Aegean Airlines Miles&Bonus - Bye bye aeroplan?

Just want to see a show of hands here.... how many of you were coming over because of the recent Aeroplan 2013 announcement? And are you going to sign up A3 FFP and start crediting your miles in 2012?

Before I make my final move to jump ship. 2 things needed to look at....

1) compare eligible partner airlines status mileage
2) compare *A reward redemption chart (so far I think A3 doesn't charge as much YQ as AP)

Before I make my final move to jump ship. 2 things needed to look at....

1) compare eligible partner airlines status mileage
2) compare *A reward redemption chart (so far I think A3 doesn't charge as much YQ as AP)

I have made up my mind and quitting AC/AP after so many years and I will come to A3, use USAirways Dividend Mile rewards and have more freedom.
I think our choices are down to A3 and Asiana. AC at 50k is hard to attain in 2012 and simply not worth it having 2 tiers above me competing for UG.

For Aegean, have a look at the earnings table. I was looking one for my mum. Leisure traveler. She was not interested in status, just wanted the odd free flight. For the fares that she takes, Aegean gives her 0.70 per mile. While Canada gives 1.0.

For the fare that she was interested in Canada was easier - less points required to earn her reward flight.

Have not kept up with the Air Canada's status requirement as she is not interested. For easy status it is Aegean or Asiana. For status I think they are pretty much even. But not sure how you requalify for Aegean. You get it in a year 16,000 after blue. Gold last for 3yrs. But do you get the 16,000 in 1 or 3yr no one I think knows, nor does Aegean's Terms and Conditions. Due to the 0.70 for our trips, reward flights are easier with Asiana.

Plus for redemptions keep in mind that A3 still has this totally oddball rule of making you forfeit 50% of your miles when you cancel a booked award. As long as this rule is in place, I will only put enough miles for status. Once they change it to a reasonable change / cancellation fee policy I would consider banking all miles with them.

Turkish is also an option for easy status, and arguably better than A3. OZ is far behind unless you want credit card spend and they have a credit card in your country..

Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't TK's program easy to maintain status, but relatively harder to achieve status in the first place?

Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't TK's program easy to maintain status, but relatively harder to achieve status in the first place?

Just found this page http://www.turkishairlines.com/en-CA/miles_and_smiles/about_us/card_levels/kart_avantajlari.aspx

And the answer is no. Well, it depends. If you are making 35k for AC*E, making 40k shouldn't be too difficult for TK Elite level. Once you get that, if I understand correctly (and assume you live outside Turkey) you only need 25k to 'prequalify' for year 3 (status validate for 2 yr)

Further discussion of TK M&S should move to TK forum.

Compare to A3 M&B
http://en.aegeanair.com/milesandbonus/program-description/benefits/blue-card-privileges/
"Once you have collected 4,000 miles within a period of twelve (12) months counting from the former, valid, registered miles."
http://en.aegeanair.com/milesandbonus/program-description/benefits/gold-card-privileges/
"Once you have collected 16,000 miles within one year from the date which you qualified to the Blue status, you will receive the Gold Card."

And for OZ
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/17150426-post2.html
"Please note that miles earned from other partners such as partner airlines (Etihad, Qatar and Eva), credit card, rental cars, hotel programs etc DO NOT count towards the status." (Correction: *A seems to be fine "On-board mileage includes miles accrued by traveling with Asiana Airlines or Star Alliance airlines, and excludes bonus mileage for Elite members, partner mileage, or mileage offered in promotional events.")
http://us.flyasiana.com/Global/US/en/homepage?fid=CLUB14100#
For *G (Diamond) "Accrue 40,000 on-board miles, or 50 trips with Asiana Airlines"

So the choice is really between A3 and TK. Which I think A3 is easier to reach.

Just want to see a show of hands here.... how many of you were coming over because of the recent Aeroplan 2013 announcement? And are you going to sign up A3 FFP and start crediting your miles in 2012?

Count me in.
Another reason is because A3 doesn't block SQ inventory as much as AP.
I will credit the first 20K to A3 and the rest to US.

Count me in.
Another reason is because A3 doesn't block SQ inventory as much as AP.
I will credit the first 20K to A3 and the rest to US.
You're not allowed to do that.

