I have some new territories (USA + Canada) to cover and will surely move to USA within 18-24 months.
I am a Platinum QFF (APAC trips) and will keep the status at least until next September 2019.
As a consequence, I am willing to switch asap to a US carrier FF program.
1/ Most of my friends based there are happy with AA. Therefore, I registered to the program, but it looks super complicated (3 levels of Platinum - EQM-EQD-EQS, lounge access restriction when doing local flights..... up grading policy and so)
If any AAdvantage experts could assist me, I am eager to learn any tips :-)
2/ I am flying KL to Manila in Z with Malaysian in May, and rather to get some useless QFF SC, I was willing to start to accumulate on AA, but frankly, I don t understand what I am able to get (miles only knowing that it will be MH code or the whole combo EQM-EQD-EQS ?)
once again, need some advise for AAdvantage experts....
Thanks for your Help
MANU
BTW, I am not Australian - based downunder since 3 years and have no interest into QFF LT status.
Just understand that American domestic lounges are quite different from Australian ones - they are primarily membership-based (though gold and plat status will give you some access). Plus most food and drink in their lounges need to be purchased.
You should consider who you'll be flying with both domestically and internationally when deciding who to go with. Obviously an advantage of AA is continuing to use the Oneworld network when travelling internationally which is very good.
Also consider what your home port will be and what routes you'll be flying regularly. Some US airlines have a better presence in some locations than others.
I would keep QF platinum as long as you can by using AA (if you can do enough flights) but the QF FF number and working in 4 QF metal flights a year, as the lounge access is probably worth it. US airline FF schemes does not of that level of access if not flying in premium cabins.
Your choice of FF program will probably be largely dependent on where you live versus how many connections you wish to make due to the hub and spoke setup by United, AA and Delta.
I live in Denver and can pretty much travel directly anywhere with United or Southwest. I travel to Las Vegas once a week and would like to fly AA due to my QF status, but this would require my to connect through LA and add 3 hours to my journey, not worth it. However, you do pick up additional SC and points..
Southwest is a 'great' airline when compared to the other major 3, but still sub par compared to VA or QF. That said, if you can get their companion pass, this is probably one of the best FF perks in the world - free travel for your partner when travelling with you!
That said, if you choose to live in LA, Chicago or New York, you can pretty much take you pick.
Have a look at this article published today, this might help you decide, at least until you get on the ground and get it started
https://www.ausbt.com.au/star-alliance-gold-status-match-for-qantas-virgin-australia
Your choice of FF program will probably be largely dependent on where you live versus how many connections you wish to make due to the hub and spoke setup by United, AA and Delta.
I live in Denver and can pretty much travel directly anywhere with United or Southwest. I travel to Las Vegas once a week and would like to fly AA due to my QF status, but this would require my to connect through LA and add 3 hours to my journey, not worth it. However, you do pick up additional SC and points..
Southwest is a 'great' airline when compared to the other major 3, but still sub par compared to VA or QF. That said, if you can get their companion pass, this is probably one of the best FF perks in the world - free travel for your partner when travelling with you!
That said, if you choose to live in LA, Chicago or New York, you can pretty much take you pick.
I am an Aussie based in NY and have Executive Platinum status with AA. It is a great program - but as people say, you should chose your airline alliance based on where you reside in the US.
If NYC/LAX/ORD/DFW is your home base, then you would be good to stick with AA.
All airlines in the US have a minimum EQD (Elite Qualifying Dollar) threshold, but if youre doing enough flying to reach QF platinum, it would seem that you would be spending more than the minimum requirements anyway.
The EQS (Segments) is very difficult to reach unless you are doing very short very often trips (eg LGA-BOS).
EQMs (miles flown) are where you will most likely earn your status through - when flying AA discount economy you earn 1 EQS/mile, or in full fare economy and prem economy 1.5/mile, 2 in J and 3 in F. This changes when flying on partners not on an AA flight number and maxes out at 1.5/mile.
Upgrades on AA are based on status and then how many EQDs you have spent/earned in the last 12 months. Fairest way in my opinion. Upgrades also happen often at the Exec Platinum level, which is great.
No US airline really gives lounge access when flying domestically (except some flagship routes like LAX-JFK), but trust me, you aren't missing out on anything. Some credit cards over here provide access to lounges including priority pass/amex, so that is an option if you like.
Delta has a terrible award system, so I would steer clear of that - you can find economy awards, but trying to find a business class award that doesnt cost you hundreds of thousands of miles is extremely rare.
I am an Aussie based in NY and have Executive Platinum status with AA. It is a great program - but as people say, you should chose your airline alliance based on where you reside in the US.
