Alexbyl

So I have reached Senator status recently and I am contemplating a "luxury" problem I have. Before year end I am still scheduled to fly quite a bit, mostly with LH and SQ. My dilemma is now as follows; should I continue to credit my M&M account or switch to Krisflyer where I can possibly also achieve gold status. I am already collecting miles in both programs anyway (M&M by flying and Krisflyer through credit card). I guess I only started thinking about this option as M&M does not allow you to carry excess miles into the next year. Any comments/advice appreciated!

Lack

Since M&M status is valid for two years you don't really have to worry about carrying the balance to next year so much.
I'd explore a couple programs and see which one gives the highest yield. Perhaps switching alliances would give you options to save on ticket prices when LH/SQ are expensive?

1flyer

If I was in your shoes, a critical factor in my decision would be the classes I fly. For flights in Y and Y+ I'd certainly want to make use of my newly-attained *G.

Of course, if you're flying C anyway, it's a bit easier to do without status. But you still missing out on stuff like better IRROPS handling when switching to another program where you have no status.

SPlDER

It is not convenient to credit miles to one FFP and use *G from other FFP.
From other hand - redemption on M&M is bad, and there are better programs.

NewbieRunner

What do you mean by 'redemption on M&M is bad'? It is well known that the use of M&M miles for Economy awards is a waste, except for some seasonally expensive shorthaul flights. But I consider redemption opportunities of M&M miles are very good if you want F or C awards on LH and LX. What they charge as taxes and fees is another matter.

SPlDER

The main disadvantage are YQ and taxes .

Lack

And restrictions (zones and segment limitations).

Liberal stopover policy is nice though.

SebFra

I would definitely credit my miles onto the Lufthansa program. What else use would another *Alliance status bring to you?

Redemption on expensive tickets was always good for me and service during the journey was also good with LH status on the ticket.

It is easy and convenient to use only one program of star alliance and you could maybe get some more benefits from the selections program, depending on how many more miles you will earn. My wife received 2 evouchers and another FTL card with the program last year; I consider this a nice additional benefit for continuing the use of LH program.

irishguy28

That status can be enjoyed regardless of where the miles are booked. Just carry the status card. where you have no status.[/QUOTE]

shorthauldad

Have you put a value on your M&M and your SQ miles? If not now might be a good time to (attempt to) do so.

What are the earnings like for your upcoming flights for the two programs? Depending on distances and booking classes, and the earnings charts, the number of miles you'd earn might be very different.

Lewis42

I put my miles into three separate groups, I have Plat / SEN / E+ in the following 3.

Flying Blue - All my Skyteam flights. Lots of affordable flights from one of my local airports and I am a big fan of KLM. Their service for me has been second to none.

Lufthansa - This is a new one...the Eurowings benefits are big and I managed to get a status match. This will be my main for my Star Alliance flights. Status lasts for 2 years so...should be ok.

Turkish Airlines - I like this for the upgrade vouchers from Y to J each year. The status is easy to maintain. Status lasts for 2 years so...easy peasy.

In your situation, if I was you...I wouldn't bother with the Singapore Airlines FFP, I would just bank all of my miles into LH.

GBM.flights

you're sorted with Gold for 2 years, that's the good part
So now you have to figure out what will be the use of the miles you're earning.

If you have a C or F SQ award in mind, go for Krisflyer
If you want a LX F award, M&M it is.
justing buy junk at Worldshop? M&M again.
And so on...

In case you just to maximize the miles you're getting and decide later, go for more than 2 *A FFP:
http://www.wheretocredit.com/

1flyer

It's not that simple to credit to *A program A while enjoying the benefits of B (wait-list priority, seat blocking, priority baggage tags etc.).

You are experienced enough that you should know that. Either you don't enjoy all status benefits or you risk that miles end up in the wrong account.

irishguy28

And who said you need "all status benefits"? A status card gets you the benefits that count - lounge, bags, priority.

I have never needed waitlist priority so see that as a pointless "benefit"; I have had a free seat beside me when travelling without status and had seatmates when travelling with status so there's no guarantee; baggage tags can be acquired by showing your status card at check-in.

1flyer

So you go to the check-in desk every time, show the agent the status card, ask him to give you priority baggage tags but NOT to change the frequent flyer number in the booking?

Seems inconvenient to me. Honestly, I don't have the time for that. I certainly wouldn't enjoy the occasional discussions with uncooperative agents, either.

For me, other benefits do count. Seat blocking very much counts. Waitlist priority and IRROPS handling you obviously don't need everyday. But they can be VERY useful.