Which *A FFP would you switch to if you knew you wouldn't make 50k status miles/yr?
Feb 8, 2010, 6:22 am
#17
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Singapore, Warsaw, Surfers Paradise
Programs: KrisFlyer Gold>>>Silver>>>Blue, Finnair Silver, Royal Caribbean Diamond
Posts: 5,173
I just checked and basically AC/OZ/BD accept the exact same SQ booking classes for mileage accrual.
Since BD offers a 25% bonus even if you fly on other *A airlines... like SQ, doesn't this make it the #1 program in this scenario?
Plus, what really stands out is the miles+cash option. Return BC awards on a *A carrier cost the standard 120k miles. Or you can use 60k + pay 270 GBP. That is a fantastic deal IMO. So basically you can get another BC return flight from Europe to Asia for just 540 GBP. Wow.
Since BD offers a 25% bonus even if you fly on other *A airlines... like SQ, doesn't this make it the #1 program in this scenario?
Plus, what really stands out is the miles+cash option. Return BC awards on a *A carrier cost the standard 120k miles. Or you can use 60k + pay 270 GBP. That is a fantastic deal IMO. So basically you can get another BC return flight from Europe to Asia for just 540 GBP. Wow.
Feb 8, 2010, 11:51 am
#18
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: San Francisco
Programs: LH, UA, SQ
Posts: 436
I just checked and basically AC/OZ/BD accept the exact same SQ booking classes for mileage accrual.
Since BD offers a 25% bonus even if you fly on other *A airlines... like SQ, doesn't this make it the #1 program in this scenario?
Plus, what really stands out is the miles+cash option. Return BC awards on a *A carrier cost the standard 120k miles. Or you can use 60k + pay 270 GBP. That is a fantastic deal IMO. So basically you can get another BC return flight from Europe to Asia for just 540 GBP. Wow.
Since BD offers a 25% bonus even if you fly on other *A airlines... like SQ, doesn't this make it the #1 program in this scenario?
Plus, what really stands out is the miles+cash option. Return BC awards on a *A carrier cost the standard 120k miles. Or you can use 60k + pay 270 GBP. That is a fantastic deal IMO. So basically you can get another BC return flight from Europe to Asia for just 540 GBP. Wow.
If you follow the discussions in BD forum, you may notice that many FTers have flown in C or F or even the Suites on SQ. Thanks to the cash + miles options! ^
Feb 9, 2010, 9:50 am
#19
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: SIN
Programs: SQ, UA, Delta, BMI(RIP), Marriott Lifetime Titanium, Hilton Diamond (Thanks Amex) Hyatt Discov
Posts: 1,942
BMI has a free ""upgrade" to silver for new sign ups" promotion going on, so if you sign up now, you will only need 38k miles in 12 months for BMI gold. BMI also converts status miles into destination miles after you reach a threshold, so if you are likely to clock in a lot of miles, do look at these intricate BMI rules on the BMI thread.
Feb 9, 2010, 8:20 pm
#20
Join Date: Sep 2007
Programs: UA Premier Exec; AA Platinum; SPG Gold; PC Platinum Ambassador
Posts: 285
BMI also has a new family membership, allowing you to pool your miles with other family members- don't know too much about it but there's a lot more info over on the BMI forum- http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/bmi-d...-comments.html
I found redemptions in Y class on SQ flights easier to obtain using my MP miles than my KF miles. Also no fuel surcharges when redeeming MP miles on SQ flights, unlike the fees when using KF miles. So although 100% of my redemptions are on SQ (and 90% of the miles flown), I prefer to put my miles into another *A program.
Not true- you are just looking at the rules for the KF program. MP members report getting upgrades using United miles- http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/13167856-post7.html
SQ does block award J/F seats on certain routes and equipment (77W, A380) for *A partners, so take that in to consideration. If your award redemption is mainly on SQ I suggest you do a MR and make the 50K and stay with KrisFlyer, that would be the best route to get awards on SQ.
If you will mainly redeem for Y, then that's not an issue.
If you will mainly redeem for Y, then that's not an issue.
That is affirmative only SQ miles are eligible for upgrades.
