CX (though I may see if I can find the boarding passes) so I am considering plan B with the travel spreadsheets.
Happy wandering
Fred