Aegean Airlines Miles&Bonus - A3*G Challenge: who have the most creative routing to achieve *G in shortest time?

As the title, I think we should hold a imaginary championship for the one who come up with the most creative routing to achieve *G in shortest time period, and most importantly, the least dollars.

If you would like to join this on going showcase of FT wisdom, please kindly post your touring here to see if yours qualifying for the top ten!

The requirement is:

Flight routing (s)
flight number
Operate carrier if any
booking class and A3 earning rate
ticket price all inclusive
Earning per cent US
Total travel time if any


The most important part is earning per cent but if there is a tie the total travel time would be considered. Let us see who have the secret!

It is not easy to get 100% miles on Aegean. Low fares earn usually less. The most notable exceptions are US and AC so a run should route with these carriers.

The following run will bring 9111 miles (see edit) at a cost of $397.10 ai
SFO-PHX-PHL-SJU (US408-US258-US1071)
SJU-CLT-JFK-PHX-SFO (US1035-US1458-US400)

I wasn't able to stretch it over 9500 miles with this fare.
Example dates: Jan 17-Jan18 (red eye). Jan18-Jan19 (short overnight at JFK)
and a week later. Total time spent flying, at the destination and layovers: 43h 32m. This is a fairly efficient 4.4cpm.
With two such runs, one needs 19000-2*9111=778 miles extra. SFO-PHX-SAN-SFO on US/UA on Feb 1 will bring 1400 flown miles and 1205 status miles at $130.10

Total cost of all three runs: $912.30. Total miles earned: 19427 = 4.7 cpm. Total time 95h 38m.

Edit: The JFK-PHX-SFO is a direct flight with one stop so it will probably earn the JFK-SFO mileage of 2586 instead of 2804 (8893 for the run). It is not explained in Miles&Bonus terms, though. For two runs it is 436 miles less and 9 miles short of 19000. The third run can be OAK-PHX-LAS-PHX-OAK instead on US for $140.80 with 1798 miles earned. Total 19584 miles, $935.00, 4.8 cpm, time: 96h 37m. With a longer third run, the SJU run can be routed SFO-PHL-CLT-SJU-CLT-PHL-SFO on US metal earning 8874 miles. Slightly shorter flight but still one redeye and one overnight.

GVA-ZRH-BKK & Return in Z: 200% Miles for 1111 CHF ($1,200)

GVA-ZRH-BKK & Return in Z: 200% Miles for 1111 CHF ($1,200)

Sounds good. How many miles have you got from that trip?

It is not easy to get 100% miles on Aegean. Low fares earn usually less. The most notable exceptions are US and AC so a run should route with these carriers.

The following run will bring 9111 miles (see edit) at a cost of $397.10 ai
SFO-PHX-PHL-SJU (US408-US258-US1071)
SJU-CLT-JFK-PHX-SFO (US1035-US1458-US400)

I wasn't able to stretch it over 9500 miles with this fare.
Example dates: Jan 17-Jan18 (red eye). Jan18-Jan19 (short overnight at JFK)
and a week later. Total time spent flying, at the destination and layovers: 43h 32m. This is a fairly efficient 4.4cpm.
With two such runs, one needs 19000-2*9111=778 miles extra. SFO-PHX-SAN-SFO on US/UA on Feb 1 will bring 1400 flown miles and 1205 status miles at $130.10

Total cost of all three runs: $912.30. Total miles earned: 19427 = 4.7 cpm. Total time 95h 38m.

Wow impressive!

Hopefully there is someone who can beat the total travel time...

If you can get a LH longhaul from Asia e.g. CGK-FRA you may find that's a very cost-effective method. That was my method, using a BD redemption to get there and then a three day weekend of flying.
I nested a MR inside of a trip from Australia to Europe, so I was able to get status very quickly, using a discounted J fare.

Sounds good. How many miles have you got from that trip?

I'm hoping for 200% of 5775 each way when I fly in May.

If you can get a LH longhaul from Asia e.g. CGK-FRA you may find that's a very cost-effective method. That was my method, using a BD redemption to get there and then a three day weekend of flying.
I nested a MR inside of a trip from Australia to Europe, so I was able to get status very quickly, using a discounted J fare.

Great! details?

If you can get a LH longhaul from Asia e.g. CGK-FRA you may find that's a very cost-effective method. That was my method, using a BD redemption to get there and then a three day weekend of flying.
I nested a MR inside of a trip from Australia to Europe, so I was able to get status very quickly, using a discounted J fare.

Did you book via Lufthansa website? If so, how much did it cost CGK-FRA? I was thinking of doing JFK-FRA-CGK-FRA-JFK, but it seems like SQ has lower rates now.

But has anyone ever redeemed A3 miles for anything?

But has anyone ever redeemed A3 miles for anything?

Yeah, I've redeemed a couple US tickets with them...

TK HKG-LAX U fare (574.66EUR@1.411usd/eur on the day i bought the ticket=811USD).
you only need 1 run. if you can bear the LAX turnaround (145min), then Departing HKG 2315, arriving LAX 1525+1. then fly out at 1745+1 and arrive HKG at 1540+3

23712miles (at 100% earn rate)
3.42cpm
64.5 hours (spare 5 mins)

TK HKG-LAX U fare (574.66EUR@1.411usd/eur on the day i bought the ticket=811USD).
you only need 1 run. if you can bear the LAX turnaround (145min), then Departing HKG 2315, arriving LAX 1525+1. then fly out at 1745+1 and arrive HKG at 1540+3

23712miles (at 100% earn rate)
3.42cpm
64.5 hours (spare 5 mins)

Sounds like a winner to me!

I will achieve A3G in january.

current: 6188 miles
+ MXP-ZHR-JFK (C): 9838 miles
+ HKG-SIN (UA C): 3188 miles
+ SIN-HKG (UA Y): 1596 miles

= 20810 miles

which really is amazingly close to the minimum you need for A3*G

getting there:
#1 1000 miles registration bonus
#2 UA0896 Z SIN - HKG Singapore-Hong Kong 3188
#3 A30665 S MXP - ATH Milan-Athens 1000
#4 A30664 S ATH - MXP Athens-Milan 1000
#5 LX014 Z MXP - JFK Milan-Zurich-New York 9838
#6 UA0895 Z HKG - SIN Hong Kong-Singapore 3188
#7 UA0896 K SIN - HKG Singapore-Hong Kong 1596

cost:
#1 free
#2 it was a 179$ RT HKG-SIN where I upgraded SIN-HKG to Z against cash. Since it was only one of the two legs this makes it 90$ + 190$ for the upgrade = 280$
#3 & #4 RT MXP-ATH which cost me exactly 200euros (264$)
#5 RT at 1860 euros but only crediting the outbound = 930 euros (1226$)
#6 & #7 not booked yet but checked the website and the RT is at 200$ and im hoping of getting that Z upgrade for 190$ for the outbound.

total: 2343 US$ for A3*G

total travel time: approx 25 hours

CPM: 11

*G in just a day :D

Im thinking crediting this weeks mini-mileage run to A3.

ICN-NRT-HNL/LIH-LAX-LAS-DCA-DTW-EWR-IAD-LAX-SFO-ICN

With the 1000 mile bonus credit it would put me Gold in for just a touch over 1000USD.

As I want to get away from Aeroplan next year, and sadly I only fly around 45,000-50,000 miles a year, so I also have the option to crediting to OZ. I am familiar with the OZ website, but I do like the idea of getting 3 year *G through A3. Im just worried, I read that if you use lounge access and don't credit to A3, they will cancel your card. Any truth to that?

otherwise this has to be the quickest way to get A3*G
NRT-JFK (6745 miles) in NH F
300% points, so 20235miles.
in 1 leg, so some 13 hours.

I got my *G off a return SYD-SIN-LHR

21345m and about AUD$2200 on SQ for 100% mileage accrual

Im just worried, I read that if you use lounge access and don't credit to A3, they will cancel your card. Any truth to that?
Yep, it seems to be true.
Not sure why you'd be worried about that though...

Yep, it seems to be true.
Not sure why you'd be worried about that though...
I know that people have been saying this, but is there any evidence? Has it actually happened to anyone? Has a anyone even been warned by A3 to stop doing this?

Doing SFO-IAD-ADD in March for $1,900, earning me 19,200 on top of my 1,000 I just got for joining. If those 1,000 count toward Gold status, then I'll have 20,200 in no time! (If not, I'll have to credit another small flight to Aegean). Woohoo!

My wife flew SAN-LAX-IAD-BUF on UA, F class, about $441. That'd be 8,040 miles with the 300% bonus. (Maybe 7,040 since SAN-LAX got subbed with a single cabin aircraft. Not sure how that works.)

Not the shortest time but probably one of the cheaper routings that would get you halfway to *G in a single day.

My wife flew SAN-LAX-IAD-BUF on UA, F class, about $441. That'd be 8,040 miles with the 300% bonus. (Maybe 7,040 since SAN-LAX got subbed with a single cabin aircraft. Not sure how that works.)

Not the shortest time but probably one of the cheaper routings that would get you halfway to *G in a single day.

this wont be enough... you need 20000 miles after bonus...

I got my A3 *G doing SYD-LHR and LHR-SYD R/T in SQ Y (as halion says, 100% earning), with a couple of weeks between flights. You could even do the trip in 2-3 days at a push, if you treated the whole trip as a MR and did not stay long at the other end!

I got my A3 *G doing SYD-LHR and LHR-SYD R/T in SQ Y (as halion says, 100% earning), with a couple of weeks between flights. You could even do the trip in 2-3 days at a push, if you treated the whole trip as a MR and did not stay long at the other end!

Agreed, have found a ZRH-SIN-AKL return which does this on SQ but costs 3k CHF. Looking for an alternative (don't have a visa for SYD).

Hope someone can answer this for me. I qualified for Blue on the first leg of a LHR-NRT sector @ 6220 miles. Now to gain Gold does the excess 2220 miles count towards the status as well?

Thanks

OK, This is my 0 to Gold Route on one trip

LAS-ORD-SJU-IAD-LAS $1024 (£650 UK) All In, on UA in "A" First Class

Gives 7223 Round Trip * 300% For First So 21669

Out Sat 14th Jan Arrive Sun 15th Jan Return Mon 16th Jan 14 Hours Total Airtime.

Using this as my Backup *A now instead of BD

About the best value "2 Dayer" I could find

Hope someone can answer this for me. I qualified for Blue on the first leg of a LHR-NRT sector @ 6220 miles. Now to gain Gold does the excess 2220 miles count towards the status as well?

Yes, you can look at it two ways. Either you have 6220 miles towards the 20k Gold requirement, or you have 2220 miles (6220-4000) towards the 16K difference between the Blue and Silver thresholds.

Your 'excess' miles will not be wasted!

Wyvern do you happen to know if the 1K bonus also counts?

Wyvern do you happen to know if the 1K bonus also counts?

how would 1k bonus count. :confused::confused::confused:

Wyvern do you happen to know if the 1K bonus also counts?

Like many things to do with M&B this may be open to interpretation. I have seen it posted on FT that the 1K bonus does not count, but I don't think there is anything in the T&C which says this. In my case the bonus did not affect reaching status, as flights took me past the status threshold on their own. FWIW the bonus 1K miles show in the status miles column as well as the redemption miles column.

Perhaps other members with experience of this could comment?