Refer to point 10.
https://www.singaporeair.com/saa/en_...ms.jsp#Header5
Refer to point 10.
https://www.singaporeair.com/saa/en_...ms.jsp#Header5
Feb 9, 2010, 8:47 pm
#21
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: YYZ/DLC
Programs: AP, HHonours Diamond
Posts: 3,722
Not true- you are just looking at the rules for the KF program. MP members report getting upgrades using United miles- http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/13167856-post7.html
http://www.staralliance.com/en/benef...pgrade-awards/
BD, AC and a bunch of others do not participate in this scheme though.
Feb 9, 2010, 8:52 pm
#22
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: YYZ/DLC
Programs: AP, HHonours Diamond
Posts: 3,722
I found redemptions in Y class on SQ flights easier to obtain using my MP miles than my KF miles. Also no fuel surcharges when redeeming MP miles on SQ flights, unlike the fees when using KF miles. So although 100% of my redemptions are on SQ (and 90% of the miles flown), I prefer to put my miles into another *A program.
Feb 9, 2010, 11:38 pm
#23
Join Date: Aug 2009
Programs: SPG Gold, SQ Blue, OZ Diamond, JAVA and occasionally C
Posts: 5,563
BMI also has a new family membership, allowing you to pool your miles with other family members- don't know too much about it but there's a lot more info over on the BMI forum- http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/bmi-d...-comments.html
I found redemptions in Y class on SQ flights easier to obtain using my MP miles than my KF miles. Also no fuel surcharges when redeeming MP miles on SQ flights, unlike the fees when using KF miles. So although 100% of my redemptions are on SQ (and 90% of the miles flown), I prefer to put my miles into another *A program.
Feb 10, 2010, 6:30 pm
#24
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Singapore, Warsaw, Surfers Paradise
Programs: KrisFlyer Gold>>>Silver>>>Blue, Finnair Silver, Royal Caribbean Diamond
Posts: 5,173
Forget upgrades, with the great miles+cash option that this FFP offers you can book seats with 1/2 the usual miles plus a few bucks.
Feb 10, 2010, 6:47 pm
#25
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Singapore, Warsaw, Surfers Paradise
Programs: KrisFlyer Gold>>>Silver>>>Blue, Finnair Silver, Royal Caribbean Diamond
Posts: 5,173
BMI has a free ""upgrade" to silver for new sign ups" promotion going on, so if you sign up now, you will only need 38k miles in 12 months for BMI gold. BMI also converts status miles into destination miles after you reach a threshold, so if you are likely to clock in a lot of miles, do look at these intricate BMI rules on the BMI thread.
What do you mean by converting status miles into destination miles? Qualifying miles are counted as both, so does this mean that your mileage balance is doubled after reaching a certain threshold?
I think I'm going to make 50k on KF to qualify for renewal, but as soon as I hit that target I will start collecting miles in BMI's Diamond Club as the miles+cash option and the 25% bonus on *A flights seems like a better deal than what KF is giving me.
Feb 10, 2010, 6:59 pm
#26
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: YYZ/DLC
Programs: AP, HHonours Diamond
Posts: 3,722
Redemption via Aeroplan you mean? You can do it either way, however regardless of *A partner program you choose, SQ will only release J/F on their premium planes to KF redemptions only. I don't know whether or not BD's FFP with the cash + mile option would be excluded or not though. If you plan on redeeming J/F on SQ, you must make certain you can do so with the program you're considering. Y redemptions are fine though.
Feb 10, 2010, 7:37 pm
#27
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: YYZ/DLC
Programs: AP, HHonours Diamond
Posts: 3,722
Is there a special link I need to use or is it automatic (the instant Silver status)? Because I can't find any info about this on their site.
What do you mean by converting status miles into destination miles? Qualifying miles are counted as both, so does this mean that your mileage balance is doubled after reaching a certain threshold?
I think I'm going to make 50k on KF to qualify for renewal, but as soon as I hit that target I will start collecting miles in BMI's Diamond Club as the miles+cash option and the 25% bonus on *A flights seems like a better deal than what KF is giving me.
What do you mean by converting status miles into destination miles? Qualifying miles are counted as both, so does this mean that your mileage balance is doubled after reaching a certain threshold?
I think I'm going to make 50k on KF to qualify for renewal, but as soon as I hit that target I will start collecting miles in BMI's Diamond Club as the miles+cash option and the 25% bonus on *A flights seems like a better deal than what KF is giving me.
