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
Oct 4, 2011, 5:49 pm
#481
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: DTW
Posts: 322
(1) I split my times between LAX/ORD/IAD/JFK/ATL. It's hard to explain.
(2) Economy and Buisness
(3) Can't really say how many miles I fly annually. It varies a lot.
(4) No
(5) No Expiration Dates. Lounge Access is the second most important for me. Little things like Prioirty check-in and seating are little things, but I can deal without them.
(6) International. Rare occasions of domestic, unless I'm on stopover.
(7) Any *A member except United, Continental, SAS, or US Airways
(8) Both. Maybe a little more on the work side.
*My buisness leaves me off the road for many times. Some years though, I travel quite frequently, which is why I would greatly prefer no-expiry programs.
(2) Economy and Buisness
(3) Can't really say how many miles I fly annually. It varies a lot.
(4) No
(5) No Expiration Dates. Lounge Access is the second most important for me. Little things like Prioirty check-in and seating are little things, but I can deal without them.
(6) International. Rare occasions of domestic, unless I'm on stopover.
(7) Any *A member except United, Continental, SAS, or US Airways
(8) Both. Maybe a little more on the work side.
*My buisness leaves me off the road for many times. Some years though, I travel quite frequently, which is why I would greatly prefer no-expiry programs.
Last edited by discoseal; Oct 4, 2011 at 5:55 pm
Oct 4, 2011, 7:18 pm
#482
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: SEA/ORD/ADB
Programs: TK ELPL (*G), AS 100K (OWE), BA Gold (OWE), Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Plat, IHG Plat
Posts: 7,763
(1) I split my times between LAX/ORD/IAD/JFK/ATL. It's hard to explain.
(2) Economy and Buisness
(3) Can't really say how many miles I fly annually. It varies a lot.
(4) No
(5) No Expiration Dates. Lounge Access is the second most important for me. Little things like Prioirty check-in and seating are little things, but I can deal without them.
(6) International. Rare occasions of domestic, unless I'm on stopover.
(7) Any *A member except United, Continental, SAS, or US Airways
(8) Both. Maybe a little more on the work side.
*My buisness leaves me off the road for many times. Some years though, I travel quite frequently, which is why I would greatly prefer no-expiry programs.
(2) Economy and Buisness
(3) Can't really say how many miles I fly annually. It varies a lot.
(4) No
(5) No Expiration Dates. Lounge Access is the second most important for me. Little things like Prioirty check-in and seating are little things, but I can deal without them.
(6) International. Rare occasions of domestic, unless I'm on stopover.
(7) Any *A member except United, Continental, SAS, or US Airways
(8) Both. Maybe a little more on the work side.
*My buisness leaves me off the road for many times. Some years though, I travel quite frequently, which is why I would greatly prefer no-expiry programs.
If all you want is quick *G and no expiry, there is nothing better than A3, as I have told you repeatedly.
Oct 5, 2011, 2:27 pm
#483
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 2
(1) What is your home airport?
ZQN & MUC, based for 6 months in NZ & 6 months in GER
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ?
Economy
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year?
Varies.
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present?
Silver *A earned on full economy flights.
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP?
Lounge Access - generally long stopovers enroute
(6) Which routes do you fly most often?
ZQN-AKL-LAX-LHR 2x year, ZQN-SYD-SIN-MUC 2x, 6x TransTasman Jul-Oct & 15+ US regional & EU regional per year - Nov-Jun.
(7) Preferred Airlines
Not fussy though NZ, SQ & LH are my main carriers
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure?
90% work
thanks!
ZQN & MUC, based for 6 months in NZ & 6 months in GER
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ?
Economy
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year?
Varies.
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present?
Silver *A earned on full economy flights.
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP?
Lounge Access - generally long stopovers enroute
(6) Which routes do you fly most often?
ZQN-AKL-LAX-LHR 2x year, ZQN-SYD-SIN-MUC 2x, 6x TransTasman Jul-Oct & 15+ US regional & EU regional per year - Nov-Jun.
(7) Preferred Airlines
Not fussy though NZ, SQ & LH are my main carriers
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure?
