Jan 20, 2016, 10:53 pm
Last edit by: jtet
A number of threads have been started with members asking for guidance on which mileage programme they should join. In order to help users I have started this thread to allow people to post their requests for information here and to allow people to offer assistance.
For members asking for information please help people to assist you, can you provide:
(1) What is your home airport? (SFO, LAX, MCO, etc.)
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? (C, F, Y, etc.)
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? (<25K, 25k-50k, >50k)
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? (UA Silver, M&M Senator etc)
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? (Frequent upgrades on travel, priority services when flying the airline, good award redemption rates, free lounge access, etc.)
(6) Which routes do you fly most often (US Domestic, Transpacific etc)
(7) Preferred Airlines
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? (Can you chooose your airlines, class of service?)
GENERAL INFORMATION:
If you fly less than 50k miles per year: it is almost guaranteed that your choice will be between Aegean Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and Asiana Airlines. Please look up these airlines' frequent flier programs, and make a decision as to which best suits your needs.
Some considerations to take into account:
Airlines tend to treat members of their own frequent flier program better than members of other frequent flier programs. If you fly one of these airlines, it is recommended that you choose that airline.
Some airlines have better earning/redemption charts for your pattern. For example, if you fly on cheap fares on a certain airline often, Turkish might give you miles for it, while Aegean might not. However, Turkish Airlines might charge much more for the redemption that you want to make than Aegean.
Asiana Airlines offers lifetime Star Alliance Gold for 500k miles over life. The other 2 airlines do not offer this benefit.
Asiana Airlines has a credit card in the USA and some other countries. If you are interested in credit cards, check to make sure that the program that you join has a credit card in your country.
If you still aren't sure which frequent flyer program is for you after looking these up, feel free to ask on this thread.
For members asking for information please help people to assist you, can you provide:
(1) What is your home airport? (SFO, LAX, MCO, etc.)
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? (C, F, Y, etc.)
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? (<25K, 25k-50k, >50k)
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? (UA Silver, M&M Senator etc)
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? (Frequent upgrades on travel, priority services when flying the airline, good award redemption rates, free lounge access, etc.)
(6) Which routes do you fly most often (US Domestic, Transpacific etc)
(7) Preferred Airlines
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? (Can you chooose your airlines, class of service?)
GENERAL INFORMATION:
If you fly less than 50k miles per year: it is almost guaranteed that your choice will be between Aegean Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and Asiana Airlines. Please look up these airlines' frequent flier programs, and make a decision as to which best suits your needs.
Some considerations to take into account:
Airlines tend to treat members of their own frequent flier program better than members of other frequent flier programs. If you fly one of these airlines, it is recommended that you choose that airline.
Some airlines have better earning/redemption charts for your pattern. For example, if you fly on cheap fares on a certain airline often, Turkish might give you miles for it, while Aegean might not. However, Turkish Airlines might charge much more for the redemption that you want to make than Aegean.
Asiana Airlines offers lifetime Star Alliance Gold for 500k miles over life. The other 2 airlines do not offer this benefit.
Asiana Airlines has a credit card in the USA and some other countries. If you are interested in credit cards, check to make sure that the program that you join has a credit card in your country.
If you still aren't sure which frequent flyer program is for you after looking these up, feel free to ask on this thread.
Need advice on which *A FF scheme to join? - please post here
Jun 8, 2017, 3:27 am
#1921
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MEL CHC
Posts: 21,016
<snip>
I'll be in SIN for about 2 years. Will points transfer back-and-forth w/UAL's program? Do they recognize elite status on the other?
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? (Frequent upgrades on travel, priority services when flying the airline, good award redemption rates, free lounge access, etc.)
Upgrades and priority services.
<snip>
I'll be in SIN for about 2 years. Will points transfer back-and-forth w/UAL's program? Do they recognize elite status on the other?
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? (Frequent upgrades on travel, priority services when flying the airline, good award redemption rates, free lounge access, etc.)
Upgrades and priority services.
