Originally Posted by
ayready
Hi there,
I am new to the mileage reward program and I am lost. Almost every airline is a partner of some bigger program. For example, UA is a partner of Star Alliance Network and Mileage Plus Airline. Northwest has its partner. Hawaiian airline is a partner of both Northwest and UA. .......
I am so lost. It seems like you can basically fly on any airline and transfer credit to each other. Who can provide me some clearance about this issue? What is the best stratagem?
Thank you very much.
Welcome to Flyer Talk.
There are three alliances- Star Alliance, Skyteam, and Oneworld. Most people here are a member of at least one airline program in each alliance. This will allow you to earn miles on almost every major airline in the world. For me, I prefer DL (Skyteam), AA (Oneworld), and US (Star Alliance).
In order to choose which airline programs are best for you, you will have to see what airlines use your area airport. A person in ATL would choose Delta because ATL is Delta's HQ. Someone in Chicago can choose UA or AA. Someone in NY, with many airlines, will base their decison on their travel habits and personal reasons.
The key is to put all the miles you can in ONE program so that you can earn free flights or status faster.
Hope that helps!