90% work
thanks!
Oct 6, 2011, 10:34 am
#484
Join Date: May 2009
Location: SIN (with a bit of ZRH sprinkled in)
Posts: 9,455
discoseal:
If you think you'll make 100k miles (well, that might mean 45k in C, or around 80k in Y if in middle-higher booking classes) once every second year, I would definitely go with LH. Your status will be valid for 2 years+ (If you qualify in 2011, it will be valid till 02/2014), your miles won't expire as long as you hold any status (and FTL@35k miles is quite easily achieved, even though it's not *G) AND if you happen to fly a lot two years in a row, you'll prolonger your status beforehand for +2 years (ie, making SEN/*G on them in 2011 and 2012 will make your status be valid till 02/2016)
Their earning in C (and especially F) are the best in all *A programs I would say, and their availability for redeeming is high. You'll have lounge access when flying in the US domestic as well.
If you think you'll make 100k miles (well, that might mean 45k in C, or around 80k in Y if in middle-higher booking classes) once every second year, I would definitely go with LH. Your status will be valid for 2 years+ (If you qualify in 2011, it will be valid till 02/2014), your miles won't expire as long as you hold any status (and FTL@35k miles is quite easily achieved, even though it's not *G) AND if you happen to fly a lot two years in a row, you'll prolonger your status beforehand for +2 years (ie, making SEN/*G on them in 2011 and 2012 will make your status be valid till 02/2016)
Their earning in C (and especially F) are the best in all *A programs I would say, and their availability for redeeming is high. You'll have lounge access when flying in the US domestic as well.
Oct 7, 2011, 7:15 am
#485
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: NJ
Posts: 8
Hi FT! I'm new to the forum (and new to the miles game in general) and so I'm a bit overwhelmed here trying to take in all the info, so I could use a bit of help. I apologize if this is lengthy - I'm not 100% sure yet which info is relevant or not.
I normally fly domestically 6-7 times per year and internationally 1-2 times. All personal trips. As of last night I took a new job with an Australian firm (I live in NYC now) and will be moving to Sydney by the end of this month. I need to purchase a NYC-SYD ticket in the next week or so. My old job required very minimal travel, but the new job will have me flying to NZ, Fiji, and some other areas in the next 6 months. I'll be back in the USA in about 9 months and doing a fair amount of traveling (probably 2-3 trips per month) but I do NOT know where I'll be based upon my return. Most likely candidates are NYC, DC, or ATL.
So, that having been said. I think *A is the best choice for me due to its global reach. Am I right? No idea where to go from here though. I travel quite light on biz trips, but I'm a rock/ice climber and fly with 100+ lbs of ropes/ice axes/etc several times a year so getting increased baggage allowances would be high on my list of importance. Also, something with a good personal credit card that can be used without a fee internationally would be nice if you have any input.
(1) What is your home airport? (SFO, LAX, MCO, etc.)
Currently NYC. Will be SYD for 8-9 months. Then back in the USA, but not sure where
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? (C, F, Y, etc.)
Usually Economy
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? (<25K, 25k-50k, >50k)
Not even sure, but it will certainly be going way up starting in 3 weeks
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? (UA Premier, M&M Senator etc)
No status currently
(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.)
Award redemption rates and increased baggage allowances. Upgrades would be nice too.
(6) Which routes do you fly most often (US Domestic, Transpacific etc)
See above
(7) Preferred Airlines
No preference
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? (Can you chooose your airlines, class of service?)
Both work and pleasure, but I purchase all my own tickets and the company reimburses me
Again, I realize this is a ton of info, so I truly do appreciate anyone who takes the time to wade through it and pass on some insight. Thanks so much!
I normally fly domestically 6-7 times per year and internationally 1-2 times. All personal trips. As of last night I took a new job with an Australian firm (I live in NYC now) and will be moving to Sydney by the end of this month. I need to purchase a NYC-SYD ticket in the next week or so. My old job required very minimal travel, but the new job will have me flying to NZ, Fiji, and some other areas in the next 6 months. I'll be back in the USA in about 9 months and doing a fair amount of traveling (probably 2-3 trips per month) but I do NOT know where I'll be based upon my return. Most likely candidates are NYC, DC, or ATL.
