I've never bothered to try to get status with any airline because I don't fly all that much. Twice a year personal (non-work) flights to Tokyo. Once in a while trip to Germany. I want to see which airline I can make into my 'main' frequent flier program. The problem is that I travel with many different airlines and most of the time opt for the cheaper value fares which give no (or reduced mileage). My preference is ANA but they are quite restrictive. Maybe another airline from the Star Alliance would be a better choice?
1. What is most important to you in a frequent flyer program (FFP)?
upgrades, priority services, baggage allowance, good award redemption rates, better award access, lounge access, etc.
>>> Reply: good award redemption rates, better award access
2. How many miles do you usually fly each year? How many flights/sectors?
less than 25000 miles, 50000+ miles and 20-25 flights, etc.
>>> Reply: less than 25000 miles on average. ( 2 RT flights, 2 person LAX - NRT each year)
3. What fare class do you usually buy?
first, business, premium economy, economy
>>> Reply: economy and/or premium economy
4. Are you able to choose your airlines and/or class of service? Do you travel for work and/or pleasure?
>>> Reply: Only pleasure
5. Which routes do you fly most often?
transatlantic, domestic USA, intra-Asia, etc.
>>> Reply: LAX-NRT/HND and LAX-HAM (Europe but mainly Germany)
6. What is your home airport?
>>> Reply: LAX
7. Do you have status in any FFP? What is it? How miles do you have banked in each FFP, if any?
>>> Reply: No. Most mileage has expired. Below are my current miles:
Current miles:
Delta - 34,161
Korean Air - 32,983
KML - 4,155
ANA - 3,275
Singapore Airlines -500
I also have 120,000 American Express points that I can use.
8. What are your preferred airlines, if any?
>>> Reply: ANA for LAX-NRT and KLM or Lufthansa for LAX-Germany/Europe
I was considering getting an ANA credit card but it had terrible benefits. The only problem with ANA is that they have very restrictive expiration policies.