Originally Posted by suziemay

Really struggling here (although if this is my biggest problem right now I should be so lucky lol).

I’ve managed to maintain CX Gold / OW Sapphire for the last 8 years or so. Diamond/OW Emerald has never been within my reach with CX. I was primarily flying CX J twice a year JFK-HKG-KUL then a handful of J flights to Europe, primarily London and then wherever I decide to go on a whim. Smattering of domestic travel typically in Economy unless I need to the points for status.

Ever since Covid, I have been finding more affordable J fares on other airlines, namely QR. Plus when I did the calcs, it seems I may be able to reach QR Platinum / OW Emerald easier than CX Diamond, although it will take some effort and not a guarantee. I can probably also comfortably remain CX Gold, or comfortably reach QR Gold as well. Mainly because I will likely fly NYC-KUL 3x a year.

To me the big risk is the QR requirement of 4 segments or 20% on QR/QR marketed flights. CX doesn’t have that requirement (or at least that I’m aware of.. haven’t flown them since 2019!). I will be able to achieve this this year but not sure if it will always work out to be the case future years.

Main question: is OW Emerald worth it to try and make it there/switch loyalty, or should I stay content with OW Sapphire and hang on with CX? I’m not a fan of hopping around these programs so I’m inclined to just stick with CX but I am a little tempted to switch and try to make it to OW Emerald on QR since it feels doable.

(1) What is most important to you in a FFP?
Reply: Priority treatment in rebooking due to travel disruption/general hope for better overall customer service. I also haven’t been maximizing redemption but would like to start doing this. Nice to haves: Lounge access, upgrades

(2) How many miles do you usually fly each year & in what class? How many flights/sectors?
Reply: Minimum ~40,000 (always fly RT twice NYC-KUL, but will likely be over 50,000 comfortably annually starting this year given increased travel to KUL

(3) What types of fares do you usually buy?
Reply: Business - assuming I can keep finding affordable long haul fares! They have really been going up last few months. May need to drop to PE and then use points to upgrade

(4) Can you choose your airlines and/or class of service? Do you travel for work and/or pleasure?
Reply: Personal - not always for pleasure lol but it’s not for work so yes, I can choose my airlines

(5) Which routes and airlines do you fly most often?
Reply: NYC-KUL, NYC-LHR, NYC-random European cities. Some random domestic travel

(6) What is your home airport?
Reply: JFK, EWR is ok. LGA for domestic

(7) Do you have FFP status of any kind in OW or other airline? What is it? Do you have any miles banked in a FFP?
Reply: CX Marco Polo Club Gold/OW Sapphire

(8) Preferred Airlines? Most common Airlines flown on?
Reply: This is tricky. Last couple of years split between Singapore and Qatar. Handful with AA, BA, Delta. Some with United. Basically was flying cheapest J I could find without heeding FFP and somehow Cathay still maintained my status but I doubt they will keep this up.

TIA! Welcome any thoughts/opinions.