Air New Zealand Air Points - SYD LAX - UA or NZ points

Hi guys

A girl at work is off to LAS to get married.

They bought ultra cheap flights on UA - in the recent fare deals, and I said to her she should make sure she gets some points for it.

She is originally from GIS and often travels SYD AKL.

So what is the better option.

Sign up with United or Airpoints?

I'm not using Airpoints at this stage so not familiar enough to give her the best advice.

Thanks

Adam

UA beats NZ hands down, and don't forget DEQM offer (if she booked and paid for her ticket after 15 March, and completes travel before 15 June) - one roundtrip SYD-LAX and voila she's Premier = Star Alliance Silver - which takes much longer and much much more $$$ to be Silver with Airpoints.

Depends how often, how far and how keen she travels, she might want to do a couple MRs to be Premier Executive with United (Star Alliance Gold), or Air Canada, or bmi; I think these three airlines' programs are top 3 of the Star ones and any of these is better than Airpoints.

BD for value of its miles, AC for the ease of becoming and renewing Star Gold, and UA for 100% bonus miles and e500 upgrades when you are Premier Executive and 1K.

Cheers

Also consider Asiana (OZ) if she's just after status. 20k in 24mths will give her *S for up to 48+1mths.

Have a look on the Star Alliance forum, and at the Star Alliance comparison charts.

my work mate has signed with Mileage Plus - thats a great deal re the EQM silver for one return trans pacific

UA might be the best deal as others above have pointed out. Also good to note whether UA allows you to earn NZ Airpoints on its cheap fares?