You're not allowed to do that.

Why not? I've split crediting at times between my AP and my US, but I didn't put my US status on my profile because for the last few years I have credited the majority to my AP.
When I hit 40K I started crediting to US because I know I didn't do enough flying on *A to get to SE.

It's a rule specific to A3. Apparently you can get your account canceled by using A3*G benifits (so A3 ends up with the bill) but not crediting the miles (so A3 can afford the bill).

And even if this interpretation of the rule isn't accurate, it is still asking for devaluation, and doing your fellow A3*Gs a huge disfavor...

Count me in.
Another reason is because A3 doesn't block SQ inventory as much as AP.
I will credit the first 20K to A3 and the rest to US.

AE doesn't block any more SQ inventory than any other STAR program. SQ has restricted awards by all STAR partners on its new J seats (which now dominate flights to/from US west coast) and F on the A380. Is there any evidence these are available through A3's program?

It's a rule specific to A3. Apparently you can get your account canceled by using A3*G benifits (so A3 ends up with the bill) but not crediting the miles (so A3 can afford the bill).

And even if this interpretation of the rule isn't accurate, it is still asking for devaluation, and doing your fellow A3*Gs a huge disfavor...

I thought it was the operating carrier paying for it, not A3.
If I use a MLL/UC/KF lounge, I thought that AC/UA/SQ would be paying for it, not A3, as they are the ones operating the flts.
I don't know about who pays for the checked bags though.

Turkish is also an option for easy status, and arguably better than A3. OZ is far behind unless you want credit card spend and they have a credit card in your country..

How is it better?

It is also arguably twice as hard to get initially.

How is it better?

It is also arguably twice as hard to get initially.

But much easier to maintain.

But much easier to maintain.

I am not sure about that...afaik, it is 25k to maintain TK, as opposed to 20k for A3

I am not sure about that...afaik, it is 25k to maintain TK, as opposed to 20k for A3

I am leaving Air Canada after 10 years + and will go with TK or A3. Haven't decided which yet. Looking at what both offer.

It's a rule specific to A3. Apparently you can get your account canceled by using A3*G benifits (so A3 ends up with the bill) but not crediting the miles (so A3 can afford the bill).

And even if this interpretation of the rule isn't accurate, it is still asking for devaluation, and doing your fellow A3*Gs a huge disfavor...

I thought it was the operating carrier paying for it, not A3.
If I use a MLL/UC/KF lounge, I thought that AC/UA/SQ would be paying for it, not A3, as they are the ones operating the flts.
I don't know about who pays for the checked bags though.

It does seem to be the operating carrier who pays for lounge access, and I don't read the T&C as saying this - so I don't see doing this to be a breach of the T&C at all.

With the A3 T&C, the English meaning is often a matter of interpretation, but I understand the T&C on this matter to say that without the card in you possession and/or the A3 membership number reflected on your BP you will/may not get the benefits of *G status - which is roughly what happens in practice when trying to access a lounge: some *G lounge operators don't ask for a card or even call up the booking if *G is on the BP, while others ask for the card even if *G is on the BP, others require the *G to be in the booking and a fresh BP printed for scanning.

In the latter case, where I wish to benefit from *G status but credit the miles to another FFP, I have found putting a *G programme in the FQTS field and the FFP to credit miles to in the FQTV (accrual) field to work in many situations - though you have to be careful they have entered the numbers the right way round!

I am leaving Air Canada after 10 years + and will go with TK or A3. Haven't decided which yet. Looking at what both offer.

Personally I'd go for TK unless you travel to South Europe often. TK is a growing airline and a real competitor to the Gulf carriers both in terms of quality and route network. If you fly international *A., it's not unlikely you'll find yourself on a TK flight in the near future unlike A3. Airlines tend to treat their home *G better than other *G so the status would probably mean a bit more.

It is weird that if you are with A3 FFP that you can't credit to other FFP. As most said, the T&C is a bit unclear. But on the other hand, I am unsure why one want to do that to spread the miles across multiple FFP. I think it is logical to focus on one FFP, save up the miles to redeem reward (or upgrade) ticket.