Wyvern do you happen to know if the 1K bonus also counts?

Yes - so you only really need 19k in total to get Gold or 3k for Blue.



Perhaps other members with experience of this could comment?

I qualified from 19036 miles

TK HKG-LAX U fare (574.66EUR@1.411usd/eur on the day i bought the ticket=811USD).
you only need 1 run. if you can bear the LAX turnaround (145min), then Departing HKG 2315, arriving LAX 1525+1. then fly out at 1745+1 and arrive HKG at 1540+3

23712miles (at 100% earn rate)
3.42cpm
64.5 hours (spare 5 mins)

Oh yea. I have done HKG-IST-LAX a few times in CC (U Fare) when TK has a 'promo' fare earlier in 2012...

Still have a LAX-IST-HKG coming up... ;)

TK U fare in CC is great! Will do that over AC J on A320/A321 anytime!

Oh yea. I have done HKG-IST-LAX a few times in CC (U Fare) when TK has a 'promo' fare earlier in 2012...

Still have a LAX-IST-HKG coming up... ;)

TK U fare in CC is great! Will do that over AC J on A320/A321 anytime!


I'm doing this in March, quite excited about it actually.

So, the U fare is 100%? I read US Air now credits 125% for this TK CC U fare.

But *G for 3 years is really appealing for $800

I am trying to get 19.000 tier miles in the shortest possible time and at the lowest possible cost. Any ideas how to achieve this? I wonder because half of all classes on SK do not earn miles with M&B so obviously they are not worth flying with. If you have any ideas for a trip that include IST it would be even better. My main hub is CPH.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/aegean-airlines-miles-bonus/1289389-a3-g-challenge-who-have-most-creative-routing-achieve-g-shortest-time.html

Im thinking crediting this weeks mini-mileage run to A3.

ICN-NRT-HNL/LIH-LAX-LAS-DCA-DTW-EWR-IAD-LAX-SFO-ICN

With the 1000 mile bonus credit it would put me Gold in for just a touch over 1000USD.

As I want to get away from Aeroplan next year, and sadly I only fly around 45,000-50,000 miles a year, so I also have the option to crediting to OZ. I am familiar with the OZ website, but I do like the idea of getting 3 year *G through A3. Im just worried, I read that if you use lounge access and don't credit to A3, they will cancel your card. Any truth to that?

No, this is not true, but to use the G* card to access the lounge you need to credit your trip to your Aegean card. Some lounges cannot see where you credit your point but those who can will refuse you entry in some cases. In most cases the Gold card will get you entry no matter who you fly because if the staff is in doubt they need to let you enter.

I am just 1084 miles shy of the 20,000 requirement for Gold. What is the quickest and cheapest route to gain additional 1084 miles? I am based in Boston.

BTW, does booking hotel through Aegean booking.com website also count toward the tier miles?

Thanks!

Aeroplan Refugee Here...

Any ideas ex-YYZ to get instant *G?

I am just 1084 miles shy of the 20,000 requirement for Gold. What is the quickest and cheapest route to gain additional 1084 miles? I am based in Boston.

BTW, does booking hotel through Aegean booking.com website also count toward the tier miles?

Thanks!

no, hotel miles don't count towards status.

BOS based, I'd look at an CLT or FLL roundtrip. Good sales come up from time to time.

No, this is not true, but to use the G* card to access the lounge you need to credit your trip to your Aegean card. Some lounges cannot see where you credit your point but those who can will refuse you entry in some cases. In most cases the Gold card will get you entry no matter who you fly because if the staff is in doubt they need to let you enter.

I believe the only way your boarding pass will reflect *G status is if you have the Aegean FFN on your ticket. Additionally, if you want to get free bags, I think you will have to at least start off with the number on your ticket. You can always ask an agent at the lounge to change it back some time before you leave to the gate.

With BMI on the way out I've been using up some of my miles with them. Planning a trip to NZ later in the year but when looking for routings came across a fairly good SWISS fare in business. Given the good things I've heard about their new lie-flat seat I thought I'd go for it. It's not going to win on value for money, but will save 75k of my BD miles for presumed transfer to Avios and will get me A3*G in one go.

DUB-ZRH-BKK-SIN/(BD redemption to/from AKL)/SIN-BKK-ZRH-DUB

All in Z class (200% earning on LX) but the BKK-SIN sectors on on SQ metal as LX codeshares so I'm suspicious they'll only earn at 125% instead (as Z class on SQ) - has that been other people's experience?

Mileage:
DUB-ZRH 771+771 = 1,542
ZRH-BKK 5,632+5,632 = 11,264
BKK-SIN 876+219 = 1,095
Total = 13,901 each way, 27,802 total

Cost £1,728/$2,695 = 9.69cpm

As I say not the best value for money but for going Swiss business it's pretty good. Also if I'd done a redemption it would still have cost around £450 in taxes, so the real cost to me is closer to £1,278/$1,994, which means a personal cpm of 7.4 (not forgetting I also gain A3 miles and save BD miles, a total of around 100,000 miles).

Can you tell I've been justifying it to myself? :D

The other way for your BP to reflect *G status while you credit to another FFP is to have a *G number in the FQTS (status/services/'non-accrual') field in your booking and the non-*G programme you wish to credit to in the FQTV ('main'/accrual) field.

Many *A airlines appear to be able to handle this - although some may not, either because of technical requirements or policy thought FQTS is mandated by IATA so in theory should be available on all IATA carriers. On SQ for example, the FQTS will only accept a SQ Krisflyer number, as that is the way their systems are set up.

If the airline will enter the numbers accordingly, you status (and both FFP) appear to print on most airport printed boarding passes and those airlines like NZ that scan BP at lounge entry to determine eligibility should admit you to the lounge.

You need to be careful that the numbers have not been entered the wrong way round as from other posts this has sometimes happened!

If you cannot get the airline to enter a FQTS number for a given flight, then as others have written, there is always the option of having the *G number in the FQTV field when checking in and then changing the number in or after using the lounge.

So, we are flying YYZ-NRT-BKK r/t, will that give us Star Gold with Aegean?

So, we are flying YYZ-NRT-BKK r/t, will that give us Star Gold with Aegean?If in economy then you'd be 392 short at 18,608 (+1,000 sign-up bonus = 19,608). See http://www.milecalc.com/mileage-calculator/?city1=yyz&city2=nrt&city3=bkk

I am pleased to announce that my *A *Gold on A3 is done. I did not do it cheaply but it sure was (mostly) fun. 20818 total miles.

I flew the European leg of SMD3 in business class Z for about $2400 in early September (roughly 48 hours from first takeoff to last scheduled landing, but the flight was late for a mechanical which added several hours to the trip) and then ORD-MSP on UA in discounted FC, A fare of $217ai on Sunday night.

1000 miles, sign up bonus
7674 miles, JFK-FRA on the LH A380 (200%)
1000 miles, FRA-MUC in LH NEK, minimum for German Eurobusiness
1000 miles, MUC-FRA in LH NEK, minimum, flight delayed for fog at FRA
8644 miles, FRA-ORD, badly delayed for mechanical, bused to 747
1500 miles, ORD-MSP in UA discounted FC, minimum miles for FC on UA (300%)

ADDED. By the end if the business day in Athens, my account upgraded to Gold and my account activities indicate a card upgrade as of today. However, I cannot add a seat preference to my profile and when I look at my account, it no longer shows any status miles with expiration dates indicated. Maybe I really am lifetime *Gold providing that I continue to credit a flight to A3 every year or three to keep the account active.

Anyone have any neat "tricks" for getting gold for the cheapest based out of Brussels / Amsterdam or Dusseldorf?
I can't seem to find anything below 1300ish Euros to get enough to reach gold. (best I think is e.g. Amsterdam --> Johannesburg with SAA x150% miles)

Take short business class flights, typically on weekends. For example, Brussels Airlines seems to have business class fares BRU-TXL-BRU as low as 98.06 euro all-in in February (booked through their Web site). Take 5 of those quick trips for 20,000 miles (2,000 miles per segment).

Brussels (C, D, J, Z), Aegean (C, D, Z, A), and Austrian (C, D, J, Z) all offer 2,000 miles per segment for business class tickets as long as you're crossing a European border. So shop for some combination of cheap tickets with those carriers, and if you've got 10 segments you're good. (One of the segments could be a higher fare class economy ticket and you'd still make it, since you need at least 19,000 to qualify after the 1,000 sign-up bonus.)

You probably could do all this with just Schengen Zone flying, so you could avoid immigration and customs.

On edit: Sorry, false alarm! I'm not seeing that 98 euro business class fare any more. I think it was a glitch or a too-isolated fare. There aren't too many cheap business class fares in the next couple months.

Take short business class flights, typically on weekends. For example, Brussels Airlines seems to have business class fares BRU-TXL-BRU as low as 98.06 euro all-in in February (booked through their Web site). Take 5 of those quick trips for 20,000 miles (2,000 miles per segment).

Brussels (C, D, J, Z), Aegean (C, D, Z, A), and Austrian (C, D, J, Z) all offer 2,000 miles per segment for business class tickets as long as you're crossing a European border. So shop for some combination of cheap tickets with those carriers, and if you've got 10 segments you're good. (One of the segments could be a higher fare class economy ticket and you'd still make it, since you need at least 19,000 to qualify after the 1,000 sign-up bonus.)

You probably could do all this with just Schengen Zone flying, so you could avoid immigration and customs.

On edit: Sorry, false alarm! I'm not seeing that 98 euro business class fare any more. I think it was a glitch or a too-isolated fare. There aren't too many cheap business class fares in the next couple months.

99€ business class would've been nice :)

Still, thanks for the advice, I'll keep a look up for other good business class short haul trips.
Thanks again!^

Did MUC-JNB-CPT return with SA in K/Q class. These classes earn 150% in A3, and pretty much covered the *G qualification.

Aeroplan Refugee Here...

Any ideas ex-YYZ to get instant *G?

+1 - looking for an ex-YUL idea too.

Although the earlier posted UA routing in "A" First LAS-ORD-SJU-IAD-LAS could perhaps be tweaked using BTV/PBG for me, and BUF for you?

Have an upcoming trip that will get me A3 *G...YYZ-LHR-JNB-PLZ return booked as 2 separate tickets so that I could get SA Q-class. Will easily make *G on this trip :D

Just signed up yesterday and made a little booking today CDG-ORD-PHX in business. Theoretically 10500 miles * 200%.

Just a little concerned as my TA has booked LH tickets on UA codeshare - I presume that *A codeshare on *A is fine for A3?

Methinks there will be a lot of newbie questions as BD *G's come to the inevitable conclusion....

Just a little concerned as my TA has booked LH tickets on UA codeshare - I presume that *A codeshare on *A is fine for A3?My understanding with *A codeshares is that you earn on the basis of the metal actually flown. The issue somtimes is the booking code on one carrier's ticket stock may book into a different code on the carrier whose metal you actually fly on (& I don't think there's really an easy way to work out what that code will be in advance). Therefore if you want to be sure of earning a certain amount then better to book direct with that carrier.

My understanding with *A codeshares is that you earn on the basis of the metal actually flown. The issue somtimes is the booking code on one carrier's ticket stock may book into a different code on the carrier whose metal you actually fly on (& I don't think there's really an easy way to work out what that code will be in advance). Therefore if you want to be sure of earning a certain amount then better to book direct with that carrier.