<snip>
You will not get (freebie - status) upgrades on Asian flights, so forget about this. For upgrades with airlines based out of the USA always expect to fly in the class you buy. You may get the chance for an upgrade on long haul UA flights, but is hard.
http://www.staralliance.com/en/recognition-and-rewards
Edit
loogoldham's other thread http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/infor...r-program.html
Last edited by Mwenenzi; Jun 8, 2017 at 3:34 am
Jun 8, 2017, 3:29 am
#1922
Join Date: Jun 2017
Posts: 4
For 2 years in SIN stay with United. Just put you UA ff number in the SQ reservation.
You will not get (freebie - status) upgrades on Asian flights, so forget about this. For upgrades with airlines based out of the USA always expect to fly in the class you buy. You may get the chance for an upgrade on long haul UA flights, but is hard.
You will not get (freebie - status) upgrades on Asian flights, so forget about this. For upgrades with airlines based out of the USA always expect to fly in the class you buy. You may get the chance for an upgrade on long haul UA flights, but is hard.
Jun 11, 2017, 2:43 am
#1924
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: AA plat pro, HH Diamond
Posts: 429
If you fly enough (50k per year) to earn SQ Gold then it may be worth switching to Krisflyer as it provides greater benefits flying from SIN:
- many regional flights are operated by Silkair, your SQ Gold will give you elite benefits (lounge, early boarding etc), other star alliance gold will not count.
Also earning on Krisflyer will open up better SQ award redemption options. Together with some credit card spend in Singapore you can earn enough relatively quickly for a nice J or F return in SQ to the US.
Also, you may end up staying in Singapore longer than the 2 years.
I moved here as OWE, but quickly found that SQ Gold was the most useful status to have here, to make regional Y flights a better experience.
- many regional flights are operated by Silkair, your SQ Gold will give you elite benefits (lounge, early boarding etc), other star alliance gold will not count.
Also earning on Krisflyer will open up better SQ award redemption options. Together with some credit card spend in Singapore you can earn enough relatively quickly for a nice J or F return in SQ to the US.
Also, you may end up staying in Singapore longer than the 2 years.
I moved here as OWE, but quickly found that SQ Gold was the most useful status to have here, to make regional Y flights a better experience.
Jun 18, 2017, 4:27 pm
#1925
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: SEA/NYC/IAD
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Titanium, Hyatt Explorist
Posts: 1,921
Greetings! Long-time lurker, first post! Would appreciate some advice on whether status is worth it (criteria below) and if so, which FF program to pursue!
I'm rapidly approaching my vacation day cap, so I figured I should start traveling more!
Right now considering sticking with MileagePlus, but I'm worried about meeting the PQD requirement. I was thinking maybe KrisFlyer instead (would love to book one of the fabled A380 suites someday ...) though the primary concern there would be three year mileage expiration.
Short of getting Platinum, how likely am I to get upgrades from status?
Alternately, does it make sense to suck it up and stay mercenary flying exclusively economy, or potentially go OW instead? For instance, OW operates nonstop LAX-HKG and LAX-DCA with somewhat better schedules than *A equivalents (e.g. SNA-SFO-HKG, SNA-SFO-IAD/BWI).
I'm rapidly approaching my vacation day cap, so I figured I should start traveling more!
- What is your home airport?
SNA/LAX/SAN. Note: it takes an 60-90 minutes + $70-90 to get to LAX/SAN (one-way), compared to 15 minutes + $15 to get to SNA.
Secondary "home airport" is WAS (prefer DCA, as I can take the subway compared to sitting in traffic). I'm fine with paying an extra $350 or so since I can stopover at home for a few days and then continue to wherever.
- What types of fares do you usually buy?
Economy, especially for any flight shorter than 7 hours. For international flights, I'm willing to book into PE and upgrade into Business/First (or even booking Business/First if it's a good deal).
- How many miles do you usually fly each year & in what class? How many flights/sectors?
Currently ~12k miles flying domestic economy (3 roundtrips coast to coast, either nonstop or up to 1 stop). Looking to add two international roundtrips per year which will add ~25k miles to the above figure.
