Considering move from Qantas to AA
Oct 2, 2012 | 10:14 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 118
Considering move from Qantas to AA
I've recently moved to the USA and my company flies both United and AA as their preferred airlines. Most of my colleagues fly United (as we're close to SFO) but I'm a Qantas Gold status so am trying to fly AA.
I'm flying this week a mixture of 1st and business and wondered:
1. Does AA have a status match to switch programs?
2. If not, is it beneficial to switch to the AA program?
I'm mindful that I may struggle to fly 4 QF segments this year, although if I have to I will do so.
I'm flying this week a mixture of 1st and business and wondered:
1. Does AA have a status match to switch programs?
2. If not, is it beneficial to switch to the AA program?
I'm mindful that I may struggle to fly 4 QF segments this year, although if I have to I will do so.
Oct 2, 2012 | 10:28 am
#2
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: All over
Programs: AA-LTP, HH-DIA, Marriott-LT+AMB, Hyatt-Globalist, Hertz-PC, UA-GS, BA-Gold
Posts: 6,863
It's worth a call for a status match, but not sure they would. You already have one world status and fly in first and business. Just gotta find out which program you like better. Maybe check where double accumulation miles come in with QF, as with AA at PLT you get double the flying miles (not eqm), plus class of service bonuses.
Oct 2, 2012 | 10:44 am
#3
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: LAX
Posts: 6,769
AA does also have the challenge programs to help expedite your AA status acquisition.
Oct 2, 2012 | 11:03 am
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 118
Ok, thanks guys. I might have a look into the AAdvantage Elite Status Challenge and also give them a call today.
Oct 2, 2012 | 11:12 am
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 118
Actually, reading this forum, flying with AA sounds like a nightmare experience. Maybe time just to bite the bullet and switch to United?
Oct 2, 2012 | 11:26 am
#6
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Benicia CA
Programs: Alaska MVP Gold 75K, AA 3.8MM, UA 1.1MM, enjoying the retired life
Posts: 31,849
The AA and UA benefits and perks are very different. At SFO, UA clearly wins on route network because they have a hub here. If you look at some of the AA perks, such as systemwide upgrades without a buy-up to a higher fare to play the upgrade lottery, as well as access as an EXP (One World Emerald) to first class lounges on international travel and many of us with 100% domestic upgrade rates, those may balance out the UA route network. Just about need to work out a spreadsheet and sort out what benefits have the most value to you.
Oct 2, 2012 | 11:28 am
#7
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Benicia CA
Programs: Alaska MVP Gold 75K, AA 3.8MM, UA 1.1MM, enjoying the retired life
Posts: 31,849
And as a midtier UA flyer, only 50% bonus miles. That, along with the changes to the million miler program, had me walk away from UA after 1.1 million actual flight miles.
Oct 2, 2012 | 12:16 pm
#8
In Memoriam
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: dallas texas usa
Programs: aa plt 4.9MM LTAC
Posts: 14,828
where do you stand on qf elite qualification this year? don't you have 4 segs on qf this year?
Oct 2, 2012 | 12:24 pm
#9
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT EXP; HH LT Diamond, Matre-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
American is going through a contentious reorganisation just now, and some pilots have seemingly taken upon themselves to "get" AA's management and goad them into accepting some concessions by what is basically a "work to rules" slowdown. We can't tell you how long that will last, though the likely solution seems an agreement between pilots' union and AA management or an injunction stopping such actions.
What you do is dependent on how risk-aversive you might be, but I would highly recommend studying both programmes objectively before you make the decision to jump.
What you do is dependent on how risk-aversive you might be, but I would highly recommend studying both programmes objectively before you make the decision to jump.
Oct 2, 2012 | 12:29 pm
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 118
Thanks for the advice though everyone. Will give our corporate travel guys a call and also ring AA to see what they can offer.
Oct 2, 2012 | 12:49 pm
#11
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: All over
Programs: AA-LTP, HH-DIA, Marriott-LT+AMB, Hyatt-Globalist, Hertz-PC, UA-GS, BA-Gold
Posts: 6,863
Oct 2, 2012 | 1:13 pm
#12
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 118
I rang AA - no go on status matching but suggested I try the Platinum Challenge.
Am I correct in this calculation, ie for $240 it will get me AA Platinum Status:
S x 2500 = 1250 points
N x 2500 = 1250 points
P x 4070 = 6105 points
D x 4070 = 6105 points
Total = 14210 - therefore sufficient to meet their criteria? $240 seems a bit stiff.
I noticed on the Challenge Wiki site that it says they sometimes give Gold status to people trying to do the challenge from other airlines (ie my situation). Am assuming as I'm flying business/first on the international leg it is a moot point as I get access to the lounge etc anyway?
Am I correct in this calculation, ie for $240 it will get me AA Platinum Status:
S x 2500 = 1250 points
N x 2500 = 1250 points
P x 4070 = 6105 points
D x 4070 = 6105 points
Total = 14210 - therefore sufficient to meet their criteria? $240 seems a bit stiff.
I noticed on the Challenge Wiki site that it says they sometimes give Gold status to people trying to do the challenge from other airlines (ie my situation). Am assuming as I'm flying business/first on the international leg it is a moot point as I get access to the lounge etc anyway?
Oct 2, 2012 | 8:46 pm
#13
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: NYC
Programs: AA EXP, Hilton GLD, Marriott Plat, NEXUS/GE
Posts: 2,872
My treatment as an AA Plat (midtier) last year was definitely better than my treatment as a UA 1K. This year, as an AA EXP, I don't want to even contemplate how bad UA is in comparison.
Oct 2, 2012 | 9:08 pm
#14
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 118
Thanks to everyone for their help and guidance. Our corporate travel agent contacted our AA rep who handled the status match for me. Alleviated me doing their Platinum Challenge.
Re flying AA - I guess it will be a learning experience. Some of the blogs I've seen are scaring me a bit - particularly after flying mostly QF who I actually think are relatively good (and I was stuck in Sydney last year for a few days when they were grounded). I think flying a USA airline could be a culture shock.
Re flying AA - I guess it will be a learning experience. Some of the blogs I've seen are scaring me a bit - particularly after flying mostly QF who I actually think are relatively good (and I was stuck in Sydney last year for a few days when they were grounded). I think flying a USA airline could be a culture shock.
Oct 2, 2012 | 9:25 pm
#15
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Benicia CA
Programs: Alaska MVP Gold 75K, AA 3.8MM, UA 1.1MM, enjoying the retired life
Posts: 31,849