So, that having been said. I think *A is the best choice for me due to its global reach. Am I right? No idea where to go from here though. I travel quite light on biz trips, but I'm a rock/ice climber and fly with 100+ lbs of ropes/ice axes/etc several times a year so getting increased baggage allowances would be high on my list of importance. Also, something with a good personal credit card that can be used without a fee internationally would be nice if you have any input.
(1) What is your home airport? (SFO, LAX, MCO, etc.)
Currently NYC. Will be SYD for 8-9 months. Then back in the USA, but not sure where
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? (C, F, Y, etc.)
Usually Economy
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? (<25K, 25k-50k, >50k)
Not even sure, but it will certainly be going way up starting in 3 weeks
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? (UA Premier, M&M Senator etc)
No status currently
(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.)
Award redemption rates and increased baggage allowances. Upgrades would be nice too.
(6) Which routes do you fly most often (US Domestic, Transpacific etc)
See above
(7) Preferred Airlines
No preference
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? (Can you chooose your airlines, class of service?)
Both work and pleasure, but I purchase all my own tickets and the company reimburses me
Again, I realize this is a ton of info, so I truly do appreciate anyone who takes the time to wade through it and pass on some insight. Thanks so much!
Oct 7, 2011, 1:09 pm
#486
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: SEA/ORD/ADB
Programs: TK ELPL (*G), AS 100K (OWE), BA Gold (OWE), Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Plat, IHG Plat
Posts: 7,763
Hi FT! I'm new to the forum (and new to the miles game in general) and so I'm a bit overwhelmed here trying to take in all the info, so I could use a bit of help. I apologize if this is lengthy - I'm not 100% sure yet which info is relevant or not.
I normally fly domestically 6-7 times per year and internationally 1-2 times. All personal trips. As of last night I took a new job with an Australian firm (I live in NYC now) and will be moving to Sydney by the end of this month. I need to purchase a NYC-SYD ticket in the next week or so. My old job required very minimal travel, but the new job will have me flying to NZ, Fiji, and some other areas in the next 6 months. I'll be back in the USA in about 9 months and doing a fair amount of traveling (probably 2-3 trips per month) but I do NOT know where I'll be based upon my return. Most likely candidates are NYC, DC, or ATL.
So, that having been said. I think *A is the best choice for me due to its global reach. Am I right? No idea where to go from here though. I travel quite light on biz trips, but I'm a rock/ice climber and fly with 100+ lbs of ropes/ice axes/etc several times a year so getting increased baggage allowances would be high on my list of importance. Also, something with a good personal credit card that can be used without a fee internationally would be nice if you have any input.
(1) What is your home airport? (SFO, LAX, MCO, etc.)
Currently NYC. Will be SYD for 8-9 months. Then back in the USA, but not sure where
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? (C, F, Y, etc.)
Usually Economy
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? (<25K, 25k-50k, >50k)
Not even sure, but it will certainly be going way up starting in 3 weeks
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? (UA Premier, M&M Senator etc)
No status currently
(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.)
Award redemption rates and increased baggage allowances. Upgrades would be nice too.
(6) Which routes do you fly most often (US Domestic, Transpacific etc)
See above
(7) Preferred Airlines
No preference
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? (Can you chooose your airlines, class of service?)
Both work and pleasure, but I purchase all my own tickets and the company reimburses me
Again, I realize this is a ton of info, so I truly do appreciate anyone who takes the time to wade through it and pass on some insight. Thanks so much!
I normally fly domestically 6-7 times per year and internationally 1-2 times. All personal trips. As of last night I took a new job with an Australian firm (I live in NYC now) and will be moving to Sydney by the end of this month. I need to purchase a NYC-SYD ticket in the next week or so. My old job required very minimal travel, but the new job will have me flying to NZ, Fiji, and some other areas in the next 6 months. I'll be back in the USA in about 9 months and doing a fair amount of traveling (probably 2-3 trips per month) but I do NOT know where I'll be based upon my return. Most likely candidates are NYC, DC, or ATL.
