TALKING POINT | Gold or Platinum frequent flyer status is often viewed as a sign of a serious road warrior – somebody who flies a lot, knows the system, skips the airport lines and gets to relax in lounges: very much the king of the airport castle.
But in many ways, status can make you a slave to that particular airline – and the airlines know it.
That Platinum frequent flyer card, either owning it or striving for it, can just as easily become a pair of Platinum-plated handcuffs which keep you tied to that airline and less likely to consider alternatives and competitors, even when they sometimes make more sense for your schedule.
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with having Gold or Platinum status. But even Silver-grade frequent flyers still enjoy the basics like priority check-in, and pairing that with an airport lounge membership or the right credit card delivers an overall travel experience that isn’t much different to being Gold.
Last year I decided to put less emphasis on chasing Gold or Platinum frequent flyer status with a single airline, and it's been quite liberating. Here's why.
1. My strategy gives me true freedom to fly
Not being ‘locked in’ to any particular airline or alliance means I’m free to book the most convenient flight for my schedule every time I travel – I don’t need to hunt down codeshares or the right partner airlines to make sure I’m earning status credits, or take a longer route than necessary just to travel with a specific airline.
I value my time, so if there’s a non-stop flight from where I am to where I need to go, that’s my preference: whether the airline belongs to Oneworld, Star Alliance, SkyTeam, or none of the above.
Of course, I still always attach a frequent flyer number to every booking – earning points is always better than not – I’m just not overly concerned about the status credits that come with them.
2. Gold and Platinum status doesn’t always cover you
At one point or another, I’ve reached top-tier status with every global alliance – Oneworld Emerald, Star Alliance Gold, SkyTeam Elite Plus, and plenty of shiny cards with other airlines, too – and while those perks were often useful, there were plenty of times where having status made no difference at all.
Qantas Gold and Platinum, for example, don’t give any benefits when flying with Fiji Airways from Australia, unless paying more to book that flight under a Qantas (QF) flight number: and Velocity Gold and Platinum are no better, with plenty of gaps in Virgin Australia’s international lounge network, particularly when travelling with partner airlines.
With SkyTeam, lounge access isn’t available before domestic flights, so my Elite Plus card left me sitting out in the terminal more times than I can count – and while Star Alliance is a little better, lounges for Gold cardholders in major hubs like Singapore need improvement (and toilets!), with better lounges to be had through Priority Pass anyway.
3. Silver status plus a lounge membership is just like Gold
In my book, Silver status is the real ‘sweet spot’: for the most part, you still get practical perks like priority check-in and a boosted baggage allowance, but it’s much easier to reach and retain than the loftier Gold and Platinum tiers: great when you travel across a host of different airlines.
When paired with the right airport lounge membership, the overall airport experience becomes comparable to a Gold frequent flyer anyway: you use the same fast-tracked check-in queue and then relax (or work) in a lounge until boarding is called.
This is where a Priority Pass membership really comes in handy, or the AMEX Platinum Charge Card (which bundles Priority Pass too), because you’re generally covered for lounge access regardless of where you’re travelling and which airline you’re flying – and even if you don’t have priority check-in, doing online check-in for international flights often lets you skip the long queues anyway.
Read: Why Qantas Lifetime Silver status is worth having
4. If you’re flying business class, status makes little difference
One of the best ways to spend your frequent flyer points is on business class flights, and if you’re booked at the pointy end, your travel experience doesn’t much change with or without a Gold frequent flyer card.
You might get a slightly bigger baggage allowance, but that’s about it – you use the same check-in queue, the same priority security channel, usually the same airport lounge, and the same priority boarding line with or without that shiny card.
Naturally, Platinum is a different ballgame if there’s a first class lounge to be enjoyed, but getting that card takes a lot of dedication: most often, flying twice as much as needed for Gold or 4-5 times as much to earn Silver with the same airline or alliance, which may or may not always be convenient or practical compared to other options.
Where chasing Gold and Platinum status does make sense
There’s no denying that frequent flyer status is a great thing to have, and that the best perks come when you’re Gold or Platinum – so it should go without saying, but if your travel plans allow you to easily reach these tiers anyway, then you’d be silly not to.
For example, if you do a lot of business travel and your employer always books you on flights with Qantas and its partner airlines, building status in a single frequent flyer scheme makes complete sense, and will come in handy almost every time you fly.
If you’re very close to retaining your existing status for another year or moving up the next rung on the ladder, and choosing one airline over another on your next trip would get you across that line, that can also be worthwhile given it avoids the cost of purchasing an airport lounge membership if your status falls to Silver.
