Originally Posted by
The Blue-Eyed Sheikh
- When I reach *E or *SE status early, does this happen as soon as the mileage is credited, or do I have to wait for a card to be sent to me?
- Once I hit *E or *SE status, if I select Tier bonus as a reward, does that apply to status miles, and does it stack with cabin bonus?
- Is the lounge at MXP worth altering the return flight to go from there instead of from LIN (which does not appear to have a lounge as far as I can tell)?
- If the YYC-FRA flight is operated by LH, can I upgrade to F if my ticket is booked though an agent? Is it worth it?
- What are the best hotel deals around LIN for AP mileage?
- I am considering using the mileage, once accumulated, to visit family in Singapore. Looking at award flights in F/J on the YYC-SIN route during the dates I'm considering, a lot of the segments are downgraded. Is there any advantage in waiting to book the award flight, i.e. are additional seats in F/J ever released?
Any additional advice would be greatly appreciated.
Best regards,
TB-ES
Welcome to FT!
1. Status miles, and it does stack with Class of Service Bonus.
2. No. The lounge is good for spending time during connections. Go to the airport that has the best flight times and the least hassle to get to.
3. You would have to bank your miles with LH's Miles and More program. If you flew on LH instead of AC for your TATL, and it was in paid J, you would find yourself on the fast track to SEN or even HON, which would allow you upgrades to F. AC SE will not get you upgrades to F.
4. Not an expert on LIN hotels, but if there is a Starwood hotel you can also collect their points. They convert 1.25:1 if you convert a 20K chunk.
5. Yes and No. Some airlines do release unsold premium seats as you get closer to departure (LH, LX, NH, NZ). Others release a certain number per flight; when they are claimed, that's it (AC, OZ).
You should speak to a fellow YYCer (jlisi). He's much more in-tuned with the TATL flights from YYC.
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Forgot your first Q - You are (in theory) entitled to your benefits as soon as the miles are credited. However, without an Elite card, it will be tough to get into non-MLL. From E to SE you will get the concierge and preferred seat access as soon as the miles are credited.