Originally Posted by
barely_flying
Some background info first: I live in New York, so could fly out of JFK or LGA (or even EWK if need be...) I fly only twice a year now. Once domestically to Detroit and once internationally to France. Usually I pick my ticket based purely on price and not on accruing miles, and I want to start collecting miles.
I'm not sure which airline I should stick to when it comes to building miles. It's dizzying the number of airline CC offers out there.
Right now I'm tempted to go for the AA 75k option. I read the major thread and post #2, all the FF have given great advice on how to procure the card(s).
Question is this... My goal one day is to fly to Asia on points. Am I on the right track to start with AA and their OneWorld alliance? I saw that Cathay and Japan airlines are in that alliance, but is there a better way?
I think you have to be more specific about your goal - assuming you have a specific goal - than "Asia". Asia is a very big place - and I doubt there's a single carrier that serves every major city in Asia. I remember when I was planning my first (and only) trip to Asia to date. I completely underestimated the distances between city A and city B (by thousands and thousand of miles). I was kind of like someone from Asia who wants to take a 7 day trip to the US - and see New York - Florida - Chicago and San Francisco
. Anyway - take a look at the route maps of various airlines. See which airlines go where.
Like I said - I have only been to Asia once - but my specific goal then was Japan (which I think is a fabulous place for a first trip to Asia). I went on CO (EWR to Tokyo non-stop). I am now thinking of my second trip to Asia - to China. Want to fly into/out of Shanghai/Beijing. CO does that - again out of EWR. FWIW - I have never been thrilled about using international partner airlines for rewards (although I wouldn't hesitate to buy tickets on them). Too many possible "gotchas" (like big fuel surcharges). Note that trips to Asia are pretty expensive in terms of points (check the airlines you're considering in terms of their reward charts). Unless you want to fly BF or First - you may be better off hunting for specials and sales on various airlines - especially during off or shoulder seasons (although off season in various parts of Asia can be super hot - or really cold).
What airlines do you usually fly to Detroit and France? Do you spend a fair amount of money on credit cards? Robyn