Hi guys, have been lurking here for a little while and finally decided to ask for advice on a program.
Posted a similar question on information desk but think most of my flights would be on *A, so decided to ask here also.
I will be moving from Brazil to Vienna for the next 3 years, and plan to choose a new frequent flyer program (currently Gold with Brazilian GOL Smiles).
I thought that Austrian Miles & More, with a Diners Club or Austrian Mastercard would be the best option. But browsing the forums, I did not see even once MM been suggested as an good alternative recently for anyone that fly coach.
A good partnership with a credit card is important, as that is the main way that I got miles. I don't know if any program allows to get status this way nowadays, but that would be nice. (P.S.: I don't have any credit score in the US).
I would very much like yiur help to choose a FFP! Here are the points:
1. What is most important to you in a frequent flyer program (FFP)?
Probably good award redemption rates and access first and upgrades second
2. How many miles do you usually fly each year? How many flights/sectors?
Less than 25,000, 12 flights or so.
3. What fare class do you usually buy?
Economy
4. Are you able to choose your airlines and/or class of service? Do you travel for work and/or pleasure?
Travel for pleasure, almost exclusively, but usually choose the cheapest fare
5. Which routes do you fly most often?
I will be flying to new destination all the time, for leisure, but expect to fly a couple times to GIG in the next 3 years (Rio de Janeiro).
6. What is your home airport?
Vienna International Airport (VIE)
7. Do you have status in any FFP? What is it? How miles do you have banked in each FFP, if any?
Gol Airlines Smiles - Gold status (accumulated some 20,000 flow miles and some 50,000 miles via credit card in the last 12 month); some random flights and miles in TAM Fidelidade.
8. What are your preferred airlines, if any?
I would be mostly be flying weekends on leisure with my wife, mostly to Europe, with a long vacation or two a year for a longer haul flight (have 30 days every year). Flying mostly economy, a few quick searches in google flights showed that I would probably be mostly flying Austrian.
Thanks for the help!