Originally Posted by
SightseeMC
I'm in a fortunate position, as I have banked AA miles, and also will have 100K+ UR points due to CSR. We're new to this, as we've usually collected miles but never used them and never flew enough for elite status until a fluke last year. So my question is: do I double down on OneWorld (and specifically AA), or should I consider moving while I have UR points for immediate upgrades while grinding status?
1. Most important in order: upgrades on travel (specifically international to Eur/Asia), good redemption rates, then lounge access.
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8. Preferred airlines: The good international carriers all seem better than any domestic, but we have a small sample size.
1. Upgrades
With most ffp's generally you are far better to use miles for a straight out business class seat,
if available. You know what you are getting.
Upgrades are never guaranteed.
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 fare.
AA, BA & IB have a cross airline upgrade scheme, subject to hefty t&c's
Some Star Alliance airlines have a cross airline upgrade scheme, subject to hefty t&c's.
For most people/flights these are useless and poor value
8. You are not the only person from USA with that opinion. But the aircraft - seating used on long haul flights by USA airlines has improved a lot in the last 2~3 years (albeit from a very low base line)
Having multiple ffp’s with low balances is never a good idea. You may never get enough ff miles/points to be of use before they expire. FFP’s are for the medium to long term. However at times it makes sense to have a ff membership with an airline in another alliance. (e.g. Oneworld & Star)
Be mindful of expiry
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/miles...-t-expire.html
Its time to start using those accumulated ff miles. They will not increase in value