-
@JDB and equally there are also plenty who know exactly what they are/aren’t getting into. I have read the RJ Ts&Cs carefully and I am fully aware that any FFP can change at any time – as we have all seen with BA! I am enjoying the next few months doing some short trips to places that I want to go to that I might not otherwise have got around to for a while if it hadn’t been for the RJ status, or trips I was making anyway. If I get some sort of continuation of status with RJ as a result then great. If not, it’s just been a bit of fun and no tears will be shed.
@tootsci – I’m sure many have worked out how these schemes operate (even if some of the minutiae may still be a surprise), but various thread comments would also suggest that for some, these other schemes aren’t working as expected.The difference with any potential RJ programme amendments is that they don’t have to give notice of any changes (although in practice they might) whereas BA has to give three months notice. I’m not exactly sure of the dynamics of all these new RJ members (many of whom clearly don’t actually ever intend to fly with the airline) will work. Some short term small revenues, then what?
@tootsci – I’m sure many have worked out how these schemes operate (even if some of the minutiae may still be a surprise), but various thread comments would also suggest that for some, these other schemes aren’t working as expected.
As you probably gathered by now, I stepped on the amusement park train and I’m staying on for the ride. I’m not sure about @tootsci in terms of OW, but personally I’ll be adjusting my travels back to AFKL if they decide to change the rules. I’m hoping to get some Middle East exploration out of it if all goes well.
If I were to look at this purely from a gain/loss perspective, it’s a loss. The investment was minimal but the hassle getting the benefits lined up is rather comical in hindsight. The mileage run obviously didn’t result in any useful miles. The only loss in terms of miles is in conjunction with necessary travel I did till now which I would’ve done on AFKL. But the majority of these flights are still not taken on OW. Not really an award travel person, but it’s nice to give tickets to family & friends.
Personally I’m with you: if you are currently BA G or GGL gained purely on corporate/full fare travel it is a completely daft plan of action to revert to OWE with RJ, or Malaysian/Maroc for that matter. The benefits clearly do not equate, and rules may change often. Depending on travel requirements ones’ best option would be looking at FlyingBlue routing through Amsterdam due to it’s excellent regional KLM Cityhopper network in the UK. Some are looking at M&M but LH and partners don’t have such a solid network in the regions.
Advocate of the devil: if you are purely OW-centered and got your G status from two BA holidays in Sofia, I’d either come to terms with the new reality or settle for the equivalent of silver by doing a week long mileage run for Iberia Oro each year.
@titaniumostrich My current travel is 90% leisure 10% work with a mixture of OW (BA and IB), and LCC (VY and U2), chosen on the basis of destination, convenience of departure time, and price. All European, no long haul for me – my trip to Peru this summer is my first long haul in 10 years (redemption on IB and my first ever J!)
Under RJ current rules I would probably make OWR reasonably ‘naturally’, perhaps a couple of flights put BA’s way rather than VY might be needed. Having OW status would certainly be useful to me, especially if I do have some more long haul travel over the next year (nothing currently booked sadly!) But if it all changes at RJ then I’ll be a bit disappointed but so be it, and it’s been fun while it’s lasted
chosen on the basis of destination, convenience of departure time, and price
I think this is the biggest lesson learned for me! I’ve been Skyteam-centric for as long as I can remember, willing to take the unnecessary/out-of-the-way connection even though status had already been requalified, and I never got down to spending time for a leisure award.
I’m still partial to AFKL, but no longer willing to fly say Air Europa over Iberia or Delta over United.
Peru sounds like a wonderful choice! (If I ever get more prolonged leisure time I’d like to do something in the Peru/Ecuador/Chile region.)
I suppose because I’ve never had status with a FFP I’ve just gone with what was best for that particular trip, but I do understand how once you have status you can want to hold onto it, even if that sometimes results in seemingly illogical choices.
However, I do think others are often too quick to judge from behind a computer screen, and how/why people choose their travel, particularly with regard to gaining or maintaining FFP status depends on their unique personal circumstances. Only you can decide what’s important/valuable to you and what you want to spend your time and money on.
But it’s wise take a step back now and then and assess if your choices are still ‘optimal’, which is what it sounds like you’ve done. So until we lose our precious metal wings, see you by the chicken pies in T5 Galleries 😉
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
