Frequent flyer schemes: Qantas vs Virgin Australia

6 replies

Jono

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

Member since 25 Jan 2013

Total posts 108

This is mostly a Qantas FF vs. Velocity question, but at the moment I have my main credit card is Qantas and I use the Velocity Global Wallet to get Virgin Australia points.

I'm contemplating switching that around. That is, going from NAB Platinum One Qantas to NAB Velocity Platinum. Both cards are practically the same, but the Qantas one (see link below) is invitational, so if I cancel it it may be hard to get again should I change my mind.

If I fly I usually buy Virgin tickets, but now work had given me a QC membership, I try and fly JetStar where possible so I'll have lounge access. However, with Virgin looking on the up and Qantas 'shuffling the deck chairs on the titanic', I'm cautious not to leave all my eggs in one basket. Albeit one that could fall apart.

www.nab.com.au/personal/credit-cards/manage-your-credit-card/changes-to-our-credit-cards/nab-qantas-plus-card#tab1http://www.nab.com.au/wps/wcm/connect/nab/nab/home/personal_finance/4/3/3/3#tab1

moa999

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

Member since 02 Jul 2011

Total posts 834

What is the question exactly?

I agree good not to have eggs in one basket - but better to have one Platinum or Gold egg, rather than two Silvers.

I don't see much risk of Qantas falling over. While there has been some recent pain, domestically both carriers are looking a lot more profitable at the moment as they stop growing (albeit this is not good for us passengers)

tabs

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

Member since 09 May 2013

Total posts 46

I just reached QFF at the end of Feb, and have been racking up a heap of points using my HSBC Qantas Platinum Card. At 1 point / $1 on Visa, it's great value. 

However, I've decided to make the switch over to Velocity. The main reason is it's so much easier to attain higher status. QF requires 700 status credits to reach gold, whereas Velocity you need just 400. The SC's earned on similar sectors are pretty much the same. 

There's the argument that QF has superior lounges - however with Air NZ upgrading their SYD lounge, Etihad opening their new lounge, as well as the new Star Alliance lounge in LAX, the gap is definitely closing. 

I will be applying for the Virgin Money credit card to earn Velocity points. It's the only non-Amex that earns at a 1:1 rate. 

tabs

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

Member since 09 May 2013

Total posts 46

EDIT: I just reached QFF silver* at the end of Feb. 

Jono

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

Member since 25 Jan 2013

Total posts 108

Hi moa999,

Thanks for the reply.

The questions is should I stick with my current NAB Qantas Platinum One card, (formerly Qantas Gold) or switch to NAB Velocity Platinum for the 40,000 points sign up bonus and better earn rate on American Express.

Serg

QFF

Member since 12 Apr 2013

Total posts 999

If you earn points to many programs, than you have to fly a lot to be able to get a use of them. So if you company pays for tickets, than you can have multiply “points income”, but if you flying few times per year for your own money, than it would be better to earn all points to one scheme.

Jono

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

Member since 25 Jan 2013

Total posts 108

Hi Serg,

Thanks for your reply. (You're responses on the Alpha Flight Guru thread were awesome).

I fly semi-regularily and my thought was I mostly fly Virgin. Therefore, I'll earn Velocity point by flying and Qantas points through my card.

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