As for TK, my only worry is their poor customer service (beside in flight FAs). Go have a look at TK forum... I agree I like TK product better than AC (or UA/US/CO for that matter...)

I still haven't have time or able to focus on study if there are any major diff for earning miles on A3 (compare to AP) as well as the reward redemption chart.

Maybe one of these days I can sit down and do my homework... haha

But on the other hand, I am unsure why one want to do that to spread the miles across multiple FFP. I think it is logical to focus on one FFP, save up the miles to redeem reward (or upgrade) ticket.

I was planning to split my *A miles next year, 100k to UA for 1K (UDU, SWU and E+) and 35k to AC for E (domestic lounge access), but AC's obviously given that plan the fist of death. Now I think I will only fly 100k *A, putting it all into UA and put the 35k of miles which I planned to put in my AP account towards more flying on CX which is far superior to AC and UA in every respect. I can always buy a RCC membership at the end of the year at the discounted 1K rate when my AC*SE almost expires.

It is weird that if you are with A3 FFP that you can't credit to other FFP. As most said, the T&C is a bit unclear.

I don't think we have seen any evidence of this from A3. My reading of the T&C does not suggest this.

I am unsure why one want to do that to spread the miles across multiple FFP. I think it is logical to focus on one FFP, save up the miles to redeem reward (or upgrade) ticket.

It makes sense to do this if different FFPs offer different benefits.

For example M&B has a low *G threshold so is good for achieving status, but does not offer a miles earning credit card to non Greek residents, so is no use as a scheme in which to deposit and redeem miles earned from for credit card spending, unless you live in Greece.

Also, M&B does not let you amend redemption bookings once made - so if I make a redemption booking that I know I might want to change, I would not use M&B for this.

It's a rule specific to A3. Apparently you can get your account canceled by using A3*G benifits (so A3 ends up with the bill) but not crediting the miles (so A3 can afford the bill).

And even if this interpretation of the rule isn't accurate, it is still asking for devaluation, and doing your fellow A3*Gs a huge disfavor...

Could you point me into the right direction on where on A3's website I would find such a rule stipulation? I have just read through all T&C passages related to A3 & *A flights and can't quite find anything spelling this out?

You don't mean this part right which is in relation to getting miles credited properly? "Each member-passenger must indicate his/her Account Number when reserving an airline ticket, and present the Card at check-in."


Regardless, if what you say is really something that they plan on enforcing (which is fair enough if that is how they want to handle it) then they should also be fair enough to put it clearly in writing in the T&Cs. Yes wishful thinking. :)

At least I don't even know for sure how lounge access gets charged between the *A carriers as some don't even note down your credentials when entering the lounge. E.g. LH in FRA on A26 only want to see my card and a same day *A BP, but don't scan them while SQ in SIN note down your FFP number and all. So YMMV and I would think it is certainly possible to switch credentials for now ignoring for a moment the discussion on whether that is perceived as fair or appropriate.

Additionally, if I take a reward flight for example in Y by using miles from another *A FFP (yes Y is not good value but just bear with me for the sake of it) and I use my A3 *G to get the benefits then there will also be no mileage credit to the program. So what then? It will be fine as it is not a revenue flight, but A3 would have to bear the costs too.

Now as mentioned I would be happily crediting most of my flights to A3 if they could move away from the absolutely ridiculous and customer unfriendly clauses in relation to award booking changes and cancellations. There is absolutely no justification for not allowing any changes to a made reward booking and making people forfeit 50% or even 100% of the miles for the redemption in case of cancellation. So if one gets ill or hospitalized in a worst case scenario one will just have to "suck it up"? Even in less severe cases people's plans do change.

These must be some of the most moronic clauses I have ever seen in any FFP and will limit A3's popularity to a wider audience in my view. Yes it will require more agents and effort to manage changes, but also consider the economic upside by charging decent enough change and cancellation fees. BD made loads of $$$$ on that and so does almost any major FFP. Not sure what our Greek friends are thinking here if anything.

Until they come to their senses I will maintain just enough to keep A3 *G going for now and keep my balance (very) low just in case redeeming as soon as I'm able to mileage wise and 100% dead certain nothing will change. Anyone running away from other programs and seeking a new "haven" here at A3 be sure to consider these points. If it still looks excellent for you then go ahead and have fun.

