Dear all, I'm new to this forum, and a big thank you to all the experienced members sharing information and their valuable experiences.
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: Award redemption rates, upgrades to business/first, and 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: 50,000+, most likely 100k+ miles. I will be starting a job in September that will have me flying round-trip every week, from HKG to somewhere.
3. What fare class do you usually buy?
first, business, premium economy, economy
>>> Reply: full-fare Y, unless longer than 4 hours, then business.
4. Are you able to choose your airlines and/or class of service? Do you travel for work and/or pleasure?
>>> Reply: We have full choice of airlines, but not class of service. I will be traveling mostly for work.
5. Which routes do you fly most often?
transatlantic, domestic USA, intra-Asia, etc.
>>> Reply: intra-Asia.
6. What is your home airport?
>>> Reply: Will be HKG.
7. Do you have status in any FFP? What is it? How miles do you have banked in each FFP, if any?
>>> Reply: I have no status with any FFP, though I currently have some miles with Aeroplan/Phoenix Miles. I haven't registered for Cathay's MP club yet, since it costs money and I haven't started flying with them.
8. What are your preferred airlines, if any?
>>> Reply: I've always had a good experience with CX/Dragon Air flights, though rarely have I been very disappointed. I've also enjoyed flying with Air China and Air Canada (international). Flew United once and didn't find it appalling, but didn't think it was anything special.
Which airline should be using mostly? Getting 50k miles with Air China will be enough for *A gold, and their 625K lifetime platinum (lifetime *A gold) seems more attainable than most FFP. CX would be the natural choice out of HKG, but their rewards are expensive and Oneworld isn't *A.
Thank you all again for your input and suggestions.