Help us Choose FF Program..
(1) What is most important to you in a FFP?
- Good award redemption rate & access (ie no blackout dates, etc).
- Would appreciate option to use rewards for upgrades which would allow us to use the smaller mileage amounts we gain in a way that’s become more a necessity than a luxury as we age.
- Good lounge access would be a nice perk for the international trips but without status I assume it's unlikely & isn't as important as reward value/easy redemption.
(2) How many miles do you usually fly each year & in what class? How many flights/sectors?
Unsure of average miles but it’s low. Our year usually consists of 2-3 Domestic non-stop flights + 1 International with a single layover.
(3) What types of fares do you usually buy?
In the past it was cheapest or economy. However, now it feels necessary to book premium economy or business for anything over 5 hours.
(4) Can you choose your airlines and/or class of service? Do you travel for work and/or pleasure?
Leisure travel only & usually end up on Alaska, Southwest, or Delta.
We both have owner-operated service businesses which doesn’t allow us much time for travel, however we try to do at least 1 bucket-list trip and/or a visit to Hawaii each year.
All other flights are to visit family or friends in Washington or Midwest.
(5) Which routes and airlines do you fly most often?
Domestic: SAN-SEA, SAN-OGG, SAN-OMA.
(6) What is your home airport?
SAN but often use LAX for international flights
(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?
Miles, No status.
- Alaska: Roughly 90k miles & partner has just shy of 19k. Also have the Alaska cc for companion pass, priority boarding, & free checked bags.
- Southwest: Roughly 26k miles & partner has 3k.
- Delta: I have 27.5k miles, unsure of partner balance.
Credit Card Points:
- Chase Ultimate rewards via Sapphire Reserve + Freedom (5% bonus categories)
- Barclaycard World Arrival+ ...Despite the poor value we find it useful to use for everyday purchases & then use the points to pay ourselves back for some of our travel purchases
(8) Preferred Airlines? Most common Airlines flown on?
Alaska & Southwest. However, if there's something that you feel would better suit our needs I'm open to learning a new program!