I don't think we have seen any evidence of this from A3. My reading of the T&C does not suggest this.



It makes sense to do this if different FFPs offer different benefits.

For example M&B has a low *G threshold so is good for achieving status, but does not offer a miles earning credit card to non Greek residents, so is no use as a scheme in which to deposit and redeem miles earned from for credit card spending, unless you live in Greece.

Also, M&B does not let you amend redemption bookings once made - so if I make a redemption booking that I know I might want to change, I would not use M&B for this.

+1. My exact feelings too.

It is weird that if you are with A3 FFP that you can't credit to other FFP. As most said, the T&C is a bit unclear. But on the other hand, I am unsure why one want to do that to spread the miles across multiple FFP. I think it is logical to focus on one FFP, save up the miles to redeem reward (or upgrade) ticket.

As for TK, my only worry is their poor customer service (beside in flight FAs). Go have a look at TK forum... I agree I like TK product better than AC (or UA/US/CO for that matter...)

I still haven't have time or able to focus on study if there are any major diff for earning miles on A3 (compare to AP) as well as the reward redemption chart.

Maybe one of these days I can sit down and do my homework... haha

I want to credit miles to US because they have better award redemption levels than A3.
150K for YVR-PVG in J? No deal.

I want to credit miles to US because they have better award redemption levels than A3.
150K for YVR-PVG in J? No deal.

As far as earning/redeeming miles in *A goes, it doesn't really get better than US.

twAs far as earning/redeeming miles in *A goes, it doesn't really get better than US.
Exactly. And I also really don't want to pay YQ on awards.
Does A3 allow you to make mini rtws like AP?
i.e. if I wanted to have an award to SYD, would I be allowed this as 2 one ways.
Ticket 1: YVR AC X/SFO SQ ICN OZ SYD
Ticket 2: SYD SQ X/SIN SQ FRA SQ X/NYC UA X/SFO AC YVR

Yes, I am also an AP/AC refugee, exiting with a swift kick in the a*s. After much consideration and posting on the A3 and TK boards, I've decided to go with TK. Qualification for *G is 40K within 1 calendar year after hitting 25K, so essentially 65K in approximately a year and a half for me, which I can live with. I also fly TK many times a year and not A3, so it makes sense for me. If I had made the move last year when AP institued the 10K/5 segments rule, I would have made *G on TK this spring. Lessons learned.

As far as inflight service, TK economy international is nice; TK domestic is packed to the gills and sometimes unpleasant. I also got an op-up IST-LHR this year and found the business class on that 777 way lacking. Not complaining since it was an op-up, but it was definitely nothing special.

For example M&B has a low *G threshold so is good for achieving status, but does not offer a miles earning credit card to non Greek residents, so is no use as a scheme in which to deposit and redeem miles earned from for credit card spending, unless you live in Greece.

Also, M&B does not let you amend redemption bookings once made - so if I make a redemption booking that I know I might want to change, I would not use M&B for this.

For miles earn on spending, I might stick w/ AP. OTOH I am not a big spender so not a big deal for me at all. It is just going to be a drop in the bucket compare actual BIS miles.

As for redemption bookings, I am good that when I book something, the chances to make changes are very slim. So again, not an issue for me... (I hope)

I want to credit miles to US because they have better award redemption levels than A3.
150K for YVR-PVG in J? No deal.

As far as earning/redeeming miles in *A goes, it doesn't really get better than US.

OK, compare to AP is 125k, yes that's 25k more. But what if you don't get ding for the outrages YQ charges? :rolleyes:

for me, if YQ is more than a cost of YYZ-YVR/LAX, I think 25k extra is worth it...

I have a question about qualifying for *G on A3. On January 2, I am taking an NZ flight that I could credit to M&B that would net me 5,994 miles. On January 10, I'm taking a AC flight in J that would net me 15,620 miles. My question is, would I qualify for the M&B gold tier with just these two flights? My main concern when I read their qualifying criteria is that you first have to qualify for Blue status, and then you must get another 16,000 miles after that point (regardless of how much you've accumulated to get to Blue status), which would put me 380 miles short.

