Hello FlyerTalk Community! It's been a while, but this is still my #1 resource for all my points & miles questions!
My family is taking a Norweigan Fjord cruise RT out of Southampton (London) next June (2026), and this would be our "big trip" in several years. I want to use my points to redeem business class (or first if I can swing it) for the trip. Since I'm still 15+ months out, I would like to use the next few months to accumulate miles in an FFP that would give me good BC/FC redemption. We don't go to Europe often we're so less familiar with European airlines. Here is the basic info about my current FFP situation:
1. What is most important to you in a frequent flyer program (FFP)?
>>> Reply: 1) Good award redemption rates 2) Good redemption availability
2. How many miles do you usually fly each year? How many flights/sectors?
>>> Reply: Less than 25,000 miles (4-6 segments). Usually 1-2 domestic RT and/or 1 international (primarily to Asia) each year. We don't fly enough to make a difference toward elite status.
3. What fare class do you usually buy?
>>> Reply: Economy
4. Are you able to choose your airlines and/or class of service? Do you travel for work and/or pleasure?
>>> Reply: Travel for leisure only so can choose any airlines that make the most sense
5. Which routes do you fly most often?
>>> Reply: Domestic or trans-Pacific. So looking for help with trans-Atlantic since we're unfamiliar with these routes
6. What is your home airport?
>>> Reply: SFO for international flights, although SJC is closer. LAX is doable
7. Do you have status in any FFP? What is it? How miles do you have banked in each FFP, if any?
>>> Reply: No status with any FFP. I have minimum or no miles with these FFPs: American, United, Alaska, Hawaiian, Southwest, EVA Air, British Airway, Air Canada, and Virgin Atlantic (I started signing for a few airlines in preparation for this trip)
8. What are your preferred airlines, if any?
>>> Reply: No preferred airlines, but would like to try European airlines as we have not been impressed with US-based airlines.
I'm hoping to find a FFP (or two) that has:
1) Good BC or FC products (newer planes, good food, Airbus fleet preferred)
2) Routes to/from London and Paris (planning to visit Paris either before or after the cruise)
3) Good redemption availability (we need 4 seats)
4) Easy ways to accumulate miles through credit cards or multiple transfer partners
I know credit card recommendations are not part of this thread, but if anyone knows any obvious choice for CC to go with your recommended FFP, I'd love to know! It would save me a lot of research to find CC that will help me accrue the point. FWIW, we have about 400K Chase UR points that can be used toward any redemption.
Thank you so much!