AAdvantage vs. QF Frequent Flyer for Flying Regularly between BOS-SYD
Sep 20, 2018, 7:56 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 5
AAdvantage vs. QF Frequent Flyer for Flying Regularly between BOS-SYD
I live in Boston but am about to start university in Sydney in February. I've done some domestic flying this year which will get me to AAdvantage Gold by 12/31 so at least I'll have some status for these long flights next year. I'm planning on always buying at least premium economy, and sometimes business, because I'm too tall to squeeze into main cabin for so long. It looks like I'll mostly be flying Qantas, but also BA, AA, Qatar, Cathay Pacific, and maybe LATAM. I'll probably be making two round trips/year between BOS and SYD. Not sure if I should stick with AAdvantage and shoot for Platinum or just use my 2019 Gold status and switch over to QF Frequent Flyer, or maybe even Executive Club or Marco Polo.
Sep 20, 2018, 8:21 am
#2
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: used to be PER, now it's nowhere/eveywhere
Programs: QFF NB, AA GLD
Posts: 3,464
Welcome to FT LoganApp
This thread over on the Oneworld forum might help you make your decision - Deciding on a Oneworld Frequent Flyer Program? Help is here.
This thread over on the Oneworld forum might help you make your decision - Deciding on a Oneworld Frequent Flyer Program? Help is here.
Sep 20, 2018, 2:15 pm
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MEL CHC
Posts: 20,987
I live in Boston but am about to start university in Sydney in February. I've done some domestic flying this year which will get me to AAdvantage Gold by 12/31 so at least I'll have some status for these long flights next year. I'm planning on always buying at least premium economy, and sometimes business, because I'm too tall to squeeze into main cabin for so long. It looks like I'll mostly be flying Qantas, but also BA, AA, Qatar, Cathay Pacific, and maybe LATAM. I'll probably be making two round trips/year between BOS and SYD. Not sure if I should stick with AAdvantage and shoot for Platinum or just use my 2019 Gold status and switch over to QF Frequent Flyer, or maybe even Executive Club or Marco Polo.
I'm planning on doing two round trips a year between BOS and SYD. That's around 40,000 miles total (with connections and class of service boosts I'm sure I could get that to 50,000/year). BOS-SYD is usually 2-3 sectors in each direction, so anywhere from 8-12 sectors total. I'm only considering flying premium economy (business sometimes) because I can't squeeze into economy for so long.
Stay with AA ffp.
Absolutely no logic in considering BA & CX. For BA you need 2/4 BA flights for status.
The airline you fly most or an airline of the country you live is the best ffp for many people. Generally you are better earning on your primary airline due to greater recognition, better service when disruptions, ability to upgrade flights, possible operational upgrades and simpler to earn non flying ff miles/points.
Sep 20, 2018, 5:00 pm
#4
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Chicago, IL
Programs: AA ExPlat, Delta GM, Hilton Honors Diamond, Marriott Titanium Elite, Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 140
I'd stay with AA, being as you are US-based. In general, all Oneworld airlines are quite good at recognizing status from the others, which will get you lounge access at your connection points, even if your ticket doesn't.
I'd also aim to fly on CX, AA, or Qatar when possible since those are all one-stop options from Boston. I quite enjoy CX, but you'll find plenty who say Qatar is better.
I'd also aim to fly on CX, AA, or Qatar when possible since those are all one-stop options from Boston. I quite enjoy CX, but you'll find plenty who say Qatar is better.
Sep 20, 2018, 7:43 pm
#5
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 44,548
AA or QF seem the logical options to me if wanting to use OneWorld
Sep 21, 2018, 2:57 pm
#8
Moderator: American AAdvantage, Travel Safety/Security & Texas, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: AUS / GRK
Programs: AA, HHonors, Hertz
Posts: 13,484
AY (Finnair) regularly has ~$3k fares from NYC to SIN (and much of east Asia) in biz. From there, I'm sure you can find reasonable fares to Australia.
UL (Sri Lankan) has some deals going too, this PVG-MEL fare has been out there a while (not sure if the deal is still active).