- Do you have FFP status of any kind in an airline? What is it? Do you have any miles banked in a FFP?
~10k banked with SWA, ~2k with UA, so nothing special since I usually fly domestic. With planned international travel, I've been debating if going for status is worth it. I suspect I can hit Silver, or maybe Gold if I throw in a mileage run or two.
I also hold Amex/Chase cards with access to both rewards programs, if that helps.
- What is most important to you in a FFP?
Upgrades > Good Redemption Rates > Award Access
I never check bags, and fly with only a backpack, so baggage allowance and priority boarding are irrelevant to me. Similarly, I try to avoid (long) layovers in favor of stopovers or nonstops when available and arrive at the airport on time, so lounge access is of limited utility for me.
- Which routes and airlines do you fly most often?
(annually)
• 2x: SNA-BWI on SWA, though considering switching to nonstop red-eye LAX-IAD/BWI on UA
• 1x: SNA/LAX-YYZ/YVR on UA/AC (generally alternate annually between YYZ/YVR)
• 1x: SNA-SEA for work, usually on DL, or occasionally Alaska
• 2x: looking to add two international roundtrips (1 Europe, 1 Asia)
- Can you choose your airlines and/or class of service? Airline most flown? Do you travel for work and/or pleasure?
I have choice of airline and class (though considering going mercenary at this point). Airlines most flown are SWA/UA for pleasure. Work usually puts me on DL Economy (infrequent).
- Preferred Airlines?
I've historically gone mercenary for cheapest fare. ❤SWA though sadly not really an option for international travel, and switching to overnight flights means I can save a vacation day by departing after work.
Right now considering sticking with MileagePlus, but I'm worried about meeting the PQD requirement. I was thinking maybe KrisFlyer instead (would love to book one of the fabled A380 suites someday ...) though the primary concern there would be three year mileage expiration.
Short of getting Platinum, how likely am I to get upgrades from status?
Alternately, does it make sense to suck it up and stay mercenary flying exclusively economy, or potentially go OW instead? For instance, OW operates nonstop LAX-HKG and LAX-DCA with somewhat better schedules than *A equivalents (e.g. SNA-SFO-HKG, SNA-SFO-IAD/BWI).
Jun 26, 2017, 9:50 pm
#1926
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: SFO
Programs: AA PP, OZ *G, Hyatt Expl, Marriott Gold, Lots of Ex-statuses
Posts: 318
(1) What is your home airport? (SFO, LAX, MCO, etc.)
SFO
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? (C, F, Y, etc.)
Discounted J/F int'l fares i.e. P/Z/A. A few transcons in lowest Y fare.
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? (<25K, 25k-50k, >50k)
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? (UA Premier, M&M Senator etc)
UA 1K and AA EXP expiring this year. AS 75K.
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? (Frequent upgrades on travel, priority services when flying the airline, good award redemption rates, free lounge access, etc.)
I just want usable international upgrades.
(6) Which routes do you fly most often (US Domestic, Transpacific etc)
Mix of Europe and Asia, equal.
(7) Preferred Airlines
For F: AF + LX. For J: JL, NH, SQ, LX, AC
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? (Can you chooose your airlines, class of service?)
Pretty much all work. I can pick airline and class of service depending on how early I book.
I was a loyal UA 1K for a while, but then spent some time just flying everybody to try out the different airlines. Flew F on pretty much everybody, and now I'd like a program that let's me get international upgrades on cheap economy fares. I've been looking into tons of programs and it seems like AA EXP is the best for that? I have enough spend to hit top-tier on pretty much any program (except M&M HON), so I'd like to now just pick a program that gives me the best chances of international upgrades. Any thoughts?
SFO
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? (C, F, Y, etc.)
Discounted J/F int'l fares i.e. P/Z/A. A few transcons in lowest Y fare.
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? (<25K, 25k-50k, >50k)
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? (UA Premier, M&M Senator etc)
UA 1K and AA EXP expiring this year. AS 75K.
