Originally Posted by
ar77
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.
Largely care about strong earnings and high redemption opportunities (e.g.- how far do your 'miles' go!)
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.
Fly SFO <-> SEA roughly 3x month. SFO <-> LHR 2-3x a year.
3. What fare class do you usually buy?
first, business, premium economy, economy
Usually economy. Premium-economy sometimes on long haul x-atlantic trips for family. Only flown 1st class twice.
4. Are you able to choose your airlines and/or class of service? Do you travel for work and/or pleasure?
Yes, absolutely to both - and travel for business 95% of the time, if not more.
5. Which routes do you fly most often?
transatlantic, domestic USA, intra-Asia, etc.
Domestic for frequency (SFO <-> SEA). 2-3x a year will be hitting up LHR though.
6. What is your home airport?
SFO
7. Do you have status in any FFP? What is it? How miles do you have banked in each FFP, if any?
Silver (Virgin America, Elevate) -- 15K (just redeemed some!), Silver (Virgin Atlantic, Flying Club) - 65K. I am SPG Platinum and hold the AMEX SPG card as well. My primary goal is to maximize SPG + Virgin where I can, or understand x-over plans and how to choose better options!
8. What are your preferred airlines, if any?
Have been loyal to Virgin Group, BUT I am SPG Platinum! Not keen on United/AA.
***THANK YOU ALL!***
It's hard to give you an answer because you present conflicting opinions. Your flying patterns strongly suggest UA - 1) Your home base is UA who has a hub in SFO, 2) UA flies nonstop to Seattle and LHR, the two primary destinations in your flight itineraries, 3) UA has a strong network to Asia. On the other hand, you say your are not keen on United. So I think you need to decide from your own perspective whether it is more important to choose an airline and program that offers the most rewards or a program with an airline you personally like.