Originally Posted by
wbflier
Any recommendations for a FF program for 2016? Currently have no status (used to be elite on AA, UA, DL). Flew ~ 50k in 2015 mainly NYC - SEA and NYC - PDX. 2016 will fly ~100-125k mainly NYC- SEA / NYC - PDX, 2-3x NYC - Asia and 1-2x NYC - Europe. Normally fly economy. Have a platinum exec card for AA so lounge access. Home airport is NYC (JFK/LGA).
Flying US-China in Jan so want to kick start the year.
Main focus is on legroom (I'm 6'3"), lounges, skipping long security lines, and direct flights. Thinking Alaska, UA/Star Alliance (Asiana?/Aegean?) or sticking w AA through the coming devaluation. Thanks.
1. What is most important to you in a frequent flyer program (FFP)?
Upgrades/legroom, lounges, priority security access
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USA based airline ffp's tend to be more generous (status benefits/earn/burn/upgrades/award cost/award cash surcharges/expiry) compared to non USA based airline ffp’s. (even after the recently announced changes to some USA ffp’s)
As for upgrades with airlines based out of the USA always, expect to fly in the class you buy. It is only USA based airlines that give out upgrades like confetti for free (by status or upgrade instruments), or with miles and/or cash co pay (for less than the full fare). There is an expectation by many USA frequent flyers they deserve a (free) upgrade.