I have to fly to Shanghai from Sydney and have the option of PE via HKG (QF or CX) or Business direct on China Eastern (MU).

I have to fly to Shanghai from Sydney and have the option of PE via HKG (QF or CX) or Business direct on China Eastern (MU).

I am a platinum QFF and have no hope of retaining that status this year especially in light of the travel downgrade.

I understand that I can earn QFF points on the MU flight, but don’t believe that I earn status credits, is this the case?

Also what lounge will I have access to in SYD travelling on MU, will it be 1st as a Plat or just Business as travelling on a J flight?

What would be the better option, how good is MU?

You do not earn status credits on a MU flight unless you book it under a QF flight number.

If you do travel on a MU they either use the Qantas Lounge or Air NZ lounge in SYD. 

As you've no shot at retaining QFF Platinum regardless, unless time and a direct flight is a major factor – well, if it was me, I'd fly with Qantas premium economy and make the most of the HK stop-over. But that's just me!

I'm with David, if you go QF or CX at least your chances of a soft-landing to gold or a complimentary year on platinum are markedly improved. Not saying that it's GOING to happen, but your chances are improved. 

Thanks all, gone with the QF option.

Late to the conversation - but why not fly MU J, vs PE?