I think the most important issue here is not the agreement with Qantas yet rather Etihad saving Alitalia from certain collapse with an agreed 49% equity deal. Ex many airlines and an Ansett Manager of Ansett International Marketing & Communications, Cramer Ball has been appointed CEO.

A disgrace Qantas. $510 a year and just reached Silver tier and I'm flying EK this morning to Dubai from Sydney with a QF codeshare and I cannot access the Q Club. Forget the renewal...I'm headed to SQ, VA, EY and NZ. Shameful greedy stuff. The last straw indeed.

Brilliant article and extremely comprehensive! Thank you. I 'm hoping to reach silver in April with business class booked to IAD and back out of SYD. Filling up at BP as well and shopping at Coles. It all adds up! Thanks Chris.

Looks terrific!

Very helpful.