There’s no right or wrong path when it comes to travel: there are merits both in chasing shiny status with one airline only, and simply booking the best airline and flight for every journey, potentially saving some coin but with airport lounge access something that's paid for instead.
So, over to you – what’s your status strategy? Do you religiously stick to one airline or alliance to maximise your status credits and perks, or are you happy to travel with a different airline every time you fly, relying on a lounge membership and perhaps a Silver card to provide your perks? Share your thoughts in the comment box below!
Chris is a a former contributor to Executive Traveller.
09 Jul 2018
Total posts 1
Good article Chris, I’ve often thought about the worth of status chasing, however I love the challenge! My usual plan is to push for flights on QF and one world early in the frequent flyer year and once status (hopefully Platnium) is achieved open up to flying other airlines prior to the FF year running out.
QFF
03 Apr 2016
Total posts 4
Most of my travel is to Asia and the UK. I normally travel in J to and from Asia and easily get Platinum with Qantas. I stick with them mainly to hit LTG (about a year away) and because most destinations are direct flights.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
01 Nov 2016
Total posts 130
Chris nice article. I used to fly Star Alliance a lot especially when I lived in the US, Europe and Asia. Continued flying Star Alliance after moving back to Australia for a while on the overseas trips and got my lifetime gold with United Mileage Plus. After this qualification and a lot of domestic travel in Australia on QF I am now flying predominantly on QF and Oneworld airlines. Focus is to get to platinum with QF as much as possible and working towards LTG. Not far off LTG with QF which would be good giving me lifetime status with both alliances.
05 May 2016
Total posts 616
I try to travel QF as much as possible at the moment. I can then lock in LTS and later hopefully LTG. Hopefully LTS isn't too far away at which point I can have the QF Silver (OneWorld Ruby) benefits on OneWorld without having to fly revenue QF tickets at all!
LTG would give me a better upgrade chance for work trips (& probably some personal trips too) than lower status and having flown a bit at the pointy end I'd like to keep a reasonable upgrade chance if possible.
20 Apr 2014
Total posts 93
This has been my approach after several years as platinum QFF and gold in VA. I analysed travel bookings and found I was paying significantly more to stick with the carrier of choice rather than book the shortest or best fares.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
21 Jan 2014
Total posts 320
This is where QF are so smart, most of us start our flying life on domestic flights and domestic lounges etc and then get the carrots dangled infront of us along the way, lifetime status and soft landings down to a lower level if we don’t fly much in a certain year not to mention seat selection. The only VA flight I use is TSV- SYD as QF don’t have a direct flight but I am always stuck down the back near the toilets as I have no status at all with VA.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
07 Jul 2015
Total posts 41
Great article and I tend to agree on most points. One thing that's not captured here is that higher status gives you better visability over reward bookings/availability. Not worth the effort of stacking all those AMEX/QFF points, if you can't redeem them.
If you read the Community posts here and on other Australian Frequent Flyer sites, people are often prepared to spend thousands on a 'status run' just to make the next tier.
Is it worth it? Well I guess that's up to the individual. I've had a year of being Platinum, after a long time being Gold, I don't feel there is enough difference in benefits for the effort/money required to retain Plat, especially if you always fly in premium cabins as you pointed out.
24 Apr 2012
Total posts 2432
"One thing that's not captured here is that higher status gives you better visability over reward bookings/availability."
That's only really true of Qantas and only for Qantas-operated flights, the most valuable benefit being if you're Platinum or above and you call up and ask for seats to be released, but Qantas status doesn't affect availability on partner airlines, which is where most of the reward availability is anyway. It's one of those things where it's nice to have but probably not a big enough motivator on its own to make Platinum 'worth it'.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
01 Nov 2016
Total posts 130
Chris spot on. Have had this experience when QF have released a J class seat for my wife.
05 May 2016
Total posts 616
I’m a member of the QFF program because I want to mainly fly QF.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
09 Nov 2018
Total posts 104
Exactly, I actually enjoy flying qantas over say virgin. QF have a competitive international business class and I generally get all my upgrades!
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
07 Dec 2014
Total posts 170
> QF have a competitive international business class and I generally get all my upgrades!
QFF
19 Sep 2013
Total posts 205
Having both QF LTS and a Seniors QP Life has meant that chasing Gold hasn't been worth it, and as a I now mostly fly up front, it's a moot point anyway. As far as obtaining good seats, I have found the T-80 time usually gives me my preferred seats anyway, regardless of not having a higher status. And I've also found that being able to choose different airlines for better J deals is far preferable.
05 May 2016
Total posts 616
I would have considered buying lifetime QP membership but it's no longer available. Great for those who already have it though.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
31 Jan 2016
Total posts 89
Interesting discussion for those in the 'city', however being based regionally there is only one option - QF, not that this is an issue as I am LTG and Platinum, but there is really no coherent option as ZL don't have a program and don't link very well with VA, and VA don't leave from, or fly to, where I travel on domestic flights.