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? (Frequent upgrades on travel, priority services when flying the airline, good award redemption rates, free lounge access, etc.)
I just want usable international upgrades.
(6) Which routes do you fly most often (US Domestic, Transpacific etc)
Mix of Europe and Asia, equal.
(7) Preferred Airlines
For F: AF + LX. For J: JL, NH, SQ, LX, AC
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? (Can you chooose your airlines, class of service?)
Pretty much all work. I can pick airline and class of service depending on how early I book.
I was a loyal UA 1K for a while, but then spent some time just flying everybody to try out the different airlines. Flew F on pretty much everybody, and now I'd like a program that let's me get international upgrades on cheap economy fares. I've been looking into tons of programs and it seems like AA EXP is the best for that? I have enough spend to hit top-tier on pretty much any program (except M&M HON), so I'd like to now just pick a program that gives me the best chances of international upgrades. Any thoughts?
Jun 26, 2017, 11:23 pm
#1927
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: AMS/RTM
Posts: 2,827
I have enough spend to hit top-tier on pretty much any program (except M&M HON), so I'd like to now just pick a program that gives me the best chances of international upgrades. Any thoughts?
If you are talking about paying for upgrades, UA remains your best bet since their upgrade instruments can be used on LH as well. You seem to fly in premium cabins a lot, so it's clearly not a matter of status. I'm not sure what the situation is for UA, but LH lets you upgrade on their metal also from lower economy classes. It's probably no use to you though.
Jun 27, 2017, 12:23 am
#1928
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: SFO
Programs: AA PP, OZ *G, Hyatt Expl, Marriott Gold, Lots of Ex-statuses
Posts: 318
Define "international upgrades". If you are referring to op-ups, just remember that it's a US-only idea that people will be upgraded just to fill seats upfront.
If you are talking about paying for upgrades, UA remains your best bet since their upgrade instruments can be used on LH as well. You seem to fly in premium cabins a lot, so it's clearly not a matter of status. I'm not sure what the situation is for UA, but LH lets you upgrade on their metal also from lower economy classes. It's probably no use to you though.
If you are talking about paying for upgrades, UA remains your best bet since their upgrade instruments can be used on LH as well. You seem to fly in premium cabins a lot, so it's clearly not a matter of status. I'm not sure what the situation is for UA, but LH lets you upgrade on their metal also from lower economy classes. It's probably no use to you though.
So basically I'm looking for a program that can offer GPU/SWU type certs that are easier to use on cheaper fares. If that's impossible, then I'll just credit to UA or OZ.
Jun 27, 2017, 12:24 am
#1929
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MEL CHC
Posts: 21,016
If you are talking about paying for upgrades, UA remains your best bet since their upgrade instruments can be used on LH as well. You seem to fly in premium cabins a lot, so it's clearly not a matter of status. I'm not sure what the situation is for UA, but LH lets you upgrade on their metal also from lower economy classes. It's probably no use to you though.
On other airline ffps' unless there is specific agreement, like UA-LH, selecting a (new) ffp in the vain hope of getting upgrades on other airlines for long haul and/or international flights and/or non USA air lines is unlikely to happen.
Star alliance has a cross airline upgrade system, but you need expensive YB (and other?) booking class fares.
Jun 29, 2017, 11:43 am
#1930
Join Date: Aug 2016
Posts: 34
(1) What is your home airport?
All NYC airports (EWR preferred over JFK)
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? (C, F, Y, etc.)
Discounted business class when travelling internationally (P, Z), cheapest economy fares when travelling domestically.
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? (<25K, 25k-50k, >50k)
BIS miles ~50k a year, but a good portion of that is international business class.
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? (UA Premier, M&M Senator etc)
UA Gold right now, will hit Plat with my next flight next month.
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP?
Good redemption and earning rates. The main reason I'm posting here is due to the UA devaluation coming later this year, and I'm looking for a new home to earn/burn miles.
