Originally Posted by
memanny
Newb here. I am in the process of hammering out a RTW itinerary in J. I am trying to figure out how to ticket and what FFP to use to gain max miles.
(1) What is most important to you in a FFP?
good redemption rates, better award access, free - discounted lounge access
(2) How many miles do you usually fly each year & in what class? How many flights/sectors?
Will fly RTW with approx 41K miles
(3) What types of fares do you usually buy?
business
(4) Can you choose your airlines and/or class of service? Do you travel for work and/or pleasure?
Travel for pleasure
(5) Which routes and airlines do you fly most often?
Usually domestic US, Europe, Australia. Will visit Asia and Europe on RTW itinerary.
(6) What is your home airport?
DEN:
(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?
None
(8) Preferred Airlines? Most common Airlines flown on?
Usually fly AA or BA. So far on RTW itinerary will be using JAL, CX, QF, QR, BA, AA, IB.
What are your intended award
redemptions? Route? Class of service? Because redemption rates (and carrier surcharges) can vary widely from one FFP to the next -- for the very same award flights -- just focusing on the program that will earn the most miles for your upcoming trip is a little short-sighted. For example, BAEC charges for each award flight flown; by contrast, AAdvantage redemptions include connections when necessary.
Status on AA will not get you lounge access, except when flying internationally. Status on foreign-based FFPs will get you longe access, even when flying domestically within the U.S.