05 May 2016
Total posts 616
That’s a good point. Some routes wouldn’t be profitable for more than one carrier giving many little choice.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
18 Jan 2017
Total posts 10
Wow, I thought I was in a QF forum here with Joyce writing a long spiel on QF!
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
01 Apr 2018
Total posts 13
QF for me - lifetime status is good to aim for and will be useful when my income is lower and/or fixed by retirement.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
10 Jul 2018
Total posts 3
Last year I achieved LTG with QFF, and coincidentally lost my Platinum status due to a reduction in travel. It is quite liberating as I now seek more convenient carriers( eg SQ from BNE into Asia has superior choices and connections.
21 Apr 2017
Total posts 50
Good article Chris. Congrats!
05 Jul 2018
Total posts 3
Hi Chris great article. Been LTG for 5 years and both of us keep Plat to use First Lounge in Sydney as the Bus Lounge was a disgrace.. Fly J class to regional Asia and domestically but have found both products to be generally poor-old equipment and underwelming menus. Regional Asia has improved in the last 3 months with the return of A380 service to SIN. Partner recognition in the program has significantly reduced over the past 5 years though. We are now also flying VA alot and now Plat with them. Product and service is far superior in J both domestic and HKG services. We had been so loyal to QF but LTG opens up choices with other carriers knowing that lounge access is always available in Oneworld. On the other hand its probably more economic not to be loyal and just pay for lounge access if required.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
27 Jul 2016
Total posts 56
Nice article Chris. I'm QF Platinum, but now when I achieve (my wife and love the first class lounges!), I chase better value for my business travel. For example, China Airline J is brilliant value and a great product, and from September I'll be Emerald with them and so Elite Plus with Skyteam. Next year I'm looking a Gold with Star Alliance using Eva Air to/from LAX out of Brisbane, as its products are a step up from China Airlines and the connections seem more convenient. I guess the bottom line is 'horses for courses' and find the best value where you can
30 Jul 2015
Total posts 104
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
01 Mar 2013
Total posts 171
Jeez, Chris, you keep writing great stuff and thought-provoking articles. The Honeymoon was a ripper! Many Thanks.
I decided to back off from QF last year and lost my P1 status. So what changed? Not much, QF Platinum is still fine.
I was once an SQ PPS for many years and a Solitude for 12 months. Yes nice, but then again was it worth it? Nah.
Yes, First Lounges are nice (bar SQ Private Room - that's, still, a let down for the 5-Star brand), and I think QF First SYD is great and I do like EY First in AUH. Nice meals & Champers. EK First in DXB is huge, but that's about it. CX First in HKG is top of the pops. I haven't been into QR First in DOH but have to say the QR Bus Lounge is more than fine. LHR? QF are doing a fine job here as they are in LAX. I haven't tried the Chinese airlines at all yet so have no feel here.
So in the end what's my take? Try something different. Give it a go... unless your in the 'non-tourist' places in Africa. you just want to make sure 'your bum is on a seat' on the way home. Cheers.
10 Nov 2016
Total posts 6
Good article! I was wondering if any of you wise heads might know... I fly to Malaysia quite a bit with SQ in economy (it's my client's preference), and book via VA. I always have Velocity Gold, and come and go to/from Platinum but have joined Krisflyer and thought perhaps I'd have a better chance of upgrading to PE without too much hassle if I achieved Gold with them? Any thoughts appreciated thanks!
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
07 Dec 2014
Total posts 170
Perhaps could use Krisflyer points to upgrade your flights on SQ if booking directly through them, depending on the original booking fare class?
12 Aug 2017
Total posts 75
Very good point. I like SQ on my trips to the UK. However China Airlines are a couple of $000 cheaper for a slightly longer flight and the $000 is real money to spend anywhere, not trapped to use just on Reward flights.I see it that the excellent China Airlines product will get me home, with lounge access, and with the money saved I could blow it all on a Porsche Boxter car rental. Same price as SQ.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
31 Jul 2017
Total posts 2
Great article and this is something that I have been doing for the last 4 years, also teamed this up with AMEX / priority pass and not getting to the airport too early.
British Airways - Executive Club
28 Mar 2014
Total posts 70
Great article. I am ow emerald and the ability to check in very early - 6 hours is my max to date - and also being able to choose front row seats when booking, are what sets it apart from sapphire for me.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
23 Oct 2015
Total posts 27
I usually obtain QF platinum by NOT flying Qantas, as fares and schedules are often better on Cathay, Finnair, B.A., Japan etc. ... and I get more upgrades on One World partner airlines than on QF who have NEVER given me any!