Indeed.

However, All LH business class fare buckets earn 200%, so you don't have to worry this time...

Indeed.

However, All LH business class fare buckets earn 200%, so you don't have to worry this time...

As he's flying CDG-ORD-PHX, I assume he means UA metal. But UA also earns 200% on all business tickets.

A single r/t on Singapore Airlines from anywhere in Europe to Australasia would do, assuming you're avoiding those nasty 50% sweet deal fares.

A single r/t on Singapore Airlines from anywhere in Europe to Australasia would do, assuming you're avoiding those nasty 50% sweet deal fares.

However, SQ may not be the best value of $

As he's flying CDG-ORD-PHX, I assume he means UA metal. But UA also earns 200% on all business tickets.

Indeed - LH ticket, UA metal. Z class.

Thanks for the re-assurances!

However, SQ may not be the best value of $


Since I'm going to Australia anyway this year it would be nice sticking to Star Alliance carriers and get those miles- who would have thought it would it could be so difficult!

Air New Zealand is completely useless since they give no miles unless you fly Premium Economy, and I simply refuse to fly United via LAX across the Pacific for the privilege of paying 7$ for a warm beer.

Any suggestion? I'm honestly willing to do whatever crazy itinerary it takes to get this thing done.

From where to where? How about SQ, TG, NH through their hubs or even Asiana?

SQ has the best longhaul Y I have flown in in terms of food, seat (powers adaptor etc), advance seat selection (no charge, or $50 per sector for exit row). Also, on a lot of their standard discount economy (the fares that earn 100% miles) there are no change fees.

Only drawback is the Star Gold lounge facilities at Changi T2 and T3 which are not brilliant (but are perfectly ok).

From where to where? How about SQ, TG, NH through their hubs or even Asiana?

Anywhere in Europe to MEL/SYD/AKL. Never ever been able to find a single decent fare to anywhere on either TG and NH :td:

LHR-SIN-MEL on SQ and LHR-SFO-SYD on UA are the only routes I have found that give the 20k miles necessary for gold, and for less than 2000 USD

I simply refuse to fly United via LAX across the Pacific for the privilege of paying 7$ for a warm beer.
For the record, you don't have to pay for beer when flying United trans-Pacific (http://www.united.com/page/article/0,6867,51500,00.html). I can't promise that it'll be cold.

For the record, you don't have to pay for beer when flying United trans-Pacific (http://www.united.com/page/article/0,6867,51500,00.html). I can't promise that it'll be cold.


That's a plus ^

Sorry if I sound prejudiced against UA, I recently tried several US-based carriers for the first time and I was appalled by the quality of service provided. It was almost unbearable across the Atlantic, not sure I want to give it a try on a way longer flight.

can somebody give me ideas for USA based run for A3 Gold from lga/jfk/ewr.......thank you

can somebody give me ideas for USA based run for A3 Gold from lga/jfk/ewr.......thank you

I would think a trip to Asia would get you most of it ,
Just make sure to check the fare class ,
http://en.aegeanair.com/milesandbonus/program-description/earn-miles/

and check daily the Mileage Run forum
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/mileage-run-deals-372/

often there are flights from the east coast to Asia for less than $1000

RB

PS...or a couple trips to Hawaii....again check fare class

Someone earlier posted a run from LAS in United First for something like $1,000. Probably a better deal because you spend less time in the plane - and the triple earned miles still get you status, even if it ends up being a little bit more expensive than going to Asia and back.

Someone earlier posted a run from LAS in United First for something like $1,000. Probably a better deal because you spend less time in the plane - and the triple earned miles still get you status, even if it ends up being a little bit more expensive than going to Asia and back.

i have not been able to see any fares from the east coast like that

Hi,

I am based in Zurich/Basel and have the next couple of weeks off. I have been (unsuccessfully) trying to find a MR to boost my Miles&Bonus. I am also heading to London in a couple of months for Easter and was looking at possibly getting the miles there instead. The best price I can find to London is $290 from Lufthansa but I will not get any miles from A3. Flying LX I have found that I can get 1000 miles for $370. However, with Business class, Lufthansa offers 7000 miles for $1540 via FRA (still 22 cents per mile though). I am willing to pay this but I assumed that I would be able to get similar mileage at a better price with a dedicated MR especially since I have access to mid-week flights for the next couple of weeks. I would expect that for around $1000 I should be able to go on a mileage run and get about 5000 miles. However, I cannot seem to find anything.

I only need about 8600 more miles to get to gold status though I don't need to get it all now. Does anyone have any suggestions on where I can go and which airlines I should use to do this?

Thanks

A single r/t on Singapore Airlines from anywhere in Europe to Australasia would do, assuming you're avoiding those nasty 50% sweet deal fares.

About to do that on SQ LHR-SIN-SYD return in Y booking class H, should give me around 21k > *G for about £1150

Someone earlier posted a run from LAS in United First for something like $1,000. Probably a better deal because you spend less time in the plane - and the triple earned miles still get you status, even if it ends up being a little bit more expensive than going to Asia and back.

That was me

LAS-ORD-SJU-IAD-LAS $1030 all in "A" First Class

1514 + 2072 + 1571 + 2066 = 7223 * 300% = 21669

BUT This has changed, after I booked and before I flew UA reclassified the ORD-SJU and SJU-IAD sectors as "D" Business rather than "A" First.

(They said all International Destinations being servied by 2 class aircraft were being reclassified as Y-C rather than Y-F)

This led to the miles crediting to A3 as

4542 (LAS-ORD 3x) + 4114 (ORD-SJU 2x) + 3142 (SJU-IAD 2x) + 6198 (IAD-LAS x3) = 17996

So with the 1000 Signup Bonus I had 18996. (1004 Short of Gold)

UA would not help and A3 said it was UA's Problem, it took 3 weeks of Emails and the final resolution was that

A3 Credited 1050 Miles to the account a goodwill gesture to trigger the gold upgrade, and UA issued a $200 Travel Certificate as compensation for the downgrade from "A" to "D" Booking class.

So although it worked out fine, I doubt it work again now as all the XXX-SJU Sectors on UA Metal show up as "D" Business Class, and the other Metal (US & CO) bookable through the deal are available in First but earn at the lower 200% anyway.

Will keep an eye out in case it opens up in First again though!!

The guy that wants EURO 9.90 giving you insights of how to become *G as fast as possible: http://www.first-class-and-more.de/Shop/Produkt/37/Star-Alliance-GOLD-gnstig


maybe we should learn from him :D

Anyone running it from LAX or SNA?

can somebody give me ideas for USA based run for A3 Gold from lga/jfk/ewr.......thank youI suspect IAH-SIN, I think it goes via Moscow, on SQ might work. Not sure about the fare, though. You might pick up an offer depending on the time of year. Being SQ the flight would be bearable in any class though. But bearing in mind the gradual deterioration in awards being brought about little by little by various programs, I would always check carefully what fare class your tickets are going to book into, in order to ensure the miles multiplier you expect.

Someone earlier posted a run from LAS in United First for something like $1,000. Probably a better deal because you spend less time in the plane - and the triple earned miles still get you status, even if it ends up being a little bit more expensive than going to Asia and back.Nice strategy! if you have to do a mileage run on an uncomfortable airline then at least go first! good idea if the F fare stacks up... must remember your immortal comment "well at least you get to spend less time on the plane..." ... classic :-)

Hi,

I am based in Zurich/Basel and have the next couple of weeks off. I have been (unsuccessfully) trying to find a MR to boost my Miles&Bonus. I am also heading to London in a couple of months for Easter and was looking at possibly getting the miles there instead. The best price I can find to London is $290 from Lufthansa but I will not get any miles from A3. Flying LX I have found that I can get 1000 miles for $370. However, with Business class, Lufthansa offers 7000 miles for $1540 via FRA (still 22 cents per mile though). I am willing to pay this but I assumed that I would be able to get similar mileage at a better price with a dedicated MR especially since I have access to mid-week flights for the next couple of weeks. I would expect that for around $1000 I should be able to go on a mileage run and get about 5000 miles. However, I cannot seem to find anything.

I only need about 8600 more miles to get to gold status though I don't need to get it all now. Does anyone have any suggestions on where I can go and which airlines I should use to do this?

ThanksLondon to Istanbul on LX does most of that. Even in Economy and that's relatively less pain on Swiss. (even on their TK codeshares which I was quite impressed with). Check fare class carefully especially if you choose a route that;s actually operated by TK for LX. Book it London-IST-London. It can route via GVA or ZRH unless they changed it. Nice trip, worth a quick day or two at the other end. Suggest you look at EZ (sorry for using shocking language!) out of ZRH to London. EZ uses airports requiring bus or train to London (from whence you connect to LHR for LX flight) but not too expensive. You might be lucky at this time of year if you also just do ZRH-IST-ZRH, also check BSL-IST-BSL on the LX website.

Otherwise OS has some good fares to all sorts of places via WIE - just be careful as many of them book into practically non-earning mileage classes. LED springs to mind although you'll be frozen stiff at this time of year. btw IST has short days and can be cold this time of year but I still find it interesting. And this time of year is definitely the time to pick up the good fares but you must to very quickly to fly before the start of school holidays for February.

The guy that wants EURO 9.90 giving you insights of how to become *G as fast as possible: http://www.first-class-and-more.de/Shop/Produkt/37/Star-Alliance-GOLD-gnstig


maybe we should learn from him :DI looked at it. Wie sagt man auf deutsch "Haakster"?

I looked at it. Wie sagt man auf deutsch "Haakster"?

dont know what thats supposed to mean :confused:

this guy probably checks on FT/VTF from time to time to get the best deals and write a book about it :D

Anyone has any idea for a MR ex SIN or PEK?

Anyone has any idea for a MR ex SIN or PEK?

SIN is difficult. Maybe SIN BKK shuttle run could do. Or SQ Singapore to Sao Paulo long flight?

PEK I know. Air China Beijing to Datong first class ticket at $100 one way. However, return require stay overnight or take a train back same day.

i've just picked up an LCY-ZRH-DME-ZRH-LHR in business for 500 GBP

10000 miles :)

PEK I know. Air China Beijing to Datong first class ticket at $100 one way. However, return require stay overnight or take a train back same day.

I checked CA's website but couldn't find PEK-DAT at $100 (RMB650).

Would you mind elaborating further?

Any ideas to collect miles from Dublin, Ireland?

Thanks in advance

Depends what class/trip length you're looking for Swiss had some excellent prices on business fares to Singapore via Zurich & Bangkok - I've off with them later in the year and will get A3*G in a single trip from that.

I would prefer economy within Europe, but depending on price I would consider business.

To the US east coast economy would also be an option.

Out of curiosity, how much are you paying for that trip?

Thanks :)

£1,700 for that one.
US Airways generally good value to the East Coast, not sure how their earning rates work out on A3 though.

Anyone with some suggestions for Oslo, Norway? :)

I checked CA's website but couldn't find PEK-DAT at $100 (RMB650).

Would you mind elaborating further?

Sorry, last year the F class was 700CNY but this year CA1119 seems to have a 400CNY in full Y and 1000CNY in F class. Price has rised quite a lot.

Completely failing on the footnote to the challenge but I think I've just done it in Y from EMA via FRA to Sao Paulo.

150% miles and I think just enough.