OK, compare to AP is 125k, yes that's 25k more. But what if you don't get ding for the outrages YQ charges? :rolleyes:


You still pay YQ on awards with A3, you'll have to go to US/UA/CO to avoid them completely and US will charge you a small fee to book an award as well.

I have a question about qualifying for *G on A3. On January 2, I am taking an NZ flight that I could credit to M&B that would net me 5,994 miles. On January 10, I'm taking a AC flight in J that would net me 15,620 miles. My question is, would I qualify for the M&B gold tier with just these two flights? My main concern when I read their qualifying criteria is that you first have to qualify for Blue status, and then you must get another 16,000 miles after that point (regardless of how much you've accumulated to get to Blue status), which would put me 380 miles short.

They don't reset your mileage counter once you pass 4K mls. So the 1,994mls you accrue as part of flight 1 will count into the 16K for Gold. In my book you should be A3 *G after your second flight posts. Just make sure to check the A3 earnings table first for the fares you booked. Not all Biz class for example gets you 2x miles. E.g. TK gets only 1.5x and so forth.

How many miles do you get on A3 Miles and Bonus when flying on Tango Plus and Tango fares?

How many miles do you get on A3 Miles and Bonus when flying on Tango Plus and Tango fares?

Depends where your destination is.

You still pay YQ on awards with A3, you'll have to go to US/UA/CO to avoid them completely and US will charge you a small fee to book an award as well.

Are there any exemptions to YQ on a3?

Depends where your destination is.

Correct me if I am wrong, from the M&B website it appears if I fly domestically on Tango I get 0 points, if I fly Tango Plus I at least get 100% points.

I never saw Tango fares for international destinations (including US, unless the flight is routed through a domestic route), while booking on AC.

I thought it was the operating carrier paying for it, not A3.
If I use a MLL/UC/KF lounge, I thought that AC/UA/SQ would be paying for it, not A3, as they are the ones operating the flts.
I don't know about who pays for the checked bags though.

When you fly a carrier, it buys the miles in the program you select. When you use a lounge, it is your FF program carrier that pays for the visit. So if you're an A3 elite/STARGold flying UA, using a UC (nee RCC) and crediting your miles to MP, A3 pays for the lounge and UA pays itself for the miles. If you credit the miles to A3 then UA pays A3 to buy those miles on your behalf.

When you fly a carrier, it buys the miles in the program you select. When you use a lounge, it is your FF program carrier that pays for the visit. So if you're an A3 elite/STARGold flying UA, using a UC (nee RCC) and crediting your miles to MP, A3 pays for the lounge and UA pays itself for the miles. If you credit the miles to A3 then UA pays A3 to buy those miles on your behalf.

Thanks for the info. But I've been able to get into UC's by just showing my AC E card in the past, and they never swiped it or anything.

Correct me if I am wrong, from the M&B website it appears if I fly domestically on Tango I get 0 points, if I fly Tango Plus I at least get 100% points.

I never saw Tango fares for international destinations (including US, unless the flight is routed through a domestic route), while booking on AC.

Flights to Asia, specifically China starts with T

Correct me if I am wrong, from the M&B website it appears if I fly domestically on Tango I get 0 points, if I fly Tango Plus I at least get 100% points.

I never saw Tango fares for international destinations (including US, unless the flight is routed through a domestic route), while booking on AC.

On both KVS and a TAs GDS there are E, A, G, N, P fares to anywhere.

I think our choices are down to A3 and Asiana.

Asiana has announced a new earning table for Air Canada effective today.

J - 125%
C, D, Z - 100%

Economy International (outside US/Canada): 50% ALL
Y, B, M, H, L, Q, S, U, V, R, W, K, T, N, G, P, E, A


Economy Domestic (within US/Canada):
N, G, P, E, A, K, T (250 flat)
Y, B, M, H, L, Q, S, U, V, R, W (50%)

Asiana has announced a new earning table for Air Canada effective today.

J - 125%
C, D, Z - 100%

Economy International (outside US/Canada): 50% ALL
Y, B, M, H, L, Q, S, U, V, R, W, K, T, N, G, P, E, A


Economy Domestic (within US/Canada):
N, G, P, E, A, K, T (250 flat)
Y, B, M, H, L, Q, S, U, V, R, W (50%)

This made our jobs much easier in choosing which FFP to credit.