Cathay Pacific - The Marco Polo Club
02 Jul 2018
Total posts 37
I have CX, QF and SQ frequent flyers. Except going Singapore, 99% of my locations can be covered by OneWorld. I agree perks seem little to me - first class lounges, extra baggage. But still good to chase for Platinum/ Emerald when your company pays your travel. Sooner or later you feel you are spoiled to first class perks and can't go back. Are you going to CX lounge in Melbourne when you know there are 70+ guests inside for the same flight?
17 Feb 2016
Total posts 21
Insightful and telling article. I'm chasing QF Lifetime Silver and I plan to achieve this next year, 20 years after I first joined. Now that I travel for pleasure only, the timing couldn't be better.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
16 Jan 2016
Total posts 11
Great article Chris and certainly something I have been considering recently, well certainly when the last QF double status credits offer came out, which like last year being a few weeks earlier than the previous year. This year the price of tickets looked like they had gone up during the period & at this point being LTG & with QF P in my pocket I thought this is the time to forget QF and just focus on my CX Diamond that I have been for a few years as well as retain my VA P, tho I am finding VS Gold is better value for me given the amount of London to US travel I do, and NOT on Bloody Awful airlines! Anyhow, I have the Priority Pass and am using that in Europe where airline lounges are average @ best & in a few restaurants in the US which is better outside of the main ports than the airline lounges. I see airfares for London-Sydney on several airlines, mainly Skyteam, that are $1-2K lower than OW airlines, offer better options for using the points and keeps some money for other pleasure. I am even evaluating the hotel strategy using hotels.com in lieu of the major chains.
11 Jul 2018
Total posts 4
But what if wearing handcuffs floats your boat?
Emirates Airlines - Skywards
05 Jun 2017
Total posts 28
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
01 Mar 2013
Total posts 171
Hey EKdevotee. You sure are passionate about the EK product, so good on you. I, too, am in Africa quite a bit (Nigeria & Angola), so share your sentiments. The EK product, in First, is great. I am an EK Platinum. But, I raise the sword on your position on QF. You're out of date.
QF First Lounge trumps the EK First on all counts. The First experience on the A380, yes no compartments, is I find, service wise, spot on. As for 'shoddy service' whoa, you've got little experience to count on there in our recent years. When it hits the fan QF are there....EK, I've been left high and dry.
Emirates Airlines - Skywards
05 Jun 2017
Total posts 28
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
01 Mar 2013
Total posts 171
EKdevotee, we agree to disagree. Safe Travels my friend.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
16 Jan 2016
Total posts 7
I stil have my Citi Prestige Visa Infinate $700 , excellent if you fly a lot domestically with its PP $ to be spent at various airport eating spots , free PP partner membership, 2 meet and greet and airport transfers, pay 3 hotel nights get one free, etc,
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
10 Aug 2016
Total posts 64
Good to see you getting off the status train, Chris. For us that have learnt the lesson, it is truly liberating. I'm fortunate to have been released from the QF shackles when I finally realised in 2011 that schedule and cost are more important than status. Dropping from QF Plat to (Lifetime) Silver was a hard pill to swallow, but fortunately I had Lifetime Qantas Club to fall back on. VA made up for it and now happily re-qualifying VA Gold (using Family pooling) each year. One day I'll get QF Lifetime Gold and be off to chase AA Lifetime status.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
14 Sep 2012
Total posts 382
Interesting article. I would never jeapodise (or voluntarily give up) QF Platinum, never never never. Worth its weight in jumbos.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
15 Aug 2017
Total posts 116
The Australian view seems to be nice LTG received with Qantas your better off losing Platinum and crediting with AA or BA.
30 Mar 2015
Total posts 14
I was QF Platinum for many years and am now happy with Lifetime Gold and still travel enough to maintain Star Alliance Gold. I do miss the Melb First Lounge but one of the best benefits of Platinum that unfortuantely got rescinded some years ago was that I could use the QF Business lounges no matter what airline I was travelling with.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
22 Apr 2018
Total posts 4
Been Platinum, Platinum 1 for over 4 years and now LTG in retirement. Travelling now I'm compelled to use Qantas so I get the LTG benefits. My beef with QF is that after purchasing economy seats its difficult to get upgrades (using points) to Business on domestic flights and nigh on impossible on International flights. May as well go shopping with the points I amassed being loyal to Qantas for 8 years of monthly BC flights to Europe and back..... when I had options.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
31 Jan 2016
Total posts 89
Being regionally based there are no real options except for QF (no other airlines except ZL). Result LTG and Plat for last 10-12 years...
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