Originally Posted by
Tyrolean
I would go for QF.
If you fly business-class you will get status very soon.
(You get 40 TPs on flights under 600 miles and 60 TPs on flights over 600 miles). (not only the flat 40TPs of BA in Business).
True, but there are some occasions where you get more on BA than on QF, e.g. flights to the East Coast of the USA. Also there are other tricks such as BAH-DOH sectors and using a BA codeshare on a QF J domestic flight - both which give full long haul TPs.
Originally Posted by Tyrolean
All fare-classes get Tier-points (even the deepest discounted classes).
All fare-classes on IB earn 100% miles.
Unfortunately this is not always true. Yes, IB get 100%, but be aware that there are quite a few fare classes on several OW carriers which credit nothing including even a few noteables on AA. CX also requires L and above to get anything.
Originally Posted by Tyrolean
No worry about transatlantic flights on AA/BA that do not count.
QF has a lifetime status (long way, but possible).
True, however I suspect with Macquarie Air shortly taking over QF, I can't see this perk remaining despite the huge amount of flying to get it. At least with AA's programme, all miles count to lifetime status whereas with QF only flying gets you there.
Originally Posted by Tyrolean
If you need lounge-access on QF/BA/AA you can buy a Qantas-Club membership.
You can buy a QF Club membership and NOT credit to QF should lounge access be a requirement, however the OP should be aware that when flying IB, he/she won't be entitled to lounge access.
Originally Posted by Tyrolean
Earing rates are as bad as with BA, but you get more miles.
Not true. The bonus paid on QF miles is a percentage of the awarded miles, for example a min payment of 125 miles on a deep discount, yet the flight miles were 100 miles, you will get 25 miles on a silver membership as a bonus, whereas BA would give you the higher amount. Small difference but for short hauls it adds up.
Originally Posted by Tyrolean
Be aware: QF-Silver doesnt get you into the lounges, you need gold for that, but that gives you 50% Bonus on QF/BA/AA.
25% for Silver (OW Ruby), 50% for Gold (OW Sapphire),and 100% for Platinum (OW Emerald). Bonus only paid on QF, BA and AA flights. AA's programme however pays the bonus on ALL OneWorld flights.
For the AA programme, one should note that even on deep discount fares, 500 EQPs are awarded on fares that credit (even in the slighest) which whilst won't get you many redeemable miles definitely helps for Elite qualification.
Again I am going to point the OP to AA's programme as at least in OW, it's the best one out there. CX is not too bad in some respects either, but QF is definitely one of the worst. Personally I am only with QF for lifetime status as it is will within reach. In fact I am only a few flights away from it, but I am seriously considering changing to AA afterwards especially now that Macquarie are taking over QF and they are known for cuts. There is a reason afterall why Macquarie are one of the most profitable investment banks in the world!