Hi All,

Ahead of time thanks for all the information so far, it has been a steep learning curve so far. As a bit of background I travel what I consider relatively often (between 15-20 flights this year, mainly around Europe however 3 have been between Australia and London) and I never bothered signing up to any frequent flyer programs. I decided seeing as I traveled enough I should sign up to a program, however I was lost where to begin.

As I have no current frequent flyer program, I have no allegiance to any program or airline, I am simply looking to join the airline program that best services my own needs.

1. What is most important to you in a frequent flyer program (FFP)?

Best award redemption rates for flights between Australia and Europe. I have read that JAL points redemption on Emirates flights is potentially the best use of points, however am not sure if this is true. I want to use my points to outright purchase flights (business or better) between Australia and Europe, as I have no preferred airline I simply want to understand the cheapest award flights between Australia (Sydney) and Europe (preferably London, however European connecting flights are not an issue)

2. How many miles do you usually fly each year? How many flights/sectors?

This year I flew approximately 20 flights, the majority between London and Europe, with three return flights to Sydney Australia. As I have relocated to Australia, this will change to mainly domestic flights within Australia with one or two return flights out to Europe each year.

3. What fare class do you usually buy?

I usually buy business on short haul flights, however purchase economy on the long haul Australia - Europe flights.

4. Are you able to choose your airlines and/or class of service? Do you travel for work and/or pleasure?

The majority of european travel was for work, I was able to select a preferred airline (and class) however had no preference. The flights between Australia and Europe were to visit family/pleasure which I was about to selected and due to outright cost I would always purchase economy or premium economy, however once again had no preference.

5. Which routes do you fly most often?

I have now relocated back to Sydney, Australia and the majority of my travel will now be domestically within Australia, however with one or two flights out to Europe each year.

6. What is your home airport?

Kingsford, Sydney, Australia

7. Do you have status in any FFP? What is it? How miles do you have banked in each FFP, if any?

I have no FFP, however I have accumulated approximately 100,00 AMEX points which can be transferred to the following programs: Asia Miles, BA Miles, Delta Sky Miles, Emirates Skywards, Etihad Quest, Fin Air, Flying Blue, Iberia Plus, SAS Euro Bonus, Singapore Air Krisflyer, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club.

On top of the airline partners it can be transferred to SPG points, which can then be transferred to any of their airlines partners. The majority of my points will come from spending, rather than flying. I am also aware I am able to purchase SPG points which can in turn also be converted to certain airline miles.

8. What are your preferred airlines, if any?

I generally have no preference, however as the entire purpose of signing up to a FFP is to obtain award flights between Australia and Europe, my preferred airline between these destinations would be: Emirates, Etihad, Cathy Pacific, Singapore Airlines or Qatar.

OVERALL GOAL / REASON FOR FFP

As I mentioned earlier my entire reasoning for joining into the FFP and using award seats is to be able to travel business class or better between Australia and Europe.

Thanks for all the help!