Originally Posted by
Mwenenzi
xandergenius Welcome to FT
Being pragmatic with approx. 15-18 flight sectors per year.in discounted economy / Promo fares you have no hope in getting the OW Sapphire that is needed for lounge access, based on status with any airline ffp. Even less chance for those ffp's that base status on money