Originally Posted by
CASAFlyer
Hi All, I would appreciate some advice on which FFP to focus on. To give some background info, I just flew enough to requalify for OWE with QR for the next 12 months, but I want to reassess if staying with their FPP makes sense.
I typically fly overseas from Australia 4-5 times a year (Europe/US/Asia) in Y (mostly for work, semi-restricted fares booked a few weeks in advance), plus QF domestic about once a month (QF domestic flights give no QR Qmiles/Qpoints, unfortunately). I gained QR Platinum due to a lucky combination of double Qpoints offers and a paid C EU-Japan RT in 2017, and requalified based on the 24 months activity this year. Being tall, my top priorities are getting access to extra legroom seats in Y, and upgrading LH flights (especially the 13+h ones). I fly QF domestic often, but their FFP does not seem very appealing to me, at least superficially. Is there any other OW program that would make more sense than QR for me?
Detailed answer to the standard questions is below. Thanks in advance for any insight/advice!
CASAFlyer
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Responses to questions:
(1) What is most important to you in a FFP?
In priority order: Upgrading Y-->C for long-haul flights; Comfortable Y experience (extra legroom seats such as exit rows, seat-blocking); First class lounge access; Availability of awards in premium class.
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Generally you are not going to get upgrades, with ff miles, unless you have ff miles/points with the airline you are flying. Status can help get up the queue.
IB/BA/AA have a cross airline upgrade scheme but needs expensive base economy fares, so useless for most people. But anyway given your routes unlikely to be of any use.
Lounges access comes with status or class of travel.
Better seats can be a benefit of status. However now many airlines do not give exit row seats without a $ fee. Or hope/ask for an exit row at checkin.
For QF flights not eligible for QR consider putting to QF or AA.
https://www.wheretocredit.com/QF.
With QF easy to get QF points from Au non-flying activities
Historically QF has been one of the easier OW ffp's to get mid-top status. But earn to burn/surcharges are poor for awards.
The main USA based ffp's are now revenue based.
The airline you fly most or an airline of the country you live is the best ffp for many people. Generally you are better earning on your primary airline due to greater recognition, better service when disruptions, ability to upgrade flights and possible operational upgrades. Non flying generally miles easier to get on a ffp from your county.
The grass in not always
greener on the other side