Here are a few quotes from the excellent FAQ over at the BD forum:
38K for Star Gold? That’s a steal! Let me at it!
Yes, you only need to 38,000 miles to keep your Gold card. But you have to earn Silver first (unless you’ve been comped, obviously) which requires 16,000 miles. So, from a standing start (i.e. no status) you need 54,000 to achieve Gold. Note the new Blue Plus tier, which used to give you a sandwich and a drink on board bmi flights has been abolished and the total over requirement is now 3k lower than before. You may find Air Canada slightly easier at only 35,000 in a single calendar year, but Diamond Club has excellent redemption value thanks to useful options such as using cash+miles.
Yes, you only need to 38,000 miles to keep your Gold card. But you have to earn Silver first (unless you’ve been comped, obviously) which requires 16,000 miles. So, from a standing start (i.e. no status) you need 54,000 to achieve Gold. Note the new Blue Plus tier, which used to give you a sandwich and a drink on board bmi flights has been abolished and the total over requirement is now 3k lower than before. You may find Air Canada slightly easier at only 35,000 in a single calendar year, but Diamond Club has excellent redemption value thanks to useful options such as using cash+miles.
What about the Gold 55K threshold?
Well, for high earners, this is where a good programme becomes truly great. The old complaint was that once you got Gold status, well, there was nothing better to aim for. Other programmes offered extra upgrades, or a Platinum level or whatever.
In 2006, bmi came up with this: If you have Gold status, bmi will "convert" any (up to a maximum of 250,000) status miles in excess of 55k to bonus destination miles - i.e. the equivalent amount of destinations miles will be credited to your account. These bonuses should credit as part of your Gold status bonus - ie. bmi flights at 35%+100%=135% and partner flights at 25%+100%=125% of the base miles.
Your status miles total stays the same - the miles aren't deducted once they have been 'converted'. At the end of your membership year, of course, your status miles total is reset to 0 and you have to get back up to 55,000 in your next membership year before you earn any further rollover bonus destinations miles.
If you think about this, you can rack up a serious amount of miles on the back of this. Consider a trip to Australia on LH First, for a Gold member, with more than 55k status miles in his a/c:
* LHR-FRA-SIN-SYD: 10890 miles x 3 = 32,670 (YMMV)
* Gold 55K conversion: 32,670
* Regular status bonus: @25% = 2722
That gives a total of 68,062 miles each way or 136,124 miles return. Or 625% of the distance. Now, if you could combine this with an occasional double miles promo, well then, you could be looking at 825%. Not bad for a day sitting round drinking champage?
Well, for high earners, this is where a good programme becomes truly great. The old complaint was that once you got Gold status, well, there was nothing better to aim for. Other programmes offered extra upgrades, or a Platinum level or whatever.
In 2006, bmi came up with this: If you have Gold status, bmi will "convert" any (up to a maximum of 250,000) status miles in excess of 55k to bonus destination miles - i.e. the equivalent amount of destinations miles will be credited to your account. These bonuses should credit as part of your Gold status bonus - ie. bmi flights at 35%+100%=135% and partner flights at 25%+100%=125% of the base miles.
Your status miles total stays the same - the miles aren't deducted once they have been 'converted'. At the end of your membership year, of course, your status miles total is reset to 0 and you have to get back up to 55,000 in your next membership year before you earn any further rollover bonus destinations miles.
If you think about this, you can rack up a serious amount of miles on the back of this. Consider a trip to Australia on LH First, for a Gold member, with more than 55k status miles in his a/c:
* LHR-FRA-SIN-SYD: 10890 miles x 3 = 32,670 (YMMV)
* Gold 55K conversion: 32,670
* Regular status bonus: @25% = 2722
That gives a total of 68,062 miles each way or 136,124 miles return. Or 625% of the distance. Now, if you could combine this with an occasional double miles promo, well then, you could be looking at 825%. Not bad for a day sitting round drinking champage?
Amazing stuff... specially if you don't care about upgrades or you fly mainly in paid F/J!
I say dump KF and go with these guys, you will rack up quite a lot of miles and with their amazing redemptions you can get a lot of return for your bum in the seat! I think I'll start earning on them after I hit 100K this year on AP and see how it goes!
