Originally Posted by
jamalhakim
Like many stuck in Hong Kong I'm starting to travel again for both work and leisure and wondering whether CX still makes sense. Was always a struggle to earn with CX so thought it would be worth exploring crediting other options like AA to earn and build status. The short-hauls in discount tend to make it a bit hard to earn with my flight patterns but any help much appreciated!
(1) What is most important to you in a FFP?
Redemption opportunities in APAC, upgrades esp for long-haul. OWS would be nice but have lounge access via amex plat so mostly for baggage/boarding
(2) How many miles do you usually fly each year & in what class? How many flights/sectors?
~50k
(3) What types of fares do you usually buy?
Economy incl discount, occasional Premium for longer-haul
(4) Can you choose your airlines and/or class of service? Do you travel for work and/or pleasure?
Yes all routes both for work and pleasure
(5) Which routes and airlines do you fly most often?
HKG-SIN 2-4x/yr
HKG-NRT/HND 2-4x/yr
HKG-SYD 1-2x/yr
HKG-BKK 1-2x/yr
HKG-LHR 0-1x/yr
HKG-JFK 0-1x/yr
(6) What is your home airport?
HKG
(7) Do you have FFP status of any kind in OW or other airline? What is it? Do you have any miles banked in a FFP?
100k asiamiles
(8) Preferred Airlines? Most common Airlines flown on?
Historically fly CX, JL in OW. Occasional QF and BA
If would look at SriLankan (UL). They have lower status thresholds than most other OW programs (60k miles/60 segments for Emerald) but high UL-metal requirements (30 segments must be flown on them). The program also earns comparatively well in discount economy , even the cheapest fares earn at 60%. The also offer co-branded credti cards and partner with HSBC so mileage earning though non-flying activities work as well.
Using the miles to upgrade from Economy to Business is a good use of them, see their upgrade award chart:
https://www.srilankan.com/flysmiles/...rade-chart.pdf
Biggest program disadvantage: Miles have a hard expiration date of three years. And UL is a small airline with a rather limited route network. I looked into them as I fly Europe-Asia a few times a year, but they have terminated all routes except FRA, CDG and LHR. But for flying mostly within APAC they should work well.