FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - Need advice on which *A FF scheme to join? - please post here
Old Mar 31, 2013 | 8:11 am
  #1135  
TakeTheATrain
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Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: SEA
Programs: United: Gold, HHonors: Gold, Marriott: Gold, AA, US, AGR
Posts: 397
Originally Posted by Cody1484
Hi everyone,

I was hoping someone could help me here. Which Star Alliance program generally cost the fewest miles for an award ticket ? For example, I usually buy my award tickets through United, a first class ticket is 70,000 miles, and I'm usually on either Lufthansa or Asiana metal.

I've done some research, and it appears that the other programs charge much more than 70,000 miles. Flights between Asia and America connecting in Germany with Miles and More were well over 100,000 miles. But perhaps I'm missing something.

I usually fly between LIT, PAR or ICN. I work half a year is Paris, and the other half in Seoul while my family is in Little Rock (LIT).

Would it be best to continue to use my United mileage plus number when I travel on a Star Alliance flight or switch to another FF program such as Miles and More.

My main concern is getting upgrades, lounge access and F class award tickets for the fewest miles, so for these concerns, is UA the best one ?

I'm currently Star Alliance gold, and Mileage plus gold. I usually fly around 50K a year.

Finally, in terms of buying miles... UA seems to be the best as they allow you to buy 100,000 a year. Is this true ?

Thank you very much for any help you can provide !
Cody

US Airways charges only 90,000 for roundtrip Business between US and north Asia on any Star carrier, which is a fantastic deal! All probably will change once US Airways joins the dAArk side.

Also note, that US-based carriers don't charge for YQ, the fuel surcharge that ranges between $200-$500 on top of the award redemption. Miles and More and other EU-based carriers will charge for the fuel surcharge.
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