420 Status Credit Points vs $650 price difference

18 replies

jubbing

American Airlines - AAdvantage

Member since 13 Jul 2015

Total posts 60

Hi All


I have a chance to book a paid First Class flight with Emirates on their new FIrst Class Suites which is cool, however I just realized you don't get status credit points with Qantas if you book directly with Emirates. My issue is twofold - If I book directly with Emirates, it is around $650-$700 cheaper than booking through Qantas, with the downside that I miss out on around 420 status credit points. I still get points on both, just not Status Credits.

I just though to ask, is it really worth it to pay an extra nearly $700 for 420 status credits? I'm leaning towards yes, however I thought I'd open it to the floor and see what most people think. For a quick fill - it's $6900 on Emirates, vs $7,580 on Qantas (and I'm not paying, I just have travel credit to use - though anything above $7,000 is on my cost). It's a shame I've missed out on the double points promotion with this though!

Poll: Which is better, saving $700 or 420 Status Credits?

Chris C.

Member since 24 Apr 2012

Total posts 1,116

It would depend on whether you'd actually use those status credits – e.g. would spending the extra $700 push you over the line to qualify for Gold or Platinum or to retain that level for another year, or get you closer to Lifetime Gold, all of which would avoid the cost of purchasing a lounge membership?

Personally, I don't much chase status any more, and in this circumstance, I'd keep the $700: after all, you can buy Qantas Club from $321/year when it's on sale, or put that money towards a high-end credit card that includes broader lounge access, so that you're not paying a company money in order to be loyal to that same company (it should be the other way around, ha!).

Long story short, if there's a tangible benefit in earning those extra status credits, it could be worth it: otherwise, what are you really 'buying' other than a higher number on a screen? :)

eminere

Member since 25 Sep 2013

Total posts 376

Double status credits promotions in recent years have only applied to QF operated (and marketed) flights so don't think you missed out on anything.


It just comes down to which you value more personally, a cash saving or building up towards status.

jeppetto367

Member since 06 Jun 2017

Total posts 48

I'm not sure how Emirates Sky Rewards works, but could you status match up to Silver (I believe this is easy), and then maybe credit to Emirates? Not sure if a return in F would put you up to Gold or not though.

GBRGB

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

Member since 21 Jan 2014

Total posts 295

Depends if the SC will get you to a level or help towards lifetime status etc,I just paid $900 return airfare TSV-DRW which earns 60 status credits so to me your $720 for 450 SC is a bargain, if it provides some value.

djtech

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

Member since 02 Sep 2018

Total posts 375

If the status credits would propel you to Gold or Platinum, then I think if you travel frequently, the benefits are worth it. But if this is more of a once in a life time thing, I would save the money and credit the flights to emirates skywards which I think you would at least get Silver status after this flight.

VZ1_60

QFF

Member since 03 Sep 2014

Total posts 10

if you are locked into the Qantas program, pay the bit extra, otherwise don't bother, cheers, john

jubbing

American Airlines - AAdvantage

Member since 13 Jul 2015

Total posts 60

Just to add, 420 points won't take me to Gold (mostly because I fly many airlines), but it will take me within 100 SC, which should be easy enough to make. Gold would help me stick with Qantas more though rather than mixing and matching in the future though.

patrickk

Qantas

Member since 19 Apr 2012

Total posts 733

If it takes within 100 then go for it if you have enough time. Even though the price is higher the bonus points plus chance of upgrades etc makes it worth. I am platinum and it is definitely worth it as I can only pay for economy tickets, and the rest comes from status and the occasional double status promotion. PE sales are also handy.

jubbing

American Airlines - AAdvantage

Member since 13 Jul 2015

Total posts 60

Side Question:
- Qantas from London First Class all the way home vs Emirates First Class with new First Class all the way home? Same price, same points, same SC

I'd guess most people would rather Emirates, but still!

patrickk

Qantas

Member since 19 Apr 2012

Total posts 733

Jabbing not the same SC that is why the question.

PG44

Member since 28 Feb 2018

Total posts 36

I don't think Emirates and Qantas status match each other (at least that's what Emirates customer service told me a few years ago when I tried), so the only benefit of booking through skywards would be if you're likely to use Emirates much in the future... Not sure how easy it would be to status match from Emirates to Star alliance at silver level...

eminere

Member since 25 Sep 2013

Total posts 376

Side Question:
- Qantas from London First Class all the way home vs Emirates First Class with new First Class all the way home? Same price, same points, same SC

I'd guess most people would rather Emirates, but still!

Emirates of course.

BigH

Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards

Member since 24 Dec 2012

Total posts 34

Like most of the above responses, if it earns/retains you that platinum and you can't get there normallly, then spend the extra $$$. Otherwise save your money...

Mjudd

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

Member since 14 Dec 2016

Total posts 57

Send me your P&L statement, and I will make an executive call...with no consultancy fees attached.

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