So, that having been said. I think *A is the best choice for me due to its global reach. Am I right? No idea where to go from here though. I travel quite light on biz trips, but I'm a rock/ice climber and fly with 100+ lbs of ropes/ice axes/etc several times a year so getting increased baggage allowances would be high on my list of importance. Also, something with a good personal credit card that can be used without a fee internationally would be nice if you have any input.
(1) What is your home airport? (SFO, LAX, MCO, etc.)
Currently NYC. Will be SYD for 8-9 months. Then back in the USA, but not sure where
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? (C, F, Y, etc.)
Usually Economy
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? (<25K, 25k-50k, >50k)
Not even sure, but it will certainly be going way up starting in 3 weeks
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? (UA Premier, M&M Senator etc)
No status currently
(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.)
Award redemption rates and increased baggage allowances. Upgrades would be nice too.
(6) Which routes do you fly most often (US Domestic, Transpacific etc)
See above
(7) Preferred Airlines
No preference
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? (Can you chooose your airlines, class of service?)
Both work and pleasure, but I purchase all my own tickets and the company reimburses me
Again, I realize this is a ton of info, so I truly do appreciate anyone who takes the time to wade through it and pass on some insight. Thanks so much!
However, I can't really suggest anything else unless you give a more specific amount of miles - if you plan to fly 50k miles, the answer is one airline, while if you plan to fly 75k miles, the answer completely changes...
If you could just estimate (and accounting for 50% fare earning classes if you will be buying cheapo tickets will be helpful too
)
Oct 8, 2011, 6:54 pm
#487
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: NJ
Posts: 8
PVDtoDEL - thanks for the input. To be honest, I really don't have any way to forecast the number of miles. It's safe to assume lower though. Much more likely to be in the 30-50K range. I don't think my travel will be particularly excessive.
Is there a place that lists all the schemes? I'm not even really sure which "schemes" are out there, so I'm not even really sure what I'm looking for.
Is there a place that lists all the schemes? I'm not even really sure which "schemes" are out there, so I'm not even really sure what I'm looking for.
Oct 8, 2011, 7:27 pm
#488
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: SAT / MAA / BOM
Programs: CO Plat; UA 1K; EK Gold
Posts: 5,110
PVDtoDEL - thanks for the input. To be honest, I really don't have any way to forecast the number of miles. It's safe to assume lower though. Much more likely to be in the 30-50K range. I don't think my travel will be particularly excessive.
Is there a place that lists all the schemes? I'm not even really sure which "schemes" are out there, so I'm not even really sure what I'm looking for.
Is there a place that lists all the schemes? I'm not even really sure which "schemes" are out there, so I'm not even really sure what I'm looking for.
Since you are unable to predict the number of miles you will fly, go for Aegean as PVDtoDEL suggested.
Oct 8, 2011, 7:30 pm
#489
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: SAT / MAA / BOM
Programs: CO Plat; UA 1K; EK Gold
Posts: 5,110
PVDtoDEL - thanks for the input. To be honest, I really don't have any way to forecast the number of miles. It's safe to assume lower though. Much more likely to be in the 30-50K range. I don't think my travel will be particularly excessive.
Is there a place that lists all the schemes? I'm not even really sure which "schemes" are out there, so I'm not even really sure what I'm looking for.
Is there a place that lists all the schemes? I'm not even really sure which "schemes" are out there, so I'm not even really sure what I'm looking for.
http://boardingarea.com/blogs/theglo...eage-expiry-2/
Oct 10, 2011, 5:10 am
#490
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Singapore
Programs: AA Gold, IHG & Marriott Platinum, Hilton Gold
Posts: 1,024
(1) Home airport: SIN
(2) Usually buy economy fares.
(3) Usually fly a bit over 50K miles per year with Star Alliance and another 50K or so with other assorted carriers.
(4) I have United Premier Executive status currently (and will requalify for 2012). But I'm concerned about United's apparent enforcement of a minimum 4 United flights rule starting in 2012 for elite qualification for 2013 and beyond. That might be a challenge for me.