Last edited by payam81; Feb 10, 2010 at 7:51 pm
Feb 10, 2010, 8:03 pm
#28
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Singapore, Warsaw, Surfers Paradise
Programs: KrisFlyer Gold>>>Silver>>>Blue, Finnair Silver, Royal Caribbean Diamond
Posts: 5,173
I meant DC. Thanks for the info, I didn't know it was that difficult to redeem on SQ. Can a DC member check availability of SQ award online, or is it only possible on the phone?
As far as SQ premium planes are concerned, YES - redeeming as a KF member is straightforward... but KF does not offer Saver awards on the A380/777-300ER. Hence paying double the miles is a waste, and what's worse is that on routes like LHR-SIN you have no other planes available... so no saver awards at all on that route.
So as long as booking business seats on SQ using DC miles is possible on other planes, it seems like the right choice to switch to this program.
As far as SQ premium planes are concerned, YES - redeeming as a KF member is straightforward... but KF does not offer Saver awards on the A380/777-300ER. Hence paying double the miles is a waste, and what's worse is that on routes like LHR-SIN you have no other planes available... so no saver awards at all on that route.
So as long as booking business seats on SQ using DC miles is possible on other planes, it seems like the right choice to switch to this program.
Feb 10, 2010, 11:04 pm
#29
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: YYZ/DLC
Programs: AP, HHonours Diamond
Posts: 3,722
I meant DC. Thanks for the info, I didn't know it was that difficult to redeem on SQ. Can a DC member check availability of SQ award online, or is it only possible on the phone?
As far as SQ premium planes are concerned, YES - redeeming as a KF member is straightforward... but KF does not offer Saver awards on the A380/777-300ER. Hence paying double the miles is a waste, and what's worse is that on routes like LHR-SIN you have no other planes available... so no saver awards at all on that route.
So as long as booking business seats on SQ using DC miles is possible on other planes, it seems like the right choice to switch to this program.
As far as SQ premium planes are concerned, YES - redeeming as a KF member is straightforward... but KF does not offer Saver awards on the A380/777-300ER. Hence paying double the miles is a waste, and what's worse is that on routes like LHR-SIN you have no other planes available... so no saver awards at all on that route.
So as long as booking business seats on SQ using DC miles is possible on other planes, it seems like the right choice to switch to this program.
Surprisingly the same route redeemed via Diamond Club would be (a staggering!) 200'000 for F, 120'000 for J and 80'000 for Y. The cash option will bring the mileages down: going for F will cost 100'000 miles and £670! That's not really bad at all! It will give you a chance to not dip too deep in to your mileage pool at a very reasonable cost.
Now I can understand a bit as to why BD Diamond Club has such a generous bonus program in place. They seem to position their redemption so most people go for the miles + cash option.
The perfect FFP only lives in FTers minds!
Feb 14, 2010, 9:16 am
#30
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: SIN
Programs: SQ, UA, Delta, BMI(RIP), Marriott Lifetime Titanium, Hilton Diamond (Thanks Amex) Hyatt Discov
Posts: 1,942
I meant DC. Thanks for the info, I didn't know it was that difficult to redeem on SQ. Can a DC member check availability of SQ award online, or is it only possible on the phone?
As far as SQ premium planes are concerned, YES - redeeming as a KF member is straightforward... but KF does not offer Saver awards on the A380/777-300ER. Hence paying double the miles is a waste, and what's worse is that on routes like LHR-SIN you have no other planes available... so no saver awards at all on that route.
So as long as booking business seats on SQ using DC miles is possible on other planes, it seems like the right choice to switch to this program.
As far as SQ premium planes are concerned, YES - redeeming as a KF member is straightforward... but KF does not offer Saver awards on the A380/777-300ER. Hence paying double the miles is a waste, and what's worse is that on routes like LHR-SIN you have no other planes available... so no saver awards at all on that route.
So as long as booking business seats on SQ using DC miles is possible on other planes, it seems like the right choice to switch to this program.
Please also keep in mind the following "benefits" of accruing miles in SQ Krisflyer:
1. 15% discount for online redemptions
2. You can accrue Krisflyer miles by getting credit cards like DBS Treasures Black Amex, Krisflyer Gold AMEX card, and some others like the Citibank cards. I see that you are SIN based, so you should look closely at this. Note that BMI has an AMEX card, but you can only get it if you are UK based.
3. If you have status on Krisflyer, you will get priority in award redemption waitlists.