Long time reader and first-time poster. I have exclusively used Southwest over the last 2 years and have used the perk of Companion Pass often. I recently moved to a new job that will have international flying and transcontinental travel. I wanted other's thoughts on why FFP I should consider.
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.
>>> Reply: upgrades and reasonable award redemption for personal travel (spouse + me)
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.
>>> Reply: estimate 75k+
3. What fare class do you usually buy?
first, business, premium economy, economy
>>> Reply:
- for business domestic travel - economy (but have purchase E+ or business if priced okay)
- for business international travel - business
- for leisure domestic/intl - economy plus if priced reasonably. otherwise, econ.
4. Are you able to choose your airlines and/or class of service? Do you travel for work and/or pleasure?
>>> Reply: can choose airline for work travel, but class is as described above.
5. Which routes do you fly most often?
transatlantic, domestic USA, intra-Asia, etc.
>>> Reply:
- LAX-New York, PHL, MCO regularly
- LAX to ICN at least 1-2x
- LAX to TPE on personal travel 1x
- 1-2x transatlantic and 1-2x other Asia travel (SIN, Bejing, NRT)
6. What is your home airport?
>>> Reply: LAX
7. Do you have status in any FFP? What is it? How miles do you have banked in each FFP, if any?
>>> Reply: Southwest - A-list preferred
8. What are your preferred airlines, if any?
>>> Reply:
- I've enjoyed EVA, Singapore, Virgin Atlantic when flying personally
- Domestically, Virgin America (I don't fly them often) is really the only airline that I've ever had a 'good' experience with. Southwest is fine, but mostly because I get to board early and my spouse flies for free (companion pass).
Thanks for the help.