I wouldn't be surprised if A3 comes out with something similar in a couple weeks. After all, it is the operating carrier that decides how many miles to credit, not the FFP carrier.

Asiana has announced a new earning table for Air Canada effective today.

J - 125%
C, D, Z - 100%

Economy International (outside US/Canada): 50% ALL
Y, B, M, H, L, Q, S, U, V, R, W, K, T, N, G, P, E, A


Economy Domestic (within US/Canada):
N, G, P, E, A, K, T (250 flat)
Y, B, M, H, L, Q, S, U, V, R, W (50%)is Air Canada short of money or something? Westjet too successful against them? Why are they cutting the ability of their good frequent fliers, to earn the miles that will make travelling tolerable? Perhaps they should think about dumping all the Amex Platinums that crowd out the lounges instead..... and protecting their actual frequent fliers.

is Air Canada short of money or something? Westjet too successful against them? Why are they cutting the ability of their good frequent fliers, to earn the miles that will make travelling tolerable? Perhaps they should think about dumping all the Amex Platinums that crowd out the lounges instead..... and protecting their actual frequent fliers.

I know. There's a problem when 80% of the YVR MLL is VBITs.
One of the people there actually asked me what I meant by VBIT, and I told them it was for Very Bright Intelligent Traveler.
They bought it.

note: unlike most carriers, aeroplan is not part of air canada. they spun it off years ago. so the relationship there is different and they can't milk it like the us carriers do, i'd think. i wonder if they regret that decision.

The easiest way for A3 to make their program far less interesting is not by changing earning rules. They just need to implement a minimum flown mileage on A3 metal requirement à la AP/AC.

The easiest way for A3 to make their program far less interesting is not by changing earning rules. They just need to implement a minimum flown mileage on A3 metal requirement à la AP/AC.

Indeed. As long as they are making money with the FFP, that won't happen. However, when people start taking advantage, devaluation is guaranteed.

Indeed. As long as they are making money with the FFP, that won't happen. However, when people start taking advantage, devaluation is guaranteed.

With the high number of AP members defecting to A3, it will obviously get some red alerts going at A3 HQ...hence a devaluation being more than just a mere possibility!

With the high number of AP members defecting to A3, it will obviously get some red alerts going at A3 HQ...hence a devaluation being more than just a mere possibility!

Some of us are going to TK.
So it might be a bit better.
And, remember, we at FT are the minority, so even if the majority of us go to A3, then the remainder of the public might not really give a crap, considering most of the AP members are VBIT's.

With the high number of AP members defecting to A3, it will obviously get some red alerts going at A3 HQ...hence a devaluation being more than just a mere possibility!

More people using the FFP isn't a bad thing. It makes A3 more money. What the problem will be is if people start abusing the system...

I am seriously considering A3, but given that AC recently changed the lowest international Asia flights to be in Tango Class (P) we will only earn 50% miles on A3.

This is the A3 earning table for AC flights:

Business Class J, C, D, Z 200% 1000
Business Upgrade (2) R 150% 750

Economy Class Y, B 150% 750
Economy Discounted M, U, H, Q, V, W, S, T, L, K 100% 500
Economy Discounted N, G, P, E, A 50% 250
Economy Discounted (1) N, G, P, E, A 0% 0

Note: Booking Classes not eligible for accrual: I, X
(1) – domestic Canada and Canada-USA flights
(2) – R class (complimentary/purchased upgrades) accrual is as per the original booking class purchased.

I am seriously considering A3, but given that AC recently changed the lowest international Asia flights to be in Tango Class (P) we will only earn 50% miles on A3.

This is the A3 earning table for AC flights:

Business Class J, C, D, Z 200% 1000
Business Upgrade (2) R 150% 750

Economy Class Y, B 150% 750
Economy Discounted M, U, H, Q, V, W, S, T, L, K 100% 500
Economy Discounted N, G, P, E, A 50% 250
Economy Discounted (1) N, G, P, E, A 0% 0

Note: Booking Classes not eligible for accrual: I, X
(1) – domestic Canada and Canada-USA flights
(2) – R class (complimentary/purchased upgrades) accrual is as per the original booking class purchased.