Fortunately it was the only ticket I could get in time so it was acceptable to the booking czars at work.

This is welll and truly bye bye BMI...........

Shame really I've been *G for years on BD although haven't flown them since the Baby arrived at EMA.

That was me

LAS-ORD-SJU-IAD-LAS $1030 all in "A" First Class

1514 + 2072 + 1571 + 2066 = 7223 * 300% = 21669

BUT This has changed, after I booked and before I flew UA reclassified the ORD-SJU and SJU-IAD sectors as "D" Business rather than "A" First.

(They said all International Destinations being servied by 2 class aircraft were being reclassified as Y-C rather than Y-F)

This led to the miles crediting to A3 as

4542 (LAS-ORD 3x) + 4114 (ORD-SJU 2x) + 3142 (SJU-IAD 2x) + 6198 (IAD-LAS x3) = 17996

So with the 1000 Signup Bonus I had 18996. (1004 Short of Gold)

UA would not help and A3 said it was UA's Problem, it took 3 weeks of Emails and the final resolution was that

A3 Credited 1050 Miles to the account a goodwill gesture to trigger the gold upgrade, and UA issued a $200 Travel Certificate as compensation for the downgrade from "A" to "D" Booking class.

So although it worked out fine, I doubt it work again now as all the XXX-SJU Sectors on UA Metal show up as "D" Business Class, and the other Metal (US & CO) bookable through the deal are available in First but earn at the lower 200% anyway.

Will keep an eye out in case it opens up in First again though!!

Lucky you.... :) Good to hear A3 goodwill gesture, and you get $200 from UA!!

Has anyone flown a US Airways codeshare on United metal? I am thinking of doing a SJU run in First - it all shows A class and one of the legs is on United where the 3X will bump me over the 20K miles.

Will it show up as a United or US Airways flight?

Has anyone flown a US Airways codeshare on United metal? I am thinking of doing a SJU run in First - it all shows A class and one of the legs is on United where the 3X will bump me over the 20K miles.

Will it show up as a United or US Airways flight?

Earn rate is based on the operating carrier, so you'll get 3x based on A class on United.

Earn rate is based on the operating carrier, so you'll get 3x based on A class on United.

Watch out as the UA sector if its a SJU sector will probably remap to "D" on UA so 200%

Earn rate is based on the operating carrier, so you'll get 3x based on A class on United.
Thank you for confirming.

Watch out as the UA sector if its a SJU sector will probably remap to "D" on UA so 200%
Fortunately its the transcon westward from PHL so it should map correctly to UA. The rest is "A" on US.
So why would the UA SJU sector remap to "D"? I did a dummy booking on United and when selecting first from IAD-SJU on UA it booked into Z. Perhaps they see the flight as "international"?

Fortunately its the transcon westward from PHL so it should map correctly to UA. The rest is "A" on US.
So why would the UA SJU sector remap to "D"? I did a dummy booking on United and when selecting first from IAD-SJU on UA it booked into Z. Perhaps they see the flight as "international"?
US is selling it as First class because their First Class maps to UA's Business Class on the route. Since UA's fare code is teh one that matters, you will only get 200% mileage.

US is selling it as First class because their First Class maps to UA's Business Class on the route. Since UA's fare code is teh one that matters, you will only get 200% mileage.
I did a dummy booking on United.com and it didn't even show F or A available through their own site.

I did a dummy booking on United.com and it didn't even show F or A available through their own site.

Exactly. If you can't book an F or A ticket, how do you expect US Airways to? :confused:

Exactly. If you can't book an F or A ticket, how do you expect US Airways to? :confused:
I wasn't fortunately.

I thought US Airways First F & A fares earned 200%. It shows as 150% tonight.

Was I just imagining things?

I thought US Airways First F & A fares earned 200%. It shows as 150% tonight.

Was I just imagining things?

Just checked from what I wrote down in Dec 11, (When I was planning my trip), and I wrote them US F A 150% so yes I think they have been 150% for a while.. (Thats one of the reasons I avoided the US operated sectors on my run)

Just checked from what I wrote down in Dec 11, (When I was planning my trip), and I wrote them US F A 150% so yes I think they have been 150% for a while.. (Thats one of the reasons I avoided the US operated sectors on my run)
Thanks for the confirmation. I will avoid US Airways First. However, it is interesting that US Airways economy gets 100% on all fares (for now).

Getting A3 *G for $1000 is amazing, but I think it is the exception and not the norm.

Does doing it for $1500 in one trip seem reasonable?

Thanks for the confirmation. I will avoid US Airways First. However, it is interesting that US Airways economy gets 100% on all fares (for now).

Getting A3 *G for $1000 is amazing, but I think it is the exception and not the norm.

Does doing it for $1500 in one trip seem reasonable?

Seems like a good deal still at $1500 for over 3 years of gold, depends if you put it to full use, but to me its great value for money, My card arrived Feb and is valid to Dec 2015 so thats just shy of 4 years lounge access for $1000

Only went for it as an emergency back yp with the current BD situation my BD Gold expires in March and I didnt see the point in requalifying it for what may be a few months or less of membership so the SJU run seemed a no brainer, as we were in Vegas anyway and MRSF wanted a few days in the sun, so the run to SJU fitted the bill as a gold qualifier for both of us and a few days break as well

Last year I left my BD qualification to the last minute as most of my flights were on other alliance networks, so I did LAX-LAS-PHX-HNL-ORD-SJU-PHL-PHX-LAX-LAS for about $1500 with most of the sectors in First on US & UA except for the LAX-LAS-PHL-HNL which were in "Y", and that gave the full 38k BD Requalification in one run, so the 20k A3 is a lot easier on the system,

But personally I would still say the $1500 is good value for the A3 card.

..

Any ideas to collect miles from Dublin, Ireland?

Thanks in advance

I'd like to 2nd this request please. Currently in middle of a trip on UA with miles credited to A3. DUB-EWR, EWR-DFW, SGF-ORD, ORD-SFO, SFO-BOS, BOS-EWR, EWR-DUB. However, most of the fares are K class so not as good mileage wise as it sounds. Will have similar travel plans later this year but would be interested in doing a cheap *A run out of DUB to get *G with A3 sooner. Thanks.

Seems like a good deal still at $1500 for over 3 years of gold, depends if you put it to full use, but to me its great value for money, My card arrived Feb and is valid to Dec 2015 so thats just shy of 4 years lounge access for $1000


Sweet :) That's why we all jump ship (or should I say FFP).. Just how A3 will stay in business...

But personally I would still say the $1500 is good value for the A3 card...
Thanks Flashyphotos. I'm trying to make this run more than a one day turn so I can at least make it a mini vacation.

Will have similar travel plans later this year but would be interested in doing a cheap *A run out of DUB to get *G with A3 sooner. Thanks.
How about a flight to PHL on US Airways metal? Are any of your current flights on US Airways metal? They'll earn 100% whatever economy fare class you're in.

Sweet :) That's why we all jump ship (or should I say FFP).. Just how A3 will stay in business...
Smaller, independent carriers seem to be endangered. Hopefully, some Star Alliance carrier would buy them before they went into liquidation.

Just how A3 will stay in business...

Because they've actually been quite clever. The costs to A3 of a *G member are pretty small, because on Star (it's thought) the operating airline picks up the bill for any lounge access, so the only major liability is on paying for redemptions.

A3 don't give any bonus mileage for status members (unusual for *A even in Europe), and their burn rates are not much different from all the other carriers - so, by implication, it will take much longer to earn enough miles to trigger that redemption, particularly for Y travellers.

By granting *S/*G at low mileage levels, they may well attract people that will only credit the bare minimum to achieve status, so the chances are that they will take even longer to reach the level for a redemption - if indeed they ever get there at all. For example, a US citizen who only wants *S to avoid baggage fees would probably take 20 years to get enough miles for a business class redemption from the US-Europe!

In the meantime, they are accumulating cash through payment for flights their FF members have taken. Call it what you will, but cash/working capital/free cashflow is king - businesses don't generally fail because they have no orders, they fail because they don't have the funds to process those orders.

Those who believe A3 have it wrong, and blightly assume that the current unfortunate condition of the Greek economy means that the nation's airlines are doomed to failure, are likely very wide of the mark - A3 seem, to me, to be demonstrating very sound business practice.

Anyway, vaguely back on topic ... my personal cost of attaining Gold is about £850 - £600 for a US Airways sojorn round the States for about 13k, and £250 for a Business return to Marrakech with BD for 5,700.

I am looking into a MR on the following route:

06:35 - 07:50 SK1873 Stavanger - København (Terminal 3)
Flys av: Scandinavian Airlines Flytype: Canadair Regional Jet 900
Mellomlanding i: København 1:45
09:35 - 10:20 SK1207 København (Terminal 1) - Ålborg

10:50 - 11:35 SK1208 Ålborg - København (Terminal 1)
Flys av: Scandinavian Airlines Flytype: Canadair Regional Jet 900
Mellomlanding i: København 2:40
14:15 - 15:30 SK1872 København (Terminal 3) - Stavanger

According to wandr.me this should give me 16000 award miles and should bring me close to *G.
The cost for this routing in D class will be 7008nok.

From To Carrier Fare Class Actual Miles Base Miles Elite Miles Reward Miles
SVG CPH SK D 346 2000 4000 4000
CPH AAL SK D 148 2000 4000 4000
AAL CPH SK D 148 2000 4000 4000
CPH SVG SK D 346 2000 4000 4000
Totals: 988 8000 16000 16000

Will this give me 16000 reward miles with Aegean?

Anyone have any other proposals for a good / better MR from SVG?

Have you looked at the charts for miles earning from *A carriers on the Aegean website? That is the definitive information.

Will this give me 16000 reward miles with Aegean?

Anyone have any other proposals for a good / better MR from SVG?

I cannot understand which mileage earning table you've looked at.

The table on the Aegean web site shows D as earning 200%, with a minimum of 1200, As both SVG-CPH and CPH-AAL are less than 600 miles, you'll get 1200 per flight. That's a total of 4800 points for your trip. You'll need four such trips to take you to gold.

I cannot understand which mileage earning table you've looked at.

The table on the Aegean web site shows D as earning 200%, with a minimum of 1200, As both SVG-CPH and CPH-AAL are less than 600 miles, you'll get 1200 per flight. That's a total of 4800 points for your trip. You'll need four such trips to take you to gold.
There are probably cheaper ways to *Gold using SAS, but your method has the advantage of relative comfort as D seems to be discounted business class, which isn't great intraEurope, but does give special lines and lounge access plus probably a blocked middle seat and F&B on board. It's also not even a full day of travel, so no hotel expenses or feeling homeless when you're doing it.

I cannot understand which mileage earning table you've looked at.

The table on the Aegean web site shows D as earning 200%, with a minimum of 1200, As both SVG-CPH and CPH-AAL are less than 600 miles, you'll get 1200 per flight. That's a total of 4800 points for your trip. You'll need four such trips to take you to gold.

I was using wandr.me's advanced trip calculator. Seems like its not working correctly on this route.
http://www.wandr.me/Tools/Advanced_Trip_Calculator.aspx

Thanks for the reply.

There are probably cheaper ways to *Gold using SAS, but your method has the advantage of relative comfort as D seems to be discounted business class, which isn't great intraEurope, but does give special lines and lounge access plus probably a blocked middle seat and F&B on board. It's also not even a full day of travel, so no hotel expenses or feeling homeless when you're doing it.