(6) Which routes do you fly most often
Domestically: I fly these routes each multiple times a year: NYC-SEA, NYC-SFO, NYC-LAX
Internationally: I will usually fly both of these routes at least once a year: NYC-SYD, NYC-ZRH
(7) Preferred Airlines
Domestically I have no choice. Internationally:
For going to Europe, I prefer lufthansa/SWISS.
For going to Australia, I prefer ANA.
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? (Can you chooose your airlines, class of service?)
Both international trips are for work, I'm allowed to choose my airline, and the budget lets me comfortably book business class.
Domestic trips are a mix of work and pleasure. For work the budget isn't enough for domestic first, but usually high enough to book Y. For pleasure I book the lowest fares possible.
Other notes:
One of the draws for crediting to United was that flights on Lufthansa group flights & ANA gets a bonus based on my status (e.g. ANA P fares get 262.5% miles flown with UA Plat). My favorite redemption right now is bringing family members/friends with me to Australia whenever I travel there for work, via business class redemptions on ANA/Asiana. As that redemption rate is going up 10k each way on November 1st, I'm now looking for a better home to credit my flights to, since even with the premier bonus miles on certain partner flights it no longer outweighs the devaluation.
All NYC airports (EWR preferred over JFK)
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? (C, F, Y, etc.)
Discounted business class when travelling internationally (P, Z), cheapest economy fares when travelling domestically.
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? (<25K, 25k-50k, >50k)
BIS miles ~50k a year, but a good portion of that is international business class.
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? (UA Premier, M&M Senator etc)
UA Gold right now, will hit Plat with my next flight next month.
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP?
Good redemption and earning rates. The main reason I'm posting here is due to the UA devaluation coming later this year, and I'm looking for a new home to earn/burn miles.
(6) Which routes do you fly most often
Domestically: I fly these routes each multiple times a year: NYC-SEA, NYC-SFO, NYC-LAX
Internationally: I will usually fly both of these routes at least once a year: NYC-SYD, NYC-ZRH
(7) Preferred Airlines
Domestically I have no choice. Internationally:
For going to Europe, I prefer lufthansa/SWISS.
For going to Australia, I prefer ANA.
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? (Can you chooose your airlines, class of service?)
Both international trips are for work, I'm allowed to choose my airline, and the budget lets me comfortably book business class.
Domestic trips are a mix of work and pleasure. For work the budget isn't enough for domestic first, but usually high enough to book Y. For pleasure I book the lowest fares possible.
Other notes:
One of the draws for crediting to United was that flights on Lufthansa group flights & ANA gets a bonus based on my status (e.g. ANA P fares get 262.5% miles flown with UA Plat). My favorite redemption right now is bringing family members/friends with me to Australia whenever I travel there for work, via business class redemptions on ANA/Asiana. As that redemption rate is going up 10k each way on November 1st, I'm now looking for a better home to credit my flights to, since even with the premier bonus miles on certain partner flights it no longer outweighs the devaluation.
Jun 29, 2017, 4:01 pm
#1931
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MEL CHC
Posts: 21,016
..
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP?
Good redemption and earning rates. The main reason I'm posting here is due to the UA devaluation coming later this year, and I'm looking for a new home to earn/burn miles.
<snip>
As that redemption rate is going up 10k each way on November 1st, I'm now looking for a better home to credit my flights to, since even with the premier bonus miles on certain partner flights it no longer outweighs the devaluation.
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP?
Good redemption and earning rates. The main reason I'm posting here is due to the UA devaluation coming later this year, and I'm looking for a new home to earn/burn miles.
<snip>
As that redemption rate is going up 10k each way on November 1st, I'm now looking for a better home to credit my flights to, since even with the premier bonus miles on certain partner flights it no longer outweighs the devaluation.
USA based airline ffp's tend to be more generous (status benefits/earn/burn/upgrades/award cost/award cash surcharges/expiry/affiliated credit card ff mile earning/promotions) compared to non USA based airline ffp’s (even after the recent changes to some USA ffp’s).
