I'm an Air Canada Super Elite (100K) but may be relocating to Australia with monthly trips between NRT and SYD and biannual trips between SYD and YYZ -- all in paid-J. Travel likely to exceed 100K per year.

I could stick with * Alliance, travel on ANA and maintain my AC status.

However, Quantas seems to have a good schedule and their FF program looks OK and would have the advantage of being able to use UPGs (e.g. J --> F)

But, I know I can get comped status on AA whilst I'm still living in Canada. And mileage accumulation (for reward travel) is attractive.

Questions:
(1) What are the chances of getting comped on Quantas? If so how?
(2) Am I better off with AA?
(3) Or (if my chances of getting comped on Quantas are nil) am I still better off going with Quantas and earning status (e.g. Platinum for 7 SYD-NRT round trips)


[This message has been edited by ACORD (edited 11-16-2001).]

ACORD - I am/was in exactly your situation. An AC SE from Toronto, who has moved to Australia - also AA Plat (comped). I've earned SE for 2002 and AA has now extended Plat for 2002. Like you, I have several overseas paid J flight per year.

I decided to switch to Qantas accumulation for several reasons.

1. I plan to be in Oz for a long time (maybe for good).
2. Upgrades. Being AA plat doesn't do anything for you on Qantas. However, you can earn and use upgrades in the Qantas program no matter what level of FF you are.
3. Any travel within Australia will be on oneworld, unless Ansett can rise from the grave.
4. Hotel point accumulation in australia is very attractive with Qantas (5/$1 AUD)
5. Aussie dollar credit card. (anz qantas telstra Visa, amex rewards, etc.) - i.e., if you're here long enough you'll want a credit card and you can earn qantas points.

Note: Qantas will NOT comp you. I barked up that tree for a while and gave up. Initially lounge access was an issue for me, until my employer bought Qantas club. But, I had them put the QFF number on my itinerary, then quickly flahsed my AA platinum card when I went in - no one ever bothered checking. Obviously if you're flying paid J not an issue, but if you aren't, then it is an issue.

If you move down, drop me a line - always happy to hoist a few with a fellow canuck.

If you're going to get any response from QANTAS regarding a comp, you'd better start spelling them correctly!



[This message has been edited by Guy Betsy (edited 11-17-2001).]

Hi Acord,

I agree with everything Scoop suggests regarding joining the Qantas FF program.

In your post you mentioned the possibility of maintaining your allegiance to Star by flying ANA between SYD and NRT. ANA have recently withdrawn all services from Japan to Australia. Which should make it a lot easier to decide.

By joining oneworld you will also have the choice of flying SYD-YYZ and SYD-NRT with either CX or QF, depending on how much time you like spending on planes and in lounges.

But who ever you choose to go with, welcome to Australia. Hope you enjoy your time here.

Whoops -- good point! Now I remember my English teacher telling me that a U always follows a Q in the English language -- I guess Qantas has aboriginal roots... is Qantas a legal word in Scrabble I wonder?

Queensland And Northern Territory Air Service -- QANTAS.