Yes I wanted to do this the comforable way and during a weekend preferably.
But from 16000 to 4800 points then its not worth it.

Yes I wanted to do this the comforable way and during a weekend preferably.
But from 16000 to 4800 points then its not worth it.
Didn't you think that 16,000 was too good to be true?

For calculations like this that really matter to you, it's best to go to the airline's website if possible for the definitive rules rather than relying on second hand information.

Didn't you think that 16,000 was too good to be true?

For calculations like this that really matter to you, it's best to go to the airline's website if possible for the definitive rules rather than relying on second hand information.

Yes I did. I also saw the difference between wandr.me and Aeageans mileage program but wanted to check it here.

I have a booking svg-cph-muc-gdn T/R and also a trip svg-pus in biz coming up so hopefully I will get my *G status within next month. I just wanted it before these trips.

Thanks for input!

If anyone has any good MR from SVG og nearby airports (CPH, FRA, LHR etc) please post :)

Any ideas on the cheapest way of out singapore? :)

Any ideas on the cheapest way of out singapore? :)

Why do you post this question in an Aegean Airlines forum? This airline has no flights to Asia (other than Tel Aviv), not even code shares!

Why do you post this question in an Aegean Airlines forum? This airline has no flights to Asia (other than Tel Aviv), not even code shares!

Obviously the previous poster wants to achieve a status with Aegean Airlines. A3 has its own miles earning chart for Star Alliance flights, so this is just right forum to ask for it.

Aegean has knowingly elected to give status without requiring any flights on their own metal. It is their business why they have done it, but I suspect it is for marketing reasons. At least I am seriously considering spending some of my vacation budget by flying with A3 pretty much because they were kind enough to give me easy to achieve *G status.

Personally, I flew Aegean and liked it long before I had heard of FT and long before there was any discussion or an A3 FF program, let along A3 joining *A. I intend to fly them again and to especially enjoy the expedited lines for their own FFs.

Personally, I flew Aegean and liked it long before I had heard of FT and long before there was any discussion or an A3 FF program, let along A3 joining *A. I intend to fly them again and to especially enjoy the expedited lines for their own FFs.

Good on you! I have to thank A3 for *G, especially I have attained it very quickly. They are very generous to give out *G even without setting foot in their metal, but they will definately be my top choice if I am flying to and from Greece.

Obviously the previous poster wants to achieve a status with Aegean Airlines. A3 has its own miles earning chart for Star Alliance flights, so this is just right forum to ask for it...Sorry pal, but you assume that somebody who asks for the cheapest way out on SIN in this forum wants to achieve *G status? Well, not even Sherlock Holmes would have thought so: out of SIN to where? Cheapest flight to achieve status? Are M&B members experts on cheap tickets? Cm'on... A SIN-Europe or USA return trip on business makes you gold immediately with M&B. And checking prices on a handful of *A companies should be relatively easy.
As for status points on other carriers, this is not unique to A3, its is the rule for all *A carriers, and as a matter of fact, for all alliances and their members!

Last year, DCA-SJU on UA was a quite bearable $1000 or so. At 3X I got on the order of 15600 miles, along with a few DCA-BOS trips on US I had to do for business, I got over the top

While there, I met up with a friend who had managed to get a $1100 A fare on UA from SAN-ORD-SJU-ORD-SAN, which got him over the top with ease.

Sorry pal, but you assume that somebody who asks for the cheapest way out on SIN in this forum wants to achieve *G status? Well, not even Sherlock Holmes would have thought so: out of SIN to where? Cheapest flight to achieve status? Are M&B members experts on cheap tickets? Cm'on... A SIN-Europe or USA return trip on business makes you gold immediately with M&B. And checking prices on a handful of *A companies should be relatively easy.
As for status points on other carriers, this is not unique to A3, its is the rule for all *A carriers, and as a matter of fact, for all alliances and their members!

haven't you heard of MR? The topic of this thread is A3 *G challenge. Each airline has different rules for *G qualifying..

The poster is simply asking a cheap MR on any *A airline to archieve A3 *G. This is the most suitable place... i don't see any problem or wrong assumption.

No, I don't see problem either.

Basically, these airlines earn a 100% bonus on the lowest Y fare:

SAS (great, considering BMI pay less than that!)
Singapore Air
Thai Air
Croatia Airlines
US Airways
Ethiopian Airlines

This is great, but i really would have loved if UA/CO were 100% on the lowest fare, but beggars can't be choosers. SAS, Croatia and US are great for me (and of course Aegean themselves ;-))

Basically, these airlines earn a 100% bonus on the lowest Y fare:


What? Based on what, where, how? Based on the A3 website they still earn only 100% miles (not 200% as you're suggesting).

Basically, these airlines earn a 100% bonus on the lowest Y fare:

SAS (great, considering BMI pay less than that!)
Singapore Air
Thai Air
Croatia Airlines
US Airways
Ethiopian Airlines

This is great, but i really would have loved if UA/CO were 100% on the lowest fare, but beggars can't be choosers. SAS, Croatia and US are great for me (and of course Aegean themselves ;-))

I am sorry but SQ lowest mileage earning fares are tagged with premium price and mileage runs out of SIN are tough, very in fact.

I am sorry but SQ lowest mileage earning fares are tagged with premium price and mileage runs out of SIN are tough, very in fact.

This is definitely correct. None of SK, SQ or TG offer 100% earnings on their lowest economy fares. The A3 mileage earning table doesn't show fare buckets that earn zero, but there's certainly plenty of them - particularly on SK.

I would say that, generally speaking, TG might be your best route forward as their mileage earning fares are generally a little lower than SQ - but still expensive.

You can only console yourself with how much more you'd have to spend to get to *G on KrisFlyer!

Sorry pal, but you assume that somebody who asks for the cheapest way out on SIN in this forum wants to achieve *G status? Well, not even Sherlock Holmes would have thought so:

Uh...really? it wasn't that obvious? on the most creative routing A3 thread to achieve *G?

Love how you can be so indignant with so much conviction that your accusation makes so much sense LMFAO.

But don't worry - you're probably right. We just have a lot of FT-ers here who are better than Sherlock Holmes :)

Basically, these airlines earn a 100% bonus on the lowest Y fare:

SAS (great, considering BMI pay less than that!)
Singapore Air
Thai Air
Croatia Airlines
US Airways
Ethiopian Airlines

This is great, but i really would have loved if UA/CO were 100% on the lowest fare, but beggars can't be choosers. SAS, Croatia and US are great for me (and of course Aegean themselves ;-))
No no no. SK, SQ, and TG all have a lot of fare buckets which earn 0%. US and ET are very good. I have no clue about Croatian.

Well, SAS will soon have minimum 100% for all fares.

LH Z ORD-FRA-IKA and back did it for my mom.

Well, SAS will soon have minimum 100% for all fares.

Although possibly (probably?) only on their own FFP. I'm not suddenly expecting a glut of SK miles on M&B.

This is not unique - LH has fare buckets that only earn in Miles & More.

Basically, these airlines earn a 100% bonus on the lowest Y fare:

SAS (great, considering BMI pay less than that!)
Singapore Air
Thai Air
Croatia Airlines
US Airways
Ethiopian Airlines

This is great, but i really would have loved if UA/CO were 100% on the lowest fare, but beggars can't be choosers. SAS, Croatia and US are great for me (and of course Aegean themselves ;-))
I think you meant to say 100% miles, not 100% bonus (which would mean an additional 100% on top of the first basic 100%). However, even with this interpretation, I don't think your statement is correct. Note that the A3 mileage earning charts generally do not list fare classes which earn no miles and as a general rule European airlines do not give 100% or even anything on very cheap fares.

Ah, my mistake. For A3; Y, S, B, E, M, H, Q and V on SK would give 100% with a minimum of 600 points :)
For EB, all classes will from 4th of May give minimum 100%.

Although possibly (probably?) only on their own FFP. I'm not suddenly expecting a glut of SK miles on M&B.

This is not unique - LH has fare buckets that only earn in Miles & More.

Any ideas to collect miles from Dublin, Ireland?

Thanks in advance

I'd like to 2nd this request please. Currently in middle of a trip on UA with miles credited to A3. DUB-EWR, EWR-DFW, SGF-ORD, ORD-SFO, SFO-BOS, BOS-EWR, EWR-DUB. However, most of the fares are K class so not as good mileage wise as it sounds. Will have similar travel plans later this year but would be interested in doing a cheap *A run out of DUB to get *G with A3 sooner. Thanks.

FYI Swiss operating some good fares DUB-ZRH-???-ZRH-DUB right now, tryijng to generate business on the Dub-ZRH flights I'd guess. I found these flights cheaper than EI or even FR direct flights in some cases.

While not an MR per se, I'm thinking redirecting some of my european travel indirectly through Zurich rather than through LHR or even direct options on LCCs

What? Based on what, where, how? Based on the A3 website they still earn only 100% miles (not 200% as you're suggesting).

Sorry i meant you earn the full 100% on base mileage, not a bonus.

Ok so now in retrospect, TG, SQ, SK - on their cheapest fares you aren't going to earn anything!! horrible...

So the only saving grace is that you can earn 100% on US Airways flights and with some Croatian Flights you can earn 100% unlike BMI diamond club.

Argh.... is there any credit card program that allows transfers to Aegean outside of Greece? Also, I noticed that Aegean aren't a HHonors miles earning partner too...

Argh.... is there any credit card program that allows transfers to Aegean outside of Greece? Also, I noticed that Aegean aren't a HHonors miles earning partner too...

No, but you can earn A3 miles by booking through their hotel portal, and then still get HHonors credit.

Certainly not the cheapest way but it sure was fun.
A3*G and 5 Rimowa LH Alu Collection suitcases for the MR.
MEL-SIN-FRA-SIN-MEL = 20267 miles.
SQ all the way. AUD $2200. 100% miles earning.
Arrived Friday 8.30pm
Departed Saturday 9.00pm

No, but you can earn A3 miles by booking through their hotel portal, and then still get HHonors credit.

you mean with booking.com you can still get a stay credit and earn HHonors points? I thought it isn't recognised if you book through a travel agency?

I also had a look, where exactly do booking.com in their white label record your Aegean number to credit you with 2 miles per €1? - oh i see, it's on the checkout page...

Certainly not the cheapest way but it sure was fun.
A3*G and 5 Rimowa LH Alu Collection suitcases for the MR.
MEL-SIN-FRA-SIN-MEL = 20267 miles.
SQ all the way. AUD $2200. 100% miles earning.
Arrived Friday 8.30pm
Departed Saturday 9.00pm

You bought the suitcases?

They are cheaper in FRA?

You bought the suitcases?

They are cheaper in FRA?

Yeah, they're much much cheaper as compared to the prices in Singapore. Even after 10% PPS discount + 20% POSB discount off second piece.

You bought the suitcases?

They are cheaper in FRA?

Yes I did.

Compared to Australia they are over half price after all discounts.

Any tricks out of ORD?

Air China(CA) has updated their FFP earning ratio this year, T & E now accrue 50% miles, UA & OZ have also followed, looks like A3 has not updated their database yet, not sure if they will follow or not. Another interesting thing is W in CA is premier economy and earns 110%, however in A3 only earns 50%.

