Caesium Welcome to FT
Originally Posted by
Caesium
Hi all, been a long time reader but first time posting. I live in the UAE and have been a loyal Etihad guest member up until now and with the recent news I think it might be time to start looking elsewhere. Unfortunately it's hard to get a credit card for anything other than EK/EY unless you use a generic such as American express or citi bank which won't give status points.
(1) What is your home airport? - DXB/AUH but also happy to fly out of neighbouring countries for the right fares. CMB, DEL, CAI etc
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy? - economy for short haul business for long haul.
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? 50k+
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? Etihad platinum
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? Mileage redemption and lounges
(6) Which routes do you fly most often? Middle East to Australia/NZ annually + 5 or so holidays a year mix of medium and long haul
(7) Preferred Airlines - My experience on carriers other than the ME3 is almost 0.
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? - all for pleasure
You have posted in the Star Alliance forum, but Etihad EY is ff partner of AA. AA is in the Oneworld alliance as is Qatar QR, BA, Cathay Pacific CX, SriLankan UL (CMB) & others. AA does not have a 4 own airline flight rule for status. Others like BA & QF do have own airline flight rule for status. AA has good mileage redemption chart, and no surcharges, unless on a BA flight.
However frequent flyer partners can change. A little more so if the airline is not in one of 3 major alliances.
Very few credit cards give status earning. A lot give redeemable ff miles/points.
If flying business class that should give lounge access. Otherwise you need mid level status (in an alliance)
Still the airline you fly most or an airline of the country you live is the best ffp for many people. Generally you are better earning on your primary airline due to greater recognition, better service when disruptions, ability to upgrade flights, possible operational upgrades and simpler to earn non flying ff miles/points.