shakesarrow Welcome to FT
Originally Posted by
shakesarrow
@dukerau : I don't want free flights in the same class; I much prefer bring upgraded to a higher class, and I would really like to have lounge access at the stopovers.
@guv1976 : In 2015, I flew, between the US and India, Asiana, Lufthansa, British once each and China Southern three times. In 2014, I flew KLM, British, Air India, and Cathay Pacific, one round-trip each.
-- I think I often split up my time almost equally between the three alliances (unintentionally).
@lhrsfo : what do you mean by "SQ is an outsider within *A and should be researched."?
-- All of these flights were chosen just because they were the cheapest that has the dates and times that most suited me.
How do I calculate how much mileage I should get and which would be the best combination to get the best mileage, how to get awards, etc? It just seems so complicated to me. I would rather choose one airline or set of three or four airlines, and just always choose those...
What ffps are you a member of?
If upgrades are your primary objectives, that limits your choices. And if you fly a range of airlines selected on price & schedule will not happen. You may be better to look for business class awards for some trips. Depending on the ffp upgrades can be good or poor value compared to straight out business class award
For upgrades the general rule is you can only upgrade a flight marketed (flight number) and operated (metal) by the airline of your frequent flyer programme (no codeshares) with your airlines upgrade instrument (e.g. SWU, miles) or complementary with status (if applicable). All subject to the t&c's of your FFP and your paid ticket.
Low cost tickets are often not eligible for upgrades. However as is the way with FFP's there are some upgrade exceptions
For awards you go to your ffp web site. Depending on the ffp there will be a button for "award flight" on similar name. However , again depending on the ffp, some partner airline awards may not be on line: you need to phone.
Earning's depend on the fare booking class. That can be hard or impossible to find before a reservation is made.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/infor...help-here.html
http://www.wheretocredit.com/