Originally Posted by
Duke787
It pains me to say this but UA is really the best option especially with your international travel. The non-stop options can't be matched by Delta/ST -- you're looking at connecting through ICN for anything Asia and CDG/AMS/SVO/LHR (limited to VS) for anything Europe and AM for SA (I guess in theory Saudia too for ME).
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Thanks for your comments - I really appreciate such insight. Indeed, it looks like UA are going to be my choice. I have been building test itineraries to the dozen or so places we travel to most, and UA are by far the most viable (compared to Delta at least).
Originally Posted by
Duke787
FWIW, I'm in the camp where I'd likely take the $1000 to/from Europe (from the East Coast only) but would never opt for Y/PE vs. J on the TPAC or Australia flights. SA depends on where in SA.
This is a sound strategy. I could handle ~7hrs in the back. Those 13+hr flights would have to be J.
I need to fully understand the miles earned in different scenarios, and how Star Alliance fits into the picture.
- A ticket sold by United, flying United metal (I understand this)
- A ticket sold by United, flying some United metal, but also another airline (eg Air NZ to Auckland) (example). Do I get UA miles for the whole ticket, as if I flew their metal?
- A ticket sold by a Star Alliance member, e.g. Air Canada, and it includes another Star Alliance member, EVA. (example). Does this kind of ticket help my UA status in any way? Or do I just get Air Canada miles? I'm trying to understand if there's a benefit to staying within the Star Alliance for those times where United can't sell me a ticket at all. And if I rack up miles with multiple Star Alliance members, is there any way to pool them together for award flights?
Thanks