Another question is CA uses KM as their FFP calculation, how will A3 count if CA's miles credit into its FFP?

bne-bkk-ist-tlv business class return

ARN-IST-PVG r/t TK J
earns 150% on A3, total 19012 miles

Can be done in less than 44 hours, 2100€

FYI Swiss operating some good fares DUB-ZRH-???-ZRH-DUB right now, tryijng to generate business on the Dub-ZRH flights I'd guess. I found these flights cheaper than EI or even FR direct flights in some cases.



Used this to go to Gold, DUB-ZRH-BKK-SIN-BKK-ZRH-DUB, paid £1700 for ca 27k miles...it was the perfect excuse to take a month off and travel in Asia :)

Another question is CA uses KM as their FFP calculation, how will A3 count if CA's miles credit into its FFP?

I've gotten miles flown on CA flights credited to A3 M&B as I would have expected in miles, more or less as shown when using great circle distance calculators (i.e., no surprises from any km <-> miles conversions).

Air China(CA) has updated their FFP earning ratio this year, T & E now accrue 50% miles, UA & OZ have also followed, looks like A3 has not updated their database yet, not sure if they will follow or not. Another interesting thing is W in CA is premier economy and earns 110%, however in A3 only earns 50%.

Another question is CA uses KM as their FFP calculation, how will A3 count if CA's miles credit into its FFP?

I queried about it early in the year when CA first made the change, here is their response:

Dear Mr 123dd

Thank you for contacting Aegean Airlines.

Further to your query, we would like to inform you that the web site is updated with the correct accrual structure regarding the booking classes on Air China

Moreover ,we would like to clarify that accrual structure within STAR ALLIANCE is a special agreement between Airlines and may differ from partner to partner.

Besr regards,

eCommerce&Loyalty
E-mail: wwwcontact@aegeanair.com
31, Viltanioti Street
145 64, Kifisia Athens
www.aegeanair.com

I queried about it early in the year when CA first made the change, here is their response:

Thanks for your information.

Looks like travel with CA should avoid its premium economy (W) if you'd like to use A3 FFP, to be honest, this is really odd agreement.

ARN-IST-PVG r/t TK J
earns 150% on A3, total 19012 miles

Can be done in less than 44 hours, 2100€
This one is nice, to be over by only twelve miles.

This one is nice, to be over by only twelve miles.

Yup, not bad! (I double checked it because TK have their own miles table, usually a bit lower than true GC distances)

Yup, not bad! (I double checked it because TK have their own miles table, usually a bit lower than true GC distances)
I never thought about this before, but I guess it's the operating carrier, TK in your case, that defines the distance, not the FF program where the miles are being credited, A3 here. So it's possible that flying, for example, ORD-FRA would get different numbers of base miles depending on whether LH or UA is used, assuming that both fare codes get the same %.

In case of interest I've just costed up the following at £783 in October on three separate tickets. It gives 19048 miles by my estimate.

LHR-ATH (A3)
ATH-IST-EWR-IST-ATH (TK)
EWR-PHX-SEA-PHX-EWR (US)

Anyone who needs the full 20,000 can add a stop each way in PHL or CLT for an extra £60 approx.

I am actually not going to do this myself because I don't want to fly with TK and I prefer business on the long haul, so I'm opting for ATH-ZRH-PHL-ZRH-BHX with Swiss instead, which adds about £900.

Your fare and mileage estimates do not include the final return segment ATH-LHR, presumably on A3, right? So this is essentially a one way itinerary from London to Athens?

...I am actually not going to do this myself because I don't want to fly with TK...Unless you have a specific reason for not wanting to fly TK, I assure you that their service in business is very, very good, I'd say better than all US airlines and certainly not worse than LX!

Unless you have a specific reason for not wanting to fly TK, I assure you that their service in business is very, very good, I'd say better than all US airlines and certainly not worse than LX!
Yes and their lounge at IST is quite decent too. It's not at all a bad experience.

I suspect IAH-SIN, I think it goes via Moscow, on SQ might work. Not sure about the fare, though. You might pick up an offer depending on the time of year. Being SQ the flight would be bearable in any class though. But bearing in mind the gradual deterioration in awards being brought about little by little by various programs, I would always check carefully what fare class your tickets are going to book into, in order to ensure the miles multiplier you expect.

deciding on these two iti
r/t SQ BKK-SIN-DME-IAH 24074 miles
/ BKK-SIN-FRA-JFK 22234 miles
both are H with 100% on A3, approx THB65000
almost every month via sq website

cheers

Personally, I would avoid traveling through Russia because of the visa issue: getting one is an expensive waste of time, but I wouldn't want to risk IROPs without one. Of course taking the same plane in and out protects you somewhat, but I would still worry a bit.

Not very creative, but it's a trip I have to make anyway:

SQ Y (W-fare, 100% earnings) LAX-SIN-BOM-SIN-LAX (LAX-SIN via NRT, but it's a through flight number, so will probably get miles just for LAX-SIN, only a difference of 11 miles anyhow). It was $1640. No mileage availability for my dates, and cheapest fare was $1560 on LH (W fare, 50% on A3).

Now here's the thing ... I'm hoping I can credit LAX-SIN-BOM and SIN-LAX to A3, and credit BOM-SIN to another program (maybe UA). Reason being, LAX-SIN-BOM + SIN-LAX comes out to 19976, which would give me 20976 miles. Just 24 miles more and I can redeem for a North America UA J Transcon (21K). I'm guessing I can top up either via their booking partners or Hertz.

Or since I have been matched TK *G until 2014, maybe I should credit one flight to TK (to get my damned *G card sent to me), then hover at A3 *S until next year, and get *G through the end of 2016! But methinks that the popularity of A3 will lead to its downfall and restrictions on *G in the future ...

I flew FRA-HYD/KTM-BKK-ICN-LAX/BUR-PHX-BOS.

Came out to ~$1300

For me :

BRU-FRA-BOS (operated by LH): (Z)
BRU-FRA: 1.7K miles, UA8820-LH1009 1h10
FRA-BOS: 3670x2 = 7340miles UA8859-LH420 8h20
total 9040miles

BOS-ORD-BRU (operated by UA) (Z)
BOS-ORD: 867x2 = 1734 miles, UA696 2 hr 36 mn
ORD-BRU: 4160x2 = 8320miles UA972 8 hr 13 mn
total 10054miles

Total A3: 19094 miles

Total time 31h02 : I have not been able to reduce the waiting time at FRA and ORD due to an UA error.

2611€ (booking less than a month before the flight)

(if UA had not made a mistake booking : 2545€ for 20108 miles BRU-ORD-BOS-ORD-BRU)

I flew FRA-HYD/KTM-BKK-ICN-LAX/BUR-PHX-BOS.

Came out to ~$1300

How did that earn *G?

FRA-HYD I assume is on LH, which is 100% miles only on MHQGU and 50% on VWS fares. It's either 4426 miles or 2213 miles.

KTM-BKK-ICN-LAX, I assume is on TG. If you're booked on the through flight, that's 9653 miles.

BUR-PHX-BOS has to be US, which is 2669 miles (no 500-mile minimum).

At most, it's only 16748 miles, only *G if you're already *S. And if the LH fare isn't a 100% fare, it's around 14535.

How did that earn *G?

FRA-HYD I assume is on LH, which is 100% miles only on MHQGU and 50% on VWS fares. It's either 4426 miles or 2213 miles.

KTM-BKK-ICN-LAX, I assume is on TG. If you're booked on the through flight, that's 9653 miles.

BUR-PHX-BOS has to be US, which is 2669 miles (no 500-mile minimum).

At most, it's only 16748 miles, only *G if you're already *S. And if the LH fare isn't a 100% fare, it's around 14535.

D'oh, you're right. I was already Blue...

I got blue on a $330 BOS-IAH-SFO, DEN-IAH-BOS UA fare...

D'oh, you're right. I was already Blue...

I got blue on a $330 BOS-IAH-SFO, DEN-IAH-BOS UA fare...

Busted:D:D:D

Hi Everyone

What is the fastest way to gain A3*G if depart from Australia to Asia? Any suggestions will be good.

Thanks

Hi Everyone

What is the fastest way to gain A3*G if depart from Australia to Asia? Any suggestions will be good.

Thanks

Welcome to the A3forum wxxnxs!
your question is a bit too open to be easily answered. (and also, this is the thread for posting our finds, so did you look through the thread to see if any tips would suit you?)

Basically, if you are looking for the fastest way, you should first find a carrier and a bookingclass that earns 300%, or at least 200. At 200, you then need to find a route that is 4750 miles and be prepared to cough up the dow. What this will be, depends your starting point, your destination, your choosen carrier... A good starting point is to read A3 earnings chart for your normal carrier.

I am not very familiar with *A carriers between AU and Asia, but one idea is NZ J class, MEL-AKL-HKG. J on NZ only earns 150% but the distance is enough.

Welcome to the A3forum wxxnxs!
your question is a bit too open to be easily answered. (and also, this is the thread for posting our finds, so did you look through the thread to see if any tips would suit you?)

Basically, if you are looking for the fastest way, you should first find a carrier and a bookingclass that earns 300%, or at least 200. At 200, you then need to find a route that is 4750 miles and be prepared to cough up the dow. What this will be, depends your starting point, your destination, your choosen carrier... A good starting point is to read A3 earnings chart for your normal carrier.

I am not very familiar with *A carriers between AU and Asia, but one idea is NZ J class, MEL-AKL-HKG. J on NZ only earns 150% but the distance is enough.

Hi intuition

Thanks very much for your information. I will fly from AU-CHN, and major airline will be CA which gives 300% accrual on F, A & P. There is no F on AU-CHN route, however CA sells F & A on their domestic routes, I think that provides the best value. Flying J on AU-CHN route is not cheap on any of *A carriers, the cheapest one so far I can find is CA but still costs USD $4700. I hope I can fly more on its domestic routes and at least I can gain 300% miles.

If I fly PEK-SHA on F with CA, A3 earns 300% miles, however CA uses KM. Based on CA's earning table, it will give 3x1061=3183KM, and converts to miles is about 1896, so which figure will A3 use?

Hi intuition

Thanks very much for your information. I will fly from AU-CHN, and major airline will be CA which gives 300% accrual on F, A & P. There is no F on AU-CHN route, however CA sells F & A on their domestic routes, I think that provides the best value. Flying J on AU-CHN route is not cheap on any of *A carriers, the cheapest one so far I can find is CA but still costs USD $4700. I hope I can fly more on its domestic routes and at least I can gain 300% miles.

If I fly PEK-SHA on F with CA, A3 earns 300% miles, however CA uses KM. Based on CA's earning table, it will give 3x1061=3183KM, and covered to miles is about 1896, so which figure will A3 use?

They will use miles, and just convert any km-values that the operating airline credits into miles. (ie the 1896 you calculated)
The idea to do the longhaul in J was to reach gold in one trip, and as you say, you need to find the tickets that are good value too.

SQ has good service to AU, with connections through SIN to major Asian destinations.

I am planning to do a SEA-YVR-LHR on AC in Z class. That should get me *G in a single round trip?

I am planning to do a SEA-YVR-LHR on AC in Z class. That should get me *G in a single round trip?

What's the lowest you found on that, fare-wise?

What's the lowest you found on that, fare-wise?