Good for paid J customers though.

I recently got *G through Aeroplan, but will definitely have trouble maintaining it at 50,000 miles per year. My business travel is neither region-specific nor steady enough for that level.

Reading this forum for a few hrs, BMI Diamond club seemed the best, but that may changes as the airline has now been bought by Lufthansa.

I will miss some of the airline-specific benefits, but my main goal is *G. Therefore, I see 3 options:

Asiana
- only 40K over 2 yrs to get *G
- same to maintain

Turkish
- 25K + 40K to get *G
- only 37.5K per year to maintain

Aegean
- only 4K + 16K per year to get *G
- only 16K per year to maintian

At first glance, it seems Aegean is the best option and an idea might be to renew *G with Aegean annually, then maintain points on Aeroplan or some other plan. Some questions for anyone:

- How long does the status last (I read 3 years!)?
- Is there a min num of miles that need to be accumulated on Aegean itself?
- Is there min activity needed (I assume annual)?
- Do the miles expire at all?

Great forum! It's helping solve my dilema over which program to switch to. Thanks.

I recently got *G through Aeroplan, but will definitely have trouble maintaining it at 50,000 miles per year. My business travel is neither region-specific nor steady enough for that level.

Reading this forum for a few hrs, BMI Diamond club seemed the best, but that may changes as the airline has now been bought by Lufthansa.

I will miss some of the airline-specific benefits, but my main goal is *G. Therefore, I see 3 options:

Asiana
- only 40K over 2 yrs to get *G
- same to maintain

Turkish
- 25K + 40K to get *G
- only 37.5K per year to maintain

Aegean
- only 4K + 16K per year to get *G
- only 16K per year to maintian

At first glance, it seems Aegean is the best option and an idea might be to renew *G with Aegean annually, then maintain points on Aeroplan or some other plan. Some questions for anyone:

- How long does the status last (I read 3 years!)?
- Is there a min num of miles that need to be accumulated on Aegean itself?
- Is there min activity needed (I assume annual)?
- Do the miles expire at all?

Great forum! It's helping solve my dilema over which program to switch to. Thanks.

No A3 requirement.
And no.

I think I will still credit my AC/UA/CO flights to AP in 2012 since I make it to SE and picked 100% bonus.

But I may put my TK flights credit (darn! only 100% for U international fare) to A3 to ensure my *G for 2013.

Reading this forum for a few hrs, BMI Diamond club seemed the best, but that may changes as the airline has now been bought by Lufthansa.


Just a correction to hopefully help you: BMI has been owned by Lufthansa for a few years - it's being sold to IAG (British Airways/Iberia) with closure expected by the end of Q1 this year. At that point, BMI will immediately leave *A and there's currently no indication as to whether there will be a status match back into Star via Miles & More. Diamond Club itself will almost certainly close within a few months of the sale completion, so - unless current members need the miles for redemptions - you probably won't find many FT'ers crediting flights to it now.

You will likely find that many DC members will be moving across to Aegean - I'm one of them - so you won't be alone!

As far as earning/redeeming miles in *A goes, it doesn't really get better than US.

Am curious - does Aegean mail you the cards and so on as soon as you make status, or at year end?

Am curious - does Aegean mail you the cards and so on as soon as you make status, or at year end?

You can find the thread for that question here (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/aegean-airlines-miles-bonus/1284671-how-long-my-a3-g-card-arrive-what-do-while-waiting.html) where it is described in detail, but in short; Yes, upon making status.

OT
日本語を話しますか。

You can find the thread for that question here (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/aegean-airlines-miles-bonus/1284671-how-long-my-a3-g-card-arrive-what-do-while-waiting.html) where it is described in detail, but in short; Yes, upon making status.

OT
日本語を話しますか。

Gotcha - thanks. うん、話せますよ。:)

...At that point, BMI will immediately leave *A...For me, as a pre-*A M&B member (thus, nothing to do with DC), this will mean that I'll have to move my LHR "relaxing" from the bmi to the *A lounge in T1: Goodbye nice view, comfortable chairs and ...exercise walking to the gates! ;)