Originally Posted by
djc0
It will be a mix of domestic (every 1-2 months) and international, both to the US (~2/year) and Europe (~1-2/year).
I would suggest joining the AA scheme and undertaking a challenge when you go to USA. Just make sure that you get a fare for the trip which will earn you 1 qpoint per mile flown and you will get platinum from 1 trip
If possible take the trip to Europe via the USA on AA for full mileage earning and you will be able to easily maintain AA Platinum (OW Sapphire) status and maintain lounge access
To compare with the QF scheme, 2 r/ts to LAX in economy would earn 180 Status credits and 1 round trip SYD-LAX-LHR in economy would earn 150 Status credits which would not be quite enough to attain Silver status (OW Ruby) since the QF scheme is very heavily weighted towards travel in premium cabins for attaining status
Also, if you look at the award tables, you will see the comparative redemption earnings
If you domestic trips are on the short runs such as SYD-MEL , once Platinum you will earn 1000 miles each way which is the same as you would earn as a QF Silver/Gold or Platinum member to QF
One point to be warned of, for domestic flights in AU, do not book the more expensive of the red-e-deals since they are booked in N class and so are ineligable for credit to AA. All other domestic public fares will earn miles to AA
Originally Posted by djc0
Interesting. So the US carrier beats the Oz carrier in this case. How about leg room?
That's about the only way where it comes close to winning though. Seat pitch is average on QF
Dave