The airline you fly most or an airline of the country you live is the best ffp for many people. Generally you are better earning on your primary airline due to greater recognition, better service when disruptions, ability to upgrade flights and possible operational upgrades.
If awards are your ffp objective earn to burn is what matters.
For award comparison look here (or a similar site) http://www.awardace.com/
The grass in not always greener on the other side
Jun 29, 2017, 6:19 pm
#1932
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BOS/EAP
Programs: UA 1K, MR LTT, HH Dia, Amex Plat
Posts: 32,028
Not going to happen. The grass in not always greener on the other side
USA based airline ffp's tend to be more generous (status benefits/earn/burn/upgrades/award cost/award cash surcharges/expiry/affiliated credit card ff mile earning/promotions) compared to non USA based airline ffp’s (even after the recent changes to some USA ffp’s).
The airline you fly most or an airline of the country you live is the best ffp for many people. Generally you are better earning on your primary airline due to greater recognition, better service when disruptions, ability to upgrade flights and possible operational upgrades.
If awards are your ffp objective earn to burn is what matters.
For award comparison look here (or a similar site) http://www.awardace.com/
The grass in not always greener on the other side
USA based airline ffp's tend to be more generous (status benefits/earn/burn/upgrades/award cost/award cash surcharges/expiry/affiliated credit card ff mile earning/promotions) compared to non USA based airline ffp’s (even after the recent changes to some USA ffp’s).
The airline you fly most or an airline of the country you live is the best ffp for many people. Generally you are better earning on your primary airline due to greater recognition, better service when disruptions, ability to upgrade flights and possible operational upgrades.
If awards are your ffp objective earn to burn is what matters.
For award comparison look here (or a similar site) http://www.awardace.com/
The grass in not always greener on the other side
Jul 6, 2017, 1:22 pm
#1933
Join Date: Aug 2016
Posts: 34
Not going to happen. The grass in not always greener on the other side
USA based airline ffp's tend to be more generous (status benefits/earn/burn/upgrades/award cost/award cash surcharges/expiry/affiliated credit card ff mile earning/promotions) compared to non USA based airline ffp’s (even after the recent changes to some USA ffp’s).
The airline you fly most or an airline of the country you live is the best ffp for many people. Generally you are better earning on your primary airline due to greater recognition, better service when disruptions, ability to upgrade flights and possible operational upgrades.
If awards are your ffp objective earn to burn is what matters.
For award comparison look here (or a similar site) http://www.awardace.com/
The grass in not always greener on the other side
USA based airline ffp's tend to be more generous (status benefits/earn/burn/upgrades/award cost/award cash surcharges/expiry/affiliated credit card ff mile earning/promotions) compared to non USA based airline ffp’s (even after the recent changes to some USA ffp’s).
The airline you fly most or an airline of the country you live is the best ffp for many people. Generally you are better earning on your primary airline due to greater recognition, better service when disruptions, ability to upgrade flights and possible operational upgrades.
If awards are your ffp objective earn to burn is what matters.
For award comparison look here (or a similar site) http://www.awardace.com/
The grass in not always greener on the other side
Jul 6, 2017, 2:41 pm
#1934
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 3
Hi all, this is my first time posting in this forum. I would greatly appreciate your advice on which *A FF program to join. My issue is that the airline FF miles I currently have are all OneWorld miles, but my parents live in Taiwan and I would like to start visiting them more frequently. I have a toddler so direct flights would be much preferred, which limits me mainly to *A airlines like EVA or even Air Canada. What is the best way for me to earn *A miles for flights to Taiwan?
(1) What is your home airport? (SFO, LAX, MCO, etc.)
Usually LAX. However, I may fly to Vancouver sometimes and may plan a trip to TPE from there.
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? (C, F, Y, etc.)
Economy or premium economy.
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? (<25K, 25k-50k, >50k)
<25K
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? (UA Silver, M&M Senator etc)
Not on any *A airlines. I only have AA miles which I could use for Cathay Pacific, but they don't have any direct flights to TPE.
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? (Frequent upgrades on travel, priority services when flying the airline, good award redemption rates, free lounge access, etc.)