Mine isn't cheap - it's just a trip that I happen to have scheduled. In the past I've seen it occasionally heavily discounted to about USD$3.4k.

I am planning to do a SEA-YVR-LHR on AC in Z class. That should get me *G in a single round trip?Should do the trick, I'd estimate around 20,892 miles for that trip.

Planning to double celebrate my birthday with *G and a city hop in november ;)

NAP-YUL via MUC in Z

according LH chart 19.296 miles (return) and 22.208 miles including executive bonus.

Does the executive bonus count as tier miles for the A3 threshold?

I know that the basic miles in Z would be enough, but just wondering if I could sort out some creative routing for something less than 2300/2400 euro.

Cheers!

..

Does the executive bonus count as tier miles for the A3 threshold?
..

No it does not. Executive bonus is something that is a part of the M&M program. They will surely not pay such a bonus if you credit to A3.

The only thing you can use meilenrechner.de for if you are crediting to A3, is to find how many miles LH regards a certain flight to be. You should look for how many miles they quote under 100%. This is the distance, that will be used for crediting miles. Then you need to find the fare classes in the A3 chart. Make sure you count the euro leg separately, as there is a flat miles value in the chart.

...
I know that the basic miles in Z would be enough ...

Unless you already have some miles in your A3 account, I think your birthday will end in tears ;) This route earns 18696 miles.

For everyone who is used to another *A program, I cannot emphasize strongly enough that you should make friends with the A3 earning chart for your normal carrier. It can differ substantially both in which classes that earns, and in structure of earning (for instance minimum miles, flat miles et.c)

I have not acutally done this but I think it might be an option,

On Egypt air any class that earns you 50% - 100% - NBO to MUC and MUC - NBO.
Cost is around 700 - 900.
If you already have silver the above will not affect you. ;)
A booking on Turkish Airways:
2 round trips NBO - MUC and MUC - NBO
Cost is 796 for one flight or 1592.
This is for S class you earn 100% on A3 Miles&Bonus. :)
You get around 16,000 miles for this. So you have to be silver. :/
Total travel time would be around 4 days so it's really bad,
but I think its faily cheap.

Unless you already have some miles in your A3 account, I think your birthday will end in tears ;) This route earns 18696 miles.

For everyone who is used to another *A program, I cannot emphasize strongly enough that you should make friends with the A3 earning chart for your normal carrier. It can differ substantially both in which classes that earns, and in structure of earning (for instance minimum miles, flat miles et.c)

Ouch! Intuition, you crashed my plans. But of course deserve a huge portion of cake :)
Better in tears now than later :D

You're absolutely right.
I've chopped the "Euro cross border" leg with the "worlwide" one, according the A3 chart.
And that flat miles make a huge difference in this running.

My assumption relied totally on the LH miles calculator.



Now I'm in trouble...SFO or YVR seem the likely alternatives.

Total travel time would be around 4 days so it's really bad,
but I think its faily cheap.[/QUOTE]

Interesting advice.

Here we can have 2 different policies:

a calm run, and 1 shot kill.

It depends on everyone's needs.

Time Vs. Money

Personally, since I have some EK and LH trips already planned, accept to pay little more and complete the 19.000 miles earning in a weekend.

With a LH intra Europe 1.000 flat miles, a 4 legs round trip in M,H,Q,G,U classes will costs an eye, and at the end contributing for the 20% at the M&B basket.

May be something different for fellows close LX, OS, TK bases.

The fastest option I've been able to find is to fly Lufty in First on FRA-SIN. Takes a little over 12 hours before you're *G...

Of course, there's no way I could afford to do it that way. But it is the fastest ;)

Ouch! Intuition, you crashed my plans. But of course deserve a huge portion of cake :)
Better in tears now than later :D

You're absolutely right.
I've chopped the "Euro cross border" leg with the "worlwide" one, according the A3 chart.
And that flat miles make a huge difference in this running.

My assumption relied totally on the LH miles calculator.



Now I'm in trouble...SFO or YVR seem the likely alternatives.

Hehe, look forward to the cake, but I prefer if you offer it on an asian destination. North America is uncharted territory for me...

NAP-MUC-NYC should be over the limit if you insist on NA and lufty. NAP-MUC-BOM should work too, but please no cream cake if you head for India :)

HKG is lovely in november, though :cool:

The fastest option I've been able to find is to fly Lufty in First on FRA-SIN. Takes a little over 12 hours before you're *G...

Of course, there's no way I could afford to do it that way. But it is the fastest ;)

An affordable version is TG in discounted F, MAD-BKK. It takes 12h 5 minutes and the cost is slashed to a third...

Hehe, look forward to the cake, but I prefer if you offer it on an asian destination. North America is uncharted territory for me...

NAP-MUC-NYC should be over the limit if you insist on NA and lufty. NAP-MUC-BOM should work too, but please no cream cake if you head for India :)

HKG is lovely in november, though :cool:

Actually NA cause is the area I've been few times.
With Vietnam and Cambodia in few weeks, Australia ahead and my beloved South Africa on NYE, I'm keen to touch NA for a while :)

And meanwhile start a little run for Skywards Gold with EK.

As for BOM, would me my 1st choice, but visa issues makes India destinations ineffective costs wise for the purpose of a A3 Gold run.

Asap on my "to do" list.

has anyone tried the Ewr-phx-hnl route on US airways? its 10100 miles round trip @ around $700 on US airways website.
US miles redeem at 100%
If you do this twice, you get the A3*G. so for $1400 you get gold, not bad IMO

Haha I achieved *S on some US/UA travel:
US LGA-PHL-SFO = 2617 for $120
UA ORD-SFO = 1847 for $320 (bad deal but I had to be there haha)
Distance 5233

Then I achieved *G thanks to the RGN error fare :D
RGN-BKK-NRT-SFO all in J on TG/NH/NH for $420
Distance 8393 + 100% CoS = 16786

Did I win? ;)
Total: $860

I could have easily done it for $250 less but the SFO-ORD fare killed me. Ended up being a Q fare which credited 100% so I just threw it to A3. Overshot by about 1000 miles.

Did I win? ;)

It doesn't appear so... This is quite a bit longer than 12 hours...

Does anyone know the LH business P class operated by AC if get some mile converted in A3?

I'm clueless how to manage this.

Many thanks!

Does anyone know the LH business P class operated by AC if get some mile converted in A3?

I'm clueless how to manage this.

Many thanks!
Should earn 200% - all revenue Business Class fare buckets on AC earn 200%.

wow! This would be a good news...

The P classes flown on LH metal are zeroed for A3.
If this is not going to happen on AC is very welcome.

Thanks PVDtoDEL.

Yes, P class for flights operated by LH earn zero. So you should ensure that your flight is on AC...

Yes, FRA-YUL-YVR and back on AC number.
Intra euro feeders on LH .

AC number is not enough. It must be AC metal to earn on the AC chart.

It seems so.
"operated by Air Canada"

Thinking to do something like this & should be gold when im back :D
From To Carrier Fare Class
HEL ARN KF Z
ARN ORD SK Z
ORD SAN UA T
SAN ORD UA T
ORD ARN SK Z
ARN HEL KF Z
Totals: 21212

Theres some good J fares with Air NZ at the moment LAX-RAR about $1400 return in J which nets 200% points. so you wouldnt get gold but you would get Blue to Gold quite easily.

Theres some good J fares with Air NZ at the moment LAX-RAR about $1400 return in J which nets 200% points. so you wouldnt get gold but you would get Blue to Gold quite easily.
....and you get to travel in comfort to an exotic destination, thereby making it fun to earn *Gold.

Theres some good J fares with Air NZ at the moment LAX-RAR about $1400 return in J which nets 200% points. so you wouldnt get gold but you would get Blue to Gold quite easily.

Please people! Make no assumptions on COS factors and make the A3 earning chart your close friend! C, D, J, Z on NZ earns 150%.
/Just a friendly comment ;)

Please people! Make no assumptions on COS factors and make the A3 earning chart your close friend! C, D, J, Z on NZ earns 150%.
/Just a friendly comment ;)

I was using the Star A Milage Run Calculator from a Blogger. Obviously its not accurate.

I was using the Star A Milage Run Calculator from a Blogger. Obviously its not accurate.Sadly not - see http://en.aegeanair.com/milesandbonus/program-description/earn-miles/#AIR%20NEW%20ZEALAND - although the earning rates do get updated from time to time it's been consistently 150% in NZ J.

The most economical way in Asia (not necessarily the fastest) for A3 Gold is surprisingly on SINGAPORE AIRLINES

ICN-SIN-LHR roundtrip at only 1578,000 Won (Flexi Saver)
= 1700+ Singapore dollars ~1300USD
= just over 19000 miles

Gonna embark on my own A3 challenge soon.

Does anyone know how much Lufthansa L class credits? Not on Aegean's website...

...Not on Aegean's website... Then 0 (zero)! :(

NRT-ZRH-BUD on C
return on Y

NRT-ZRH-BUD on C
return on Y

Is that on LX?
If so, I think Y both ways will suffice. Even B will earn 19380 miles. Is a mixed ticket C/Y cheaper than B?

Is that on LX?
If so, I think Y both ways will suffice. Even B will earn 19380 miles. Is a mixed ticket C/Y cheaper than B?
Probably not, since Y is full fare coach, C is (close to) full fare business class, and B is usually slightly discounted coach, very close to full fare.

Probably not, since Y is full fare coach, C is (close to) full fare business class, and B is usually slightly discounted coach, very close to full fare.

Still assuming OP meant LX, he may have used "C" and "Y" as the denominators for business and econ, falsely assuming they earn 200% and 100%.

(For some airlines (LH/SK/LX/..) "M" is a lesser known but better name for normal econ class, as it is the base fare for 100% earning econ. )

Anyway, do the route with B on the ticket, and the A3 gold card is secured. ExBUD may be a good price.

Is that on LX?
If so, I think Y both ways will suffice. Even B will earn 19380 miles. Is a mixed ticket C/Y cheaper than B?

On LX>
Sorry, I mean C=Business Class Y=Economy.
Will check the booking classes, but
If I remember correctly, were Z, and M for return.
B is also good, but a bit expy and no flat bed seats:D

On LX>
Sorry, I mean C=Business Class Y=Economy.
Will check the booking classes, but
If I remember correctly, were Z, and M for return.
B is also good, but a bit expy and no flat bed seats:D
This sounds more plausible now. A combination Z and M ticket could indeed be cheaper than a B fare, but not so for C and Y fare classes.

Hello,
I have been attempting to hit the new 50k E for this year on AC and I just found out about this... Can anyone give me some guidance to hit 19k for myself and +1 from YEG with low $$$? I am assuming A3 does not have a segment qualification?

I did a couple yeg-sfo-icn on UA for really cheap(still decently cheap) but that only yields around 13.5k... I can position myself anywhere in North America using miles/cash but I would prefer to finish the whole 19k in one run, in the cheapest possible way.... Being in YEG MRing is almost impossible :(

Oh and on a side note, does AC Tango + Qualify for 100% status miles? Heard that the cheapest UA fares (K,L) Does not? I can't seem to find the charts anywhere :(

Thanks in ADV.

Hello guys,
any ideas of a mileage run ex LED/DUS/TXL this winter (preferably long-haul), in Economy?
Thanks!!

