Originally Posted by
eosthusiast
Hi all, pretty new to the whole flying thing as well. I live and work in New Zealand and the way it looks is that my job will take me all over the world a lot in the future, mainly to Europe but also to Asia and the US occasionally.
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I've currently got almost enough Status Points at Air NZ to upgrade to Silver and accumulated around 300 Airpoints.
Would you recommend I stick with Airpoints for flights where Air NZ is the favorable Airline or switch to Singapore Airlines completely? Would it be quicker to get Star Alliance Gold status if I switch to KrisFlyer for my next Europe return trips or if I stick to Airpoints but still fly with Singapore Airlines?
Or should I consider another FFP instead?
Air NZ ffp is one of the worst out there. Is OK only if you fly Air NZ a lot. Many low cost air NZ fares earn nil or little ff miles/points in other ffp.
The airline you fly most or an airline of the country you live is the best ffp for many people. Generally however you are better earning on your primary airline due to greater recognition, better service when disruptions, ability to upgrade flights and possible operation upgrades.
USA based airline ffp's tend to be more generous (status benefits/earn/burn/upgrades/award cost/award cash surcharges/expiry/affiliated credit cards/promotions) compared to non USA based airline ffp’s (even after the recently announced changes to some USA ffp’s). But if you are not flying the airline of your ffp the benefits are limited.
The airline you fly and the airline ffp you credit those flights to does not need to be the same. Frequent flyer miles are not equal to earn or burn.
If you are flying SQ a lot join the SQ ffp. But if you are close to NZ silver probably worth getting that. Then change.
Earning status on economy fares is hard no matter what airline. Lounge access comes with status or business/first tickets.
UA is going to start AKL LAX fights in July 2016. AA start AKL-LAX flight 23 June 2016.
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) or ff miles/cash co pay. All subject to the t&c's of your FFP and your paid ticket. Low cost tickets are often not eligible for upgrades. Cross airline upgrades are uncommon. If cross airline upgrades are offered they tend to require a very expensive base economy fare.