Originally Posted by
Sebastiann
I have been flying for a few years but my mileage points is a big mess with points scattered between different airlines and airline alliance programs. I would appreciate some advice for which airline I should focus my Oneworld points.
I guess I could go with any of the below airlines programs but since I have so many points stacked in AY (I’ve travelled a lot between Stockholm -> Shanghai in the past) I am not sure if its best to stick to it. Currently I am based in Austin, TX and fly back to Europe several times a year and also domestic in US. Usually fly the AUS->LHR->CPH route with BA, 4/5 times a year.
Current points (Oneworld)
AA (AAdvantage): 5,521
BA (Executive club): 21,722
AY (Finnair plus): 71,319
Questions
(1) What is most important to you in a FFP?
(upgrades on travel, priority services when flying the airline, extra baggage allowance, good award redemption rates, better award access, free - discounted lounge access, etc.)
Reply: -> upgrades on travel
<snip>
Does not make much sense to have 3 OneWorld airline ffp's with low balances
What do you want to do with these miles/avios/points? Be careful about expiry of miles/avios/points
Upgrades are usually only available with ffp miles on the airline flights of your ffp. Cross airline upgrade are uncommon and require expensive flights if available. Upgrades, with ff miles, upgrade instruments or free due to status on non USA based airlines are not common. With non USA based airlines always expect to fly in the cabin you buy: upgrades are not given out like with USA based airlines.
Living in USA I would have AA as the primary ffp.
BA is good for some, due the award cost on short haul flights
USA based airlines ffp's tend to far more generous (earn/burn & status benefits).