Originally Posted by Schultzois
… which *A members would have the best status rules for a NYC-based international C/F flyer?
Out of a reward perspective DC (membership is open to residents of the UK and Republic of Ireland, Belgium, France, Netherlands & Spain), M&M, DM (Gold Preferred and up earn 100% elite bonus on all US/UA flights and on LH & NH as well) & MP (don’t forget that all PremEx and up earn 100% elite bonus on all UA/US flights and on transatlantic LH flights between the U.S. and Europe) offer for someone who travels on paid Biz and/or First Class tickets the best overall value right now.
Our host
Randy published the 7th edition of The Official Frequent Flyer Guidebook (OFFG) four years ago (
8th edition currently being printed) Within this book he wrote a chapter named “Adopting a Frequent Flyer Program” where he outlined our goal for joining a FFP:
“You want to earn free travel and other benefits of membership as quickly as possible”.
Most frequent travellers enjoy comfort as much as earning miles. There are many choices and benefits in each FFP and it’s best to understand the difference beforehand:
- It all begins with location and destination: You need to find an airline that meets your basic travel needs
- Decide what you want (eg elite status, upgrade awards, free tickets to South Africa)
- Take a closer look into FFPs your favourite carrier participates and choose this FFP that will serve you best.
Randy outlined five questions you should answer before you choose your FFP:
- What is the minimum mileage your program offers?
- Does the program complement its minimum mileage or actual mileage earnings with COS bonuses?
- Does your program offer promotions throughout the year?
- Are the partners affiliated with your program convenient and beneficial for you to use?
- What are the rules & rates of earning with partners (it’s evident, that a lot of us earning miles without flying like using CCs, telecommunication, miles for clicking, etc)?
Four other questions you also may consider to answer:
- How important are criteria like price, schedule, safety feelings, ground & on board service, FFP to select an airline?
- How many upgrade certificates to you receive as an add on?
- What kind of flight awards (eg upgrades, awards on long haul flights) on which airline do you like to use?
- What is generally more important to you with Frequent Flyer Programs, to reach as many awards as possible or the elite membership with its benefits?
I recommend that you decide step by step or in other words: Choose your favourite airline first and then let’s talk about which FFP fits best for you.