Look here (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/aegean-airlines-miles-bonus/1289389-a3-g-challenge-who-have-most-creative-routing-achieve-g-shortest-time.html): hundreds os ideas!

Oh and on a side note, does AC Tango + Qualify for 100% status miles? Heard that the cheapest UA fares (K,L) Does not? I can't seem to find the charts anywhere :(
Read here: FAQ No. 3 for Aegean Miles & Bonus: How many Miles&Bonus miles will I earn? (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/aegean-airlines-miles-bonus/1372181-faq-no-3-aegean-miles-bonus-how-many-miles-bonus-miles-will-i-earn.html)

Read here: FAQ No. 3 for Aegean Miles & Bonus: How many Miles&Bonus miles will I earn? (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/aegean-airlines-miles-bonus/1372181-faq-no-3-aegean-miles-bonus-how-many-miles-bonus-miles-will-i-earn.html)


Hmm... Looks like I'll have to fly US Y or UA J... AC T+ is another option as well but the Tango fares to Asia basically puts AC out.

Threads merged for your consolidated reading pleasure.

GoldCircle
A3 forum Moderator

Hi guys, still short of 3700 miles to attain *G.

Any fares (i am open to any destination in Asia) that you can recommend with minimum cost? I am based in SIN.

Hi guys, still short of 3700 miles to attain *G.

Any fares (i am open to any destination in Asia) that you can recommend with minimum cost? I am based in SIN.
Is there a minimum number of miles A3 gives for SQ flights between SIN and Kuala Kumper? Can you find a good biz or FC fare that earns several hundred percent, even for such a short flight?

Hi guys, still short of 3700 miles to attain *G.

Any fares (i am open to any destination in Asia) that you can recommend with minimum cost? I am based in SIN.

From SIN it will cost your around SGD 829.70 to get the miles.

Humble suggestion
TG Q Class SIN-BKK-HKG-BKK-SIN (880+1076+1076+880) = 3912

SIN-BKK-CAN-BKK-SIN expensive by SGD25.1 miles lesser by 34 miles

there might be some other option

Thanks for the recommendation. Not sure paying $800+ for a 4 hours journey is too expensive or not...am looking for something less than $600 ...

Thanks for the recommendation. Not sure paying $800+ for a 4 hours journey is too expensive or not...am looking for something less than $600 ...
In Singapore dollars, that's pretty reasonable. In USA dollars, it depends on what you means for a four hour journey. A RT ticket where a nonstop one way takes four hours would seem not unusual for US$800 on a business route and quite decent for $600. For a comparison, look at MSP-SEA or DTW-SEA fares, for instance. H class RT can be about US$900.

Thanks for the recommendation. Not sure paying $800+ for a 4 hours journey is too expensive or not...am looking for something less than $600 ...

Maybe some other expert can help you with a cheaper route/fare.Good luck with the searching. Please don't fall into SQ trap with those cheap airfares which earn you 10%/50% mile on KF where it doesn't qualify for A3.

:-)

Noted, thanks!

YEG-YYZ-LGA-CLT-PHL-FRA-DUB-FRA-PHL-CLT-LGA-YYZ-YEG

YEG-YYZ-LGA in Y Air Canada, LGA-CLT-PHL F US Airways PHL-FRA US Airways J Envoy Suites FRA-DUB J Lufthansa, Exact same on the return...

With class of service bonus, I believe I am earning around 23000 miles... all in one go, 5 day trip to Dublin(Still not sure if I want to stay here yet).

Total cost: $1451

Enrollment bonus = 1000
US via MCO/PHX/OAK RT $301.20 in U/K fare x 100% = 4994
Current total = 5994

Mileage run idea in one day on 9/9...
UA1231 TPA/IAH Depart 8:19AM
UA452 IAH/LAX Arrive 12:03PM
UA624 LAX/ORD Depart 1:05PM
UA624 ORD/TPA Arrive 11:31PM
RT $1118.70 in A fare x 300% = 14744

Not the cheapest run at 7.58 cpm, but can be done in one day for a 15 hr trip. Layovers are less than 1hr and no plane change in ORD.

Hopeful total = 20738

UA 624: As discussed in another thread you will only get the miles for LAX-TPA (direct), as the same flight number is not credited as seperate legs.

UA 624: As discussed in another thread you will only get the miles for LAX-TPA (direct), as the same flight number is not credited as seperate legs.

Thanks for letting me know before I booked it! :)

Guys,

I possibly have my first eligble booking I can credit towards A3! I'm doing MEL-SIN-CAN-SIN-MEL next week on SQ. Booked into Flexi Saver which earns 100% KF miles but is a non-upgradeable fare. I am trying to work out which fare bucket this falls into?

If it's eligble, I would need to do this flight 2 times within 12 months? Is that correct? I'm trying to find my rollover date for A3 but can't seem to see it..:confused:

FWIW: gcmap.com shoes 10764 miles.

Guys,

I possibly have my first eligble booking I can credit towards A3! I'm doing MEL-SIN-CAN-SIN-MEL next week on SQ. Booked into Flexi Saver which earns 100% KF miles but is a non-upgradeable fare. I am trying to work out which fare bucket this falls into?

If it's eligble, I would need to do this flight 2 times within 12 months? Is that correct? I'm trying to find my rollover date for A3 but can't seem to see it..:confused:

FWIW: gcmap.com shoes 10764 miles.

yes, if you do this twice in 12 months, you will get gold status.

Guys,

I possibly have my first eligble booking I can credit towards A3! I'm doing MEL-SIN-CAN-SIN-MEL next week on SQ. Booked into Flexi Saver which earns 100% KF miles but is a non-upgradeable fare. I am trying to work out which fare bucket this falls into?


Isn't the exact fare class qouted anywhere in your booking? Maybe on your e-ticket?


If it's eligble, I would need to do this flight 2 times within 12 months? Is that correct? I'm trying to find my rollover date for A3 but can't seem to see it..:confused:
...

By rollover I assume you mean the time limit for when gold is evaluated/tier miles get reset? There is no such membership year end date, it is determined by dates of previous flights, as tier miles expire 12 months after your earned them. Check the FAQs where this is explained.

yes, if you do this twice in 12 months, you will get gold status.
This assumes that the SQ fare class earns 100% miles for A3.

After smokey puzzling, need now the help of the experts of the forum, please.

As for today LH Z sweet enhancements, how you guys would calculate this routing for the A3 *G?

NAP-MUC LH
MUC-CLT LH
CLT-MIA operated by US

MIA-FRA LH
FRA-MUC LH
MUC-NAP LH

Booking class is Z all the way.
If I'm correct, having only the 1.000 enrollment miles, I should not be able to make the needed 19.000 tier in one shot.

Huge thanks to those taking time to calculate it.

According to the Star alliance chart (YMMV), you should make 22 287 EQM with this trip, all flights earning 200%, except US (150%).

My mistake, you should make 24195.
A3 gives a lot of generous flat mileage on German domestic or European flights.

this was about the amount I got until yesterday.
But now LH calculates 150% on the two intercontinental legs.

For A3 does count:

1. LH 150% earning chart ?

or

2. Their own chart only, with 200% calculated on the effective mileage ?


In the first scenario I'm not making it, on the second largely over 19.000

Thanks Frontliner.

this was about the amount I got until yesterday.
But now LH calculates 150% on the two intercontinental legs.

For A3 does count:

1. LH 150% earning chart ?

or

2. Their own chart only, with 200% calculated on the effective mileage ?


In the first scenario I'm not making it, on the second largely over 19.000

Thanks Frontliner.
You should calculate according to the A3 chart. They may decide to follow LH's way, but they'd have to announce it first.

...
As for today LH Z sweet enhancements, how you guys would calculate this routing for the A3 *G?
...
Huge thanks to those taking time to calculate it.

this was about the amount I got until yesterday.
But now LH calculates 150% on the two intercontinental legs.
...


Yes, you really should say thanks to frontliner for doing the job for you. It really isn't that hard, and we actually even have a FAQ (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/aegean-airlines-miles-bonus/1372181-faq-no-3-aegean-miles-bonus-how-many-miles-bonus-miles-will-i-earn.html) on how to do it, plus some links to sites that will calculate an approximation for you.

In short, do not use LH to calculate A3 tier miles. They are 2 different programs. Use operating carrier to get the number of base miles, then apply factors from A3 table.


"Give a man a fish and feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you can get rid of him for a whole weekend."

does anyone know if I fly SQ25/26 JFK-FRA-SIN-FRA-JFK, it will be enough miles to qualify me to get Star Gold?

does anyone know if I fly SQ25/26 JFK-FRA-SIN-FRA-JFK, it will be enough miles to qualify me to get Star Gold?

gcmap says that you would earn 19074 miles on this rt, which would be enough... However, A3's calculations differ slightly from gcmap.

It's definitely cutting it close.

gcmap says that you would earn 19074 miles on this rt, which would be enough... However, A3's calculations differ slightly from gcmap.

It's definitely cutting it close.

how are A3's calculations different?

how are A3's calculations different?

They use a slightly different chart, which has values ±1 or 2%. No way to predict until the miles actually credit...

It probably depends on your fare class. Have you checked the tables on the A3 website for SQ flights?

They use a slightly different chart, which has values ±1 or 2%. No way to predict until the miles actually credit...
No way to know, but a 74 mile discrepancy would seem like a lot. I don't see an obvious way to re-route using SQ to get a few more miles except for tacking a short intraAsia segment (start in KUL?) onto the beginning or end of your trip. If you're worried, check what the additional cost would be to purchase a fare class that earns more miles, but if this means discounted coach to business, the price could be exhorbitant.

No way to know, but a 74 mile discrepancy would seem like a lot.

74 miles out of 19000 is 0.004%. Not particularly exorbitant.

I believe that all SQ Y fares earn 100% on A3.
hopefully they it ends up being at 19000 miles

All mileage accruing fares earn 100%. Many discount fares earn 0

74 miles out of 19000 is 0.004%. Not particularly exorbitant.

0,4% rather, but still quite a thin safety margin.

They use a slightly different chart, which has values ±1 or 2%. No way to predict until the miles actually credit...

I have credited a dozen of different segments to A3 and mileage was within 1 mile to the great circle values except for cities where multiple airports are present, e.g. NYC, WAS. For DCA, I got mileage for XXX-IAD and for XXX-EWR, I got XXX-LGA. For BWI, I got BWI distance, though. Another small exception to the +-1 mile rule was MUC-PHL where I was credited 4 miles more than the great circle value.

In my opinion, 74 miles, for a few segment trip is almost certainly enough wiggle room not to worry about it. Only check the lowest mileage for LGA/EWR/JFK just in case.

0,4% rather, but still quite a thin safety margin.

d'oh!

I have credited a dozen of different segments to A3 and mileage was within 1 mile to the great circle values except for cities where multiple airports are present, e.g. NYC, WAS. For DCA, I got mileage for XXX-IAD and for XXX-EWR, I got XXX-LGA. For BWI, I got BWI distance, though. Another small exception to the +-1 mile rule was MUC-PHL where I was credited 4 miles more than the great circle value.

In my opinion, 74 miles, for a few segment trip is almost certainly enough wiggle room not to worry about it. Only check the lowest mileage for LGA/EWR/JFK just in case.

The mileage credited from TG KTM-BKK-ICN-LAX was 232 miles more than I expected to get...