Hi FlyerTalk! I'm new to the site, and I would really appreciate some advice regarding my FFP options. I spent some time on the site today, and 3 hours and 1 headache later, I think it’s time to ask for help. My answers to the big questions are as follows:
(1) What is most important to you in a FFP?
Reply: Upgrades on international travel, good award redemption rates
(2) How many miles do you usually fly each year & in what class? How many flights/sectors?
Reply: less than 25,000 miles a year / less than 25 flights a year
(3) What types of fares do you usually buy ?
Reply: economy / cheapest available
(4) Can you choose your airlines and/or class of service? Airline most flown? Do you travel for work and/or pleasure?
Reply: personal travel - open to choose from all options
(5) Which routes and airlines do you fly most often
Reply: USA (west coast) - China (any airport) at least once per year,some US domestic, saving up for various international
(6) What is your home airport?
Reply: LAS
(7) Do you have FFP status of any kind in an airline? What is it? Do you have any miles banked in a FFP?
Reply: No status / small bank of miles (under 20k) on a few different programs
(8) Preferred Airlines
Reply: Any
My main concern is that my wife and I will fly from the US to China at least once per year, and I would like that flight to be comfortable (i.e. not economy). I see 3 ways of doing this, though I am not confident that all 3 methods are feasible for us.
1. I can book the tickets with cash and then upgrade with points
2. I can book the tickets with points and then upgrade with cash
3. I can book the initial tickets as upgraded seats with points
I will probably not fly enough right now to gain meaningful status on any program, and my points will almost entirely come from credit card bonuses and spend. Also keep in mind that I am booking 2 tickets per trip. In that case, what is the easiest and most reliable way of doing this? Are there any airlines or alliances to look out for in particular? Or is it better for me to just look for cheap tickets and/or big credit card bonuses regardless of airline? Also, is it worth it (or possible) for me to look into companion tickets instead of booking two individual tickets, or do those only come with status?
Thanks in advance for any help you can offer!