(5) Lounge access is important to me. I also like redemption opportunities, particularly to/from the U.S. and Japan. I'm not wild about mileage expiration.
(6) Beijing, Shanghai, Seoul, southeast Asia (e.g. Jakarta, Hanoi, Kuala Lumpur), occasionally the U.S.
(7) I tend to fly Singapore Airlines, Air China, and Asiana. Occasionally I end up on the Lufthansa flight to/from Jakarta.
(8) I travel for work and have limited flexibility.
Thanks in advance.
(2) Usually buy economy fares.
(3) Usually fly a bit over 50K miles per year with Star Alliance and another 50K or so with other assorted carriers.
(4) I have United Premier Executive status currently (and will requalify for 2012). But I'm concerned about United's apparent enforcement of a minimum 4 United flights rule starting in 2012 for elite qualification for 2013 and beyond. That might be a challenge for me.
(5) Lounge access is important to me. I also like redemption opportunities, particularly to/from the U.S. and Japan. I'm not wild about mileage expiration.
(6) Beijing, Shanghai, Seoul, southeast Asia (e.g. Jakarta, Hanoi, Kuala Lumpur), occasionally the U.S.
(7) I tend to fly Singapore Airlines, Air China, and Asiana. Occasionally I end up on the Lufthansa flight to/from Jakarta.
(8) I travel for work and have limited flexibility.
Thanks in advance.
Oct 10, 2011, 5:22 am
#491
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: SEA/ORD/ADB
Programs: TK ELPL (*G), AS 100K (OWE), BA Gold (OWE), Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Plat, IHG Plat
Posts: 7,763
(1) Home airport: SIN
(2) Usually buy economy fares.
(3) Usually fly a bit over 50K miles per year with Star Alliance and another 50K or so with other assorted carriers.
(4) I have United Premier Executive status currently (and will requalify for 2012). But I'm concerned about United's apparent enforcement of a minimum 4 United flights rule starting in 2012 for elite qualification for 2013 and beyond. That might be a challenge for me.
(5) Lounge access is important to me. I also like redemption opportunities, particularly to/from the U.S. and Japan. I'm not wild about mileage expiration.
(6) Beijing, Shanghai, Seoul, southeast Asia (e.g. Jakarta, Hanoi, Kuala Lumpur), occasionally the U.S.
(7) I tend to fly Singapore Airlines, Air China, and Asiana. Occasionally I end up on the Lufthansa flight to/from Jakarta.
(8) I travel for work and have limited flexibility.
Thanks in advance.
(2) Usually buy economy fares.
(3) Usually fly a bit over 50K miles per year with Star Alliance and another 50K or so with other assorted carriers.
(4) I have United Premier Executive status currently (and will requalify for 2012). But I'm concerned about United's apparent enforcement of a minimum 4 United flights rule starting in 2012 for elite qualification for 2013 and beyond. That might be a challenge for me.
(5) Lounge access is important to me. I also like redemption opportunities, particularly to/from the U.S. and Japan. I'm not wild about mileage expiration.
(6) Beijing, Shanghai, Seoul, southeast Asia (e.g. Jakarta, Hanoi, Kuala Lumpur), occasionally the U.S.
(7) I tend to fly Singapore Airlines, Air China, and Asiana. Occasionally I end up on the Lufthansa flight to/from Jakarta.
(8) I travel for work and have limited flexibility.
Thanks in advance.
Oct 10, 2011, 5:51 am
#492
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Singapore
Programs: AA Gold, IHG & Marriott Platinum, Hilton Gold
Posts: 1,024
Oct 10, 2011, 7:12 am
#493
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: SEA/ORD/ADB
Programs: TK ELPL (*G), AS 100K (OWE), BA Gold (OWE), Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Plat, IHG Plat
Posts: 7,763
Asiana looks pretty decent at first glance. Mileage expiration after 10 (or more) years isn't too bad, and it looks like Star Alliance Gold is attainable after 40K miles within 24 months, with some more favorable EQM calculations on Air China than United offers. I also like that Qatar and Etihad are partners. I might fly those airlines (along with Emirates). On the other hand, redemption rates seem quite steep. A SIN-NRT economy roundtrip ticket is 50,000 miles (versus as little as 30,000 on United), for example. A SIN-JFK economy roundtrip requires nearly double the miles (120,000 v. 65,000).
