hi everyone,
I am a frequent traveler that has never signed up for a program, I know foolish me.
(Apologies if I am in the wrong discussion section, I am trying to familiarize myself with this site and become a longterm member
)
I will be going to Australia this year, and was wondering which program would benefit me the best, since as I'm researching, it appears that every airline has their OWN mileage program, but the points earned with one airline can be pass between other airlines that are within the SAME alliance?.
Right now I am thinking of signing up for a Star airline allience program. (Air NewZealand).
I've done a fair amount of research (google / here / blogs) and I cannot seem to figure out which is the best frequent flyer program, for me, since they all tend to have certain pros and cons (how often I fly, which airlines I use the most, and which miles expire the fastest, etc etc)
My travel background / other notes:
I always try to fly coach (cheaper seats the best)
I live in the Mid-West USA
I take 1 big international trip per year (International trip can be anywhere, USA -> ASIA or USA -> South American or USA -> Europe)
1 smaller state-side trip per year
I have flown on Cathay Pacficic, Japan Airways, Aer Lingus, Delta, Spirit, (alot of different ones) to get a feel of which are the best (to me).
When flying to Asia, I tend to fall onto JAL (japan airways) or Singapore Air
When flying to Europe, AerLingus or Luftsana
For my trip to Australia this summer, I am leaning towards this route:
ORD -> LAX -> AKL -> BNE
Chicago to Brisbane via NZ
Airlines Delta, NewZealand
Random Questions:
1) Can I hold airline mileage programs across different alliances?
2) Can I move my points between alliances? Or only between airlines within the same alliance?
3) Which program best fits 'cheap coach seats'?
4) Any advice you would like to give.
thank you for your time
Some trips i've missed out on for points.
Chicago -> Tokyo -> Chicago
Chicago -> HongKong -> Manila -> Singapore -> Bangkok -> Hongkong -> Chicago
Chicago -> London -> Amsterdam -> Athens -> Madrid -> Chicago
lots of points I could be using
