Originally Posted by
HopefulTraveller
As I have family now for sure located long term in mid California, (also some In Germany) I have been, and now know I will continue to have to, fly 2 -3 times a year from London to San Francisco. I am wondering which airline to choose. Through circumstances beyond my control I have blue status with BA, points accruing with VA via my Tesco clubcard, and some flights upcoming with UA, again beyond my control.
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For only a few long haul flights would be selecting on schedule & price. With ff miles/avios/points a very minor consideration.
A wide choice of airlines UK EU. Are short cheap flights so would earn few ff miles/avios/points (if any) to any ffp.
UA ff miles have
no expiry, So good for infrequent flyers. UA are in Star Alliance, so very many partners
BA avios can expire if no eligible activity. BA are in Oneworld Alliance, so have partners. Including AA for USA trips as well as BA to USA
By VA guess you mean VS Virgin Atlantic. VS are in Skyteam Alliance, so have partners. Including KLM/AF for those EU trips. [VA is Virgin Australia]
To me
"priority services" is some what meaningless. Means different things to different people. You are but 1 of thousands flying.
Flying business class gets a better service. As does mid - top status with a ffp to some extent. But you have no hope of getting mid top status on a few low priced fares. For long haul flights consider paying extra for extra leg room seats (premium plus/MCE/what ever name used by the airline)