My favorite perk of OZ though is the lifetime *G at 500k EQM, because the next lowest lifetime *G (or equivalent) on another alliance is double that...
Oct 10, 2011, 7:57 am
#494
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Singapore
Programs: AA Gold, IHG & Marriott Platinum, Hilton Gold
Posts: 1,024
That 500K EQM lifetime *G offer on Asiana is quite interesting, particularly since all Star Alliance EQM activity counts, right?
Air Canada looks great on paper except for required minimum flying on AC metal to get elite status, just like United is introducing. There's also the 7 year mileage expiration. Too bad, because they've got 20K Singapore-Japan and 75K Singapore-U.S. awards, and that 75K award is particularly interesting with the stopover/open jaw/cross-any-ocean flexibility.
How about U.S. Airways? Or Aegean, perhaps just crediting enough miles to qualify/requalify for status then putting other miles opportunistically in another program with better earning and/or redemption? (Although Aegean seems to have a pretty good 25K Singapore-Japan award. U.S. awards don't look too great, though.)
Air Canada looks great on paper except for required minimum flying on AC metal to get elite status, just like United is introducing. There's also the 7 year mileage expiration. Too bad, because they've got 20K Singapore-Japan and 75K Singapore-U.S. awards, and that 75K award is particularly interesting with the stopover/open jaw/cross-any-ocean flexibility.
How about U.S. Airways? Or Aegean, perhaps just crediting enough miles to qualify/requalify for status then putting other miles opportunistically in another program with better earning and/or redemption? (Although Aegean seems to have a pretty good 25K Singapore-Japan award. U.S. awards don't look too great, though.)
Oct 10, 2011, 8:04 am
#495
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: SEA/ORD/ADB
Programs: TK ELPL (*G), AS 100K (OWE), BA Gold (OWE), Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Plat, IHG Plat
Posts: 7,763
That 500K EQM lifetime *G offer on Asiana is quite interesting, particularly since all Star Alliance EQM activity counts, right?
Air Canada looks great on paper except for required minimum flying on AC metal to get elite status, just like United is introducing. There's also the 7 year mileage expiration. Too bad, because they've got 20K Singapore-Japan and 75K Singapore-U.S. awards, and that 75K award is particularly interesting with the stopover/open jaw/cross-any-ocean flexibility.
How about U.S. Airways? Or Aegean, perhaps just crediting enough miles to qualify/requalify for status then putting other miles opportunistically in another program with better earning and/or redemption? (Although Aegean seems to have a pretty good 25K Singapore-Japan award. U.S. awards don't look too great, though.)
Air Canada looks great on paper except for required minimum flying on AC metal to get elite status, just like United is introducing. There's also the 7 year mileage expiration. Too bad, because they've got 20K Singapore-Japan and 75K Singapore-U.S. awards, and that 75K award is particularly interesting with the stopover/open jaw/cross-any-ocean flexibility.
How about U.S. Airways? Or Aegean, perhaps just crediting enough miles to qualify/requalify for status then putting other miles opportunistically in another program with better earning and/or redemption? (Although Aegean seems to have a pretty good 25K Singapore-Japan award. U.S. awards don't look too great, though.)
Air Canada has been steadily devaluing their program lately, and I think it will likely continue. If you head out to the AC forum, you will find many an unhappy person.
US is a great FFP for a domestic US flyer, because UDU availability is good. Miles used to be cheap from them as well, which was an advantage to international members. However, they have recently increased the price of miles quite steeply. Also, they don't fly to Asia...
A3 is not a good idea for you because of their policy that to get lounge access and other *G perks, you must credit to them. so once you get *G, you have to keep on crediting to their FFP to get the benifits. If you want to use the benifits but credit to another program, you will need to find a different program...