Originally Posted by
smanch
Hi, it's looking like I will be doing some regular travel to JFK in the coming years and as QF is doing a regular service there (which I got to try once when NZ2 was cancelled and we were rebooked on QF3 AKL-JFK) it occurred to me that checking out a status match to QF might be worthwhile. Have any NZ*GE folks tried this? The main benefit I use regularly are upgrades from Y to PE, as my work travel is typically in J but when we travel as a family we prefer not to spend the $$$ for the four of us in J, so book in Y and upgrade everybody to PE when flying NZ. I had a quick look on QF's website and couldn't really tell whether there is an analogous type of Y-PE upgrade that we currently do with RU and APD upgrades. (Maybe I should post this in the QF forum but just wondered if folks on here have considered swapping over to QF, or using their status concurrently to NZ*GE). Thanks
The grass is not always
greener over the fence. Just the same brown grass as your home paddock.
OW
https://www.oneworld.com/travel-benefits
The chances of a status match are low, even if a corporate travel agreement. Best they may offer is the QF accelerator, as above.
QF agency
https://help.qantas.com/agencyconnec...ld-Accelerator
QF
https://www.qantas.com/au/en/frequen...ast-track.html
ExecTrav
https://www.executivetraveller.com/n...tus-match-2024
https://www.qantas.com/nz/en/manage-...g/upgrade.html
QF upgrades are known as “the lottery” for good reason. For international get advised a few hours before or on checkin if you have won. Most lose. A newbie with low status on a long haul route with many high status pax will have little chance. The chances of getting 4 off upgrade are low to nil. SYD-AKL-JFK is the B787, so less premium seats than the A380.
The “taxes” on QF awards are exactly the same as every other airline flying the same route/class of travel. Most, but not all, QF awards have a carrier cash surcharge. Can be nil, OK or very high. In 2023 I paid AU$14 surcharge on a AU-NZ economy award flight, where the cash price was very high. Where a flight changes from non revenue to revenue that can trigger, real taxes, that are usually minor.
In AU are many opportunities to earn QF ff points from non flying activities. Far less in NZ. But unless you are putting a lot of $$$ through a credit card, can be small compared to say the cost of a AU—USA business award. Depends on the person and spending.
The AU Woolworths Everyday loyalty card now earns at Woolworths NZ, But unlike, AU, no booster points. In NZ really only useful for keeping a QF account alive. QF points expire if no eligible activity in 18 months. Minimum 2000 Woolworths Everyday points = 1000 QF point for transfer
With Jetstar NZ most domestic flights earn QF points, but QF status credits only on the more expensive bundles. However a low cost JQ NZ domestic flight in conjunction with an international flight does not earn. So check the fine print.
Are other airlines that will get you NZ to USA. But the chances of a upgrade are negligible.
Airlines that fly USA/Canada to/from New Zealand (not from all airports to all airports).
Schedules can change. Not all routes daily.
- American Airlines AA . DFW-AKL Until 30 Mar 2024. From 05 Dec 2024 to Mar 2025. LAX-AKL. Pre CV19 AA was due to fly LAX-CHC 3 days a week from Oct 2020. [Oneworld Alliance]
- Air Canada AC YVR – AKL From 12 Nov 2022 [Star Alliance]
- Air New Zealand NZ LAX SFO IAH JFK YVR ORD HNL– AKL. JFK started 17 Sep 2022. ORD suspended until Oct 2024 [Star Alliance]
- Air Tahiti Nui TN LAX SEA – PPT - AKL (AS AA QF NZ partner)
- Delta DL LAX – AKL. From 28 Oct 2023 seasonable. Restart due 02 Oct 2024 [Skyteam alliance]
- Fiji Airways FJ LAX SFO HNL YVR – NAN - AKL WLG CHC. NAN-DFW from 10 Dec 2024 (Oneworld connect)
- Hawaiian HA HNL – AKL (AA & VA partner) Service suspended Apr to Nov 2024
- Qantas QF SYD-AKL-JFK from 14 Jun 2023. LAX SFO DFW JFK HNL YVR* via SYD BNE & MEL. {* seasonal} [Oneworld Alliance]
- United UA SFO LAX – AKL. SFO - CHC from 04 Dec 2024 seasonable[Star Alliance]
- And others via Australia, South America, Asia & Middle East