Choosing a Program
Hi all,
Just found flyertalk and new to frequent travel. Not really sure of all the specifics, but thought this was a good place to gain some insight. Just took a new job out of college that will be fairly travel-heavy (destinations will vary by client.) Looking for a program that is well-rounded, with good award availability and redemption rates. Based out of Austin (AUS) and would love any input y'all could provide.
(1) What is most important to you in a FFP?
(upgrades on travel, priority services when flying the airline, extra baggage allowance, good award redemption rates, better award access, free - discounted lounge access, etc.)
Reply: Upgrades, award redemption rates, lounge access
(2) How many miles do you usually fly each year & in what class? How many flights/sectors?
(<25000, 25000-50000, >50000 miles - <25, 25-50, >50 flights?)
Reply: Unsure but will likely be between 25k-50k and 25-50 segments after the first year. Primarily coach (would like to redeem awards in business/first)
(3) What types of fares do you usually buy ?
(First, Business, Premium economy, Economy, cheapest)
Reply: Economy (no basic)
(4) Can you choose your airlines and/or class of service? Airline most flown? Do you travel for work and/or pleasure?
Reply: Travel for work and some pleasure. Have mostly flown WN and AA, but options were limited growing up in West TX.
(5) Which routes and airlines do you fly most often
(US Domestic, Transpacific, Kangaroo, in Asia etc)
Reply: US Domestic, eventually some Transatlantic and Transpacific likely
(6) What is your home airport?
(SFO, SCL, London LHR, HKG, Singapore SIN etc.)
Reply: Austin AUS
(7) Do you have FFP status of any kind in an airline? What is it? Do you have any miles banked in a FFP?
(AA Executive Platinum, UA 1K, LAN Comodoro, etc)
Reply: No status, AA: 16,300; WN: 26,455; a few thousand on UA and DL each
(8) Preferred Airlines
Reply: Have had good experiences with all (no personal preference making this decision hard!)