If NYC/LAX/ORD/DFW is your home base, then you would be good to stick with AA.
All airlines in the US have a minimum EQD (Elite Qualifying Dollar) threshold, but if youre doing enough flying to reach QF platinum, it would seem that you would be spending more than the minimum requirements anyway.
The EQS (Segments) is very difficult to reach unless you are doing very short very often trips (eg LGA-BOS).
EQMs (miles flown) are where you will most likely earn your status through - when flying AA discount economy you earn 1 EQS/mile, or in full fare economy and prem economy 1.5/mile, 2 in J and 3 in F. This changes when flying on partners not on an AA flight number and maxes out at 1.5/mile.
Upgrades on AA are based on status and then how many EQDs you have spent/earned in the last 12 months. Fairest way in my opinion. Upgrades also happen often at the Exec Platinum level, which is great.
No US airline really gives lounge access when flying domestically (except some flagship routes like LAX-JFK), but trust me, you aren't missing out on anything. Some credit cards over here provide access to lounges including priority pass/amex, so that is an option if you like.
Delta has a terrible award system, so I would steer clear of that - you can find economy awards, but trying to find a business class award that doesnt cost you hundreds of thousands of miles is extremely rare.
I am an Aussie based in Chicago and in the last year moved from united status to American status. Both programs are actually pretty good and FAR superior to qantas (ie low surcharges and (some) availability on award bookings).
I found united has a lot of flight availability to Europe, especially close in (on Swiss, Lufthansa and others). Also to Australia if you are flexible (air canada often pops up with j via Vancouver or Ana via japan). Fees are like $28 (compared to qantas $450+). This is what I most value in a program (over lounges etc). United also gives free booking into economybplus (6 inches extra leg room) depending on what type of status.
Now that I am America platinum (think qantas gold) I really value free premium seat selection, free bags, priority booking, including for my whole family of five!!! Sitting in exit rows for free is fantastic.
500 mile upgrades also come in handy (recently got upgrades for my 6yo daughter and I to nyc from Chicago).
However, note that finding availability on American can be hard sometimes for j flights overseas. Makes the points a little less desirable.
I think either program beats qantas hands down. Good luck with getting involved (I’d say start with a status challenge).
Trolling though the Accor Plus site today I discovered a new perk that has appeared for 2018. Under the summary of benefits for Accor Plus members it states that platinum members get 'Free breakfast in hotels with no executive lounge access (Asia Pacific) ' . Has anyone who holds platinum and Accor Plus received this? I certainly haven't been offered..
yep, most of the time it s proposed - not always, but you re free to ask :-)
I am Platinum since almost 10Y and have no difficulties to be up graded, have free BKT if no Lounge (BTW, few Novotel - like Plunchit Bangkok or Yangoon and Grand Mercure - Like Roxy Singapore have lounges...not only Pullman/ Sofitel) and late check out.
Mercure Brisbane CBD always offer access to Pullman lounge for BKT, and lately a room in Pullman despite a very cheap fair at Mercure (AUD95 as far as I remember)
Welcome drinks (or bar vouchers) and fruit/cake/chocolate platters are most of the time expecting me and I even get a morning Newspaper in KL or Jakarta...
This said, I am staying in same hotels since years.... (Roxy Mercure Singapore => 35 stays for 100+ nights in past 8Y)
For Pullman/Sofitel, never book your breakfast.It s included.
34manu34
34manu34
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 02 Mar 2018
Total posts 17
Hi all,
markpk
markpk
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 29 Nov 2013
Total posts 459
A few of my US friends swear by Delta, others are really loyal to SouthWest.
John Phelan
John Phelan
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 28 Oct 2011
Total posts 262
Just understand that American domestic lounges are quite different from Australian ones - they are primarily membership-based (though gold and plat status will give you some access). Plus most food and drink in their lounges need to be purchased.
mviy
mviy
Member since 05 May 2016
Total posts 322
You should consider who you'll be flying with both domestically and internationally when deciding who to go with. Obviously an advantage of AA is continuing to use the Oneworld network when travelling internationally which is very good.
patrickk
patrickk
Qantas
Member since 19 Apr 2012
Total posts 737
I would keep QF platinum as long as you can by using AA (if you can do enough flights) but the QF FF number and working in 4 QF metal flights a year, as the lounge access is probably worth it. US airline FF schemes does not of that level of access if not flying in premium cabins.
AussieintheUSA
AussieintheUSA
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 30 Nov 2017
Total posts 3
Your choice of FF program will probably be largely dependent on where you live versus how many connections you wish to make due to the hub and spoke setup by United, AA and Delta.
