I normally fly OneWorld, where I hold highest Elite status (Emerald).
Will soon begin a new work project that calls for six round-trips between Brazil and Madagascar, all in J. Three in late 2017, three in early 2018. Most direct routing is with SAA, but I know nothing of their new Revenue-based program..
To which FF program (*A or other) would it be wisest to credit these trips? I could status-match if that would help. Would like to maximize value...and if possible, collect a useful Elite status outside OneWorld, with as much validity as possible.
To help the forum help me, herewith the answers to questions requested in the Sticky:
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(1) What is your home airport?
SJP, RAO are closest, though for best fares, I often book out of GRU or GIG
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? (C, F, Y, etc.)
Because I'd often been able to use AA upgrade certificates (SWUs), I would often fly in J after purchasing deep-discount Y returns between Europe and Brazil; from Europe, I'd take advantage of discount-J tickets to Africa and Asia.
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? (<25K, 25k-50k, >50k)
Normally more than 100,000 (until AA's new EQD requirement, I've re-qualified as EXP each year for the past decade. This year, will be OK on miles, but as the start of a vicious circle, I'll most certainly miss the spending threshold, which means no more upgrade certificates, which means no reason to fly AA between Europe and South America, which means fewer flown miles, which means I'm looking for a new program.
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it?
OneWorld Emerald / AA Executive Platinum (Good through January 2018), after which I'll drop to lifetime AA Platinum.
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP?
Easy upgrades to business on Y fares are what kept me with AA for so long - would be nice if the new program offered something similar. Decent earn/burn relationship is also important. Lounge access on Y fares is nice; but flying in J is better
(6) Which routes do you fly most often (US Domestic, Transpacific etc)
Brazil <-> Southern Africa (twice annually)
Brazil <-> Madagascar (new - monthly commute)
Brazil <-> Europe (3-6 times a year, with opportunistic stops in NY, Miami, California, or Chicago)
Side trips from Europe to Asia (HKG, BKK, CGK) when projects take me there.
(7) Preferred Airlines
Until now, it's been all OneWorld. But AA's EQD requirements are pushing me to explore other options. Since my new job will have me flying a fair bit of SAA J-class, I'm keen to see what *A can offer. Who knows - maybe SAA's program is perfect for me...
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure?
It's a mix... though for the new job, all flights are arranged on my behalf, so I'll have to take what I'm given. For personal flights, however, I can pick my own poison.
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Lastly: For what it's worth - I'm eligible for US-issued credit cards...
Thanks in advance for whatever suggestions you can make.