let_BAegones_be

JALlover

Agree that having 3 top tier status in the same alliance is a bit over the top. Two are usually enough to cover all of the benefits.

I guess it allows OP the flexibility to choose different airlines when prices for OW airlines are high, still getting similar benefit, but with a lower cost in the long run if OP needs to switch to SA airlines.

apollo00

Well, the answer is really do you fly with any other OW airline frequently? CX and QF are both seemingly slightly more generous and attentive to their own elites than other OWEs but that's not much use if you don't actually use them. Given you're US based I'd be looking to cover another alliance in some way so the last minute flights where you can't get on OW at a reasonable price have some status too, I'd go for ST but purely a personal choice as I seem to end up doing DL domestic hops in the US a fair bit.

HIDDY

Given the amount of flying you do I'm surprised you have to ask such a question.

LTN Phobia

Nothing to do with having attained BA Gold for Life some time ago, but while trying to avoid the dreaded SYD domestic-to-international transfers on separate tickets between QF and BA and also the lack of Wifi on BA (long haul), I ended up acquiring SQ PPS in addition to LH M&M SEN (double-dipped with PPS as I credit my miles from SQ to M&M due to better earn rate for F and higher fare J and access to LX F redemption etc.), and also A3 Gold (handy for OA domestic flights, particularly those without J) alongside BA GGL/CCR, and it strikes a good balance between programmes for me. I like the double baggage allowance with PPS in particular because SQ excess baggage charges are seriously frightening.

It doesn't bother me not having anything on Skyteam as I don't fly on them at all.

I also have QF LTG (OWS) which I don't use much but could come in use if I somehow end up flying the dreaded JQ for scheduling reasons. I maintain that account mostly from credit card spend in Australia and use the points for various things like domestic upgrade.

As for the comment about QF being more generous to their own elites than other OWE, that's not really in my experience, unfortunately. I was QF Platinum with rather high status credits before Platinum One was introduced (would have been P1 if it existed then) and also was Platinum for some time since before they annoyed me so much that I refused to buy revenue international tickets on QF, but I get treated better as a BA Gold in any case However, you do get treated better if you make it to Platinum One with QF than a normal OWE (QF OWE/non-QF OWE).

I'd actually stick to BA if you like GGL (and CCR if applicable) and only credit 'spares' that doesn't give you anything extra to another programme if you can get solid benefits like AA for domestic upgrades etc.

UKtravelbear

I'd be wary of crediting to one FF programme but using AA status to get lounge access / upgrades etc as posited above thread.

I've seen reports on the AA board that AA does sometimes clamp down on that sort of thing and insists that if you want the benefits of AA then you should credit to AA

craigthemif

If the OP wants a new challenge, why not open a duplicate BAEC account and go for a second Gold for Life with BA?

Sounds ridiculous? Of course it is, but it is exactly the same as starting from nothing with a different airline...

Take the double Avios and the lounge access and stop worrying too much. Status match to something else if you hear about a good match on offer.

hfly

Go for a different alliance.

Swanhunter

shawbridge

Thanks for all of the feedback. I'm largely sticking to OW, though I am having a hard time using my Avios -- tried on several trips to Europe. Also having a hard time using some of the free upgrades I get. I was trying recently to use my Avios for a BOS-VCE trip, possibly on AA or Iberia. My assistant couldn't do it. I wonder if CX is easier. I have begun using JetBlue a lot in the US (from BOS to DC, NY, SFO a lot, Charleston, ...), which is very nice except for the lack of lounges and by virtue of a couple of clients, have been accumulating Star mileage but will not try to hit elite status there.

ukgooner

Exactly - i just dont get this mentality. You get GFL and you enjoy it!

If you dont enjoy what you have got they you were pretty foolish for bothering with it in the first place. 10-15 years of progress before you thought.. "hang on a minute?!"

I understand about Avios use - but you just need a bit of flex. Much better value to use them domestically in US anyway.

'andad

Just a thought. If everyone who reached GFL then took their busines elsewhere, wouldn't BA realise that GFL is actually losing them revenue and withdraw the scheme (except for those who already have it of course, phew).

LTN Phobia

I'm short of Avios rather a lot, which means I've not had trouble using them, and I have not flown in the US for years now. I tend to use them on JL and occasionally QF flights.

I used a Joker for the first time in ages (I must have let at least 10 Jokers expire, probably more) which means I didn't even need to use a Joker to spend my Avios.

I tend to think the use of Avios is much easier for solo bookings.