MRYJDrake
MRYJDrake
Air New Zealand - Airpoints
Member since 31 Oct 2016
Total posts 206
Have a look at this article published today, this might help you decide, at least until you get on the ground and get it started https://www.ausbt.com.au/star-alliance-gold-status-match-for-qantas-virgin-australia
34manu34
34manu34
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 02 Mar 2018
Total posts 17
thanks for your feedback, very helpfull
34manu34
34manu34
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 02 Mar 2018
Total posts 17
thx a lot.
34manu34
34manu34
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 02 Mar 2018
Total posts 17
awesome tips.thx
pab2025
pab2025
Member since 25 Jun 2012
Total posts 133
I am an Aussie based in NY and have Executive Platinum status with AA. It is a great program - but as people say, you should chose your airline alliance based on where you reside in the US.
If NYC/LAX/ORD/DFW is your home base, then you would be good to stick with AA.
All airlines in the US have a minimum EQD (Elite Qualifying Dollar) threshold, but if youre doing enough flying to reach QF platinum, it would seem that you would be spending more than the minimum requirements anyway.
The EQS (Segments) is very difficult to reach unless you are doing very short very often trips (eg LGA-BOS).
EQMs (miles flown) are where you will most likely earn your status through - when flying AA discount economy you earn 1 EQS/mile, or in full fare economy and prem economy 1.5/mile, 2 in J and 3 in F. This changes when flying on partners not on an AA flight number and maxes out at 1.5/mile.
Upgrades on AA are based on status and then how many EQDs you have spent/earned in the last 12 months. Fairest way in my opinion. Upgrades also happen often at the Exec Platinum level, which is great.
No US airline really gives lounge access when flying domestically (except some flagship routes like LAX-JFK), but trust me, you aren't missing out on anything. Some credit cards over here provide access to lounges including priority pass/amex, so that is an option if you like.
Delta has a terrible award system, so I would steer clear of that - you can find economy awards, but trying to find a business class award that doesnt cost you hundreds of thousands of miles is extremely rare.
Hopefully that helps.
34manu34
34manu34
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 02 Mar 2018
Total posts 17
If NYC/LAX/ORD/DFW is your home base, then you would be good to stick with AA.
All airlines in the US have a minimum EQD (Elite Qualifying Dollar) threshold, but if youre doing enough flying to reach QF platinum, it would seem that you would be spending more than the minimum requirements anyway.
The EQS (Segments) is very difficult to reach unless you are doing very short very often trips (eg LGA-BOS).
EQMs (miles flown) are where you will most likely earn your status through - when flying AA discount economy you earn 1 EQS/mile, or in full fare economy and prem economy 1.5/mile, 2 in J and 3 in F. This changes when flying on partners not on an AA flight number and maxes out at 1.5/mile.
Upgrades on AA are based on status and then how many EQDs you have spent/earned in the last 12 months. Fairest way in my opinion. Upgrades also happen often at the Exec Platinum level, which is great.
No US airline really gives lounge access when flying domestically (except some flagship routes like LAX-JFK), but trust me, you aren't missing out on anything. Some credit cards over here provide access to lounges including priority pass/amex, so that is an option if you like.
Delta has a terrible award system, so I would steer clear of that - you can find economy awards, but trying to find a business class award that doesnt cost you hundreds of thousands of miles is extremely rare.
Hopefully that helps.
DEFINITELY, thanks for sharing your knowledge.
Mickusa
Mickusa
Member since 10 Jan 2018
Total posts 2
I am an Aussie based in Chicago and in the last year moved from united status to American status. Both programs are actually pretty good and FAR superior to qantas (ie low surcharges and (some) availability on award bookings).
34manu34
34manu34
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 02 Mar 2018
Total posts 17
yep, most of the time it s proposed - not always, but you re free to ask :-)
I am Platinum since almost 10Y and have no difficulties to be up graded, have free BKT if no Lounge (BTW, few Novotel - like Plunchit Bangkok or Yangoon and Grand Mercure - Like Roxy Singapore have lounges...not only Pullman/ Sofitel) and late check out.
Mercure Brisbane CBD always offer access to Pullman lounge for BKT, and lately a room in Pullman despite a very cheap fair at Mercure (AUD95 as far as I remember)
Welcome drinks (or bar vouchers) and fruit/cake/chocolate platters are most of the time expecting me and I even get a morning Newspaper in KL or Jakarta...
This said, I am staying in same hotels since years.... (Roxy Mercure Singapore => 35 stays for 100+ nights in past 8Y)
For Pullman/Sofitel, never book your breakfast.It s included.
34manu34
34manu34
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 02 Mar 2018
Total posts 17
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