Originally Posted by
DownUnderFlyer
NZ_Flyer, it depends on what you want to get out of your program. QF is the easiest program to obtain status. One (optimized) DONE4 will give WP plus Partner Gold.
But the earn/burn ratio for award flights is shocking on QF an might get even worse in a month or so (with the introduction of anytime awards).
One thing you should also consider is that you need to take 4 flights with BA or QF in order to maintain status. This policy is enforced by both airlines.
If you want to look at an alternative to QF, then AA is your best option. They have a great earn/burn ratio, it is mediocerly difficult to get status but they have a fantastic earn/burn ratio and give upgrades to their elites. And they do not enforce the 4 flights policy (yet).
Not quite true!
QF is a easy programme
ONLY if flying in F or J, otherwise it is quite a challenging programme. Even CX's notoriously difficult programme is easier when flying in Y than QF so it's definitely horses for courses.
Forgetting the 4 sector requirement for a moment, in general if one wants to fly in Y (particularly discount economy), AA is generally the programme to look at. If you fly in F or J and want status, QF is the way to go, however if you want miles which are actually worth something, stick to AA! BA's programme is another one to look at especially if flying from London to East Coast USA as crediting to BA is more advantageous than QF. It really all comes down to individual travel patterns.
Not sure what creative routings you have come up with, but a DONE4 is unlikely to get you WP + PG. AONE4 on the other hand is possible although still a challenge - PG after all is 2100 SCs which is a huge number of SCs to get.
FWIW, the only reason I still credit to QF is lifetime status.