Hey all, hoping you can give me some suggestions; I had settled on Alaska, but with the Delta partnership over, the new year gives me an opportunity to reconsider.
The biggest hurdle for me is that Alaska flights to SDF are slim pickings, and that's my primary destination. I could fly AA and credit Alaska, but I don't even have a chance of upgrades in that case; and my experience with AA has been poor, or else I'd probably just choose them - especially since Alaska only goes to SDF via AA metal.
I like United, especially with their rates for the Caribbean, but earning status - and achieving upgrades - seems to be more of a problem than with Alaska.
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.
Upgrades, redemption rates, priority services, in that order
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.
For business, I fly at least 12+ R/T flights, averaging 4 legs per RT flight; so say 48+ segments. For personal, I usually fly another 5-10 paid trips per year, including a couple trips to the Caribbean; and I'm happy to pull milage/segment runs if needed.
3. What fare class do you usually buy?
first, business, premium economy, economy
For business, economy; for personal, at least premium economy, but I try to pull inexpensive business class for Caribbean trips.
4. Are you able to choose your airlines and/or class of service? Do you travel for work and/or pleasure?
I'm always able to book my own tickets on any airline of my choice
5. Which routes do you fly most often?
transatlantic, domestic USA, intra-Asia, etc.
PDX to SDF (10+), California, Caribbean
6. What is your home airport?
PDX
7. Do you have status in any FFP? What is it? How miles do you have banked in each FFP, if any?
I currently have MVP on Alaska and Companion pass on SW (via the points/miles transfer trick). I have ~100K Alaska, 100K SW, and will have ~250K UA soon (complicated - via a bonus program - doubt they are PQMs). Most of my accrual is via CC spend or the like.
8. What are your preferred airlines, if any?
>>> Reply: Alaska, Delta, United.