Good award redemption rates.
(6) Which routes do you fly most often (US Domestic, Transpacific etc)
LAX to TPE would be most often. Maybe YVR to TPE sometimes.
(7) Preferred Airlines
1. EVA Air (they are my parents' preferred airline).
2. Air Canada (for direct flights from YVR to TPE).
3. Asiana (they allow family pooling of miles, but no direct flights to TPE).
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? (Can you choose your airlines, class of service?)
Mainly to visit family, which are scattered around the U.S., Canada and Asia.
Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks!
(1) What is your home airport? (SFO, LAX, MCO, etc.)
Usually LAX. However, I may fly to Vancouver sometimes and may plan a trip to TPE from there.
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? (C, F, Y, etc.)
Economy or premium economy.
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? (<25K, 25k-50k, >50k)
<25K
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? (UA Silver, M&M Senator etc)
Not on any *A airlines. I only have AA miles which I could use for Cathay Pacific, but they don't have any direct flights to TPE.
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? (Frequent upgrades on travel, priority services when flying the airline, good award redemption rates, free lounge access, etc.)
Good award redemption rates.
(6) Which routes do you fly most often (US Domestic, Transpacific etc)
LAX to TPE would be most often. Maybe YVR to TPE sometimes.
(7) Preferred Airlines
1. EVA Air (they are my parents' preferred airline).
2. Air Canada (for direct flights from YVR to TPE).
3. Asiana (they allow family pooling of miles, but no direct flights to TPE).
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? (Can you choose your airlines, class of service?)
Mainly to visit family, which are scattered around the U.S., Canada and Asia.
Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks!
Jul 6, 2017, 10:33 pm
#1935
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: SFO
Programs: UA MM, SQ KrisFlyer, SPG/Marriott Titanium
Posts: 1,231
I'm shopping around for a *A program since all the US legacies are revenue based now.
(1) What is your home airport? SFO
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy? Whatever is the going rate in Y that gets me 100% RDM/EQM
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? (50k-100k)
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? UA MM, AA Plat
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? Priority service, upgrades if possible, lounge access (not that important since got *G via UA MM)
(6) Which routes do you fly most often (Transpacific, inter Asia, US Domestic)
(7) Preferred Airlines SQ, NH, OZ BR
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? Pleasure I guess, since I don't fly on OPM.
I was a 1K flying on my own money for 7 years. When UA went revenue based (thus declaring my money wasn't worth flown status), I went to AA EXP for 3 years until they did the unoriginal thing this year, moving to revenue based, just like UA who copied DL. Innovation!
Most of my flights wind up in Singapore but with occasional trips ending in HKG, PVG or HND. I've done some research and uncovered the following: NH and BR are confusing, SQ Krisflyer doesn't have a wiki for its program (or I just couldn't find it), OZ has easier requirements (but what do you get with their top tier?) Basically, if I fly 100k on any of these programs, which one has the best perks and value?
(1) What is your home airport? SFO
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy? Whatever is the going rate in Y that gets me 100% RDM/EQM
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? (50k-100k)
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? UA MM, AA Plat
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? Priority service, upgrades if possible, lounge access (not that important since got *G via UA MM)
(6) Which routes do you fly most often (Transpacific, inter Asia, US Domestic)
(7) Preferred Airlines SQ, NH, OZ BR
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? Pleasure I guess, since I don't fly on OPM.
I was a 1K flying on my own money for 7 years. When UA went revenue based (thus declaring my money wasn't worth flown status), I went to AA EXP for 3 years until they did the unoriginal thing this year, moving to revenue based, just like UA who copied DL. Innovation!
Most of my flights wind up in Singapore but with occasional trips ending in HKG, PVG or HND. I've done some research and uncovered the following: NH and BR are confusing, SQ Krisflyer doesn't have a wiki for its program (or I just couldn't find it), OZ has easier requirements (but what do you get with their top tier?) Basically, if I fly 100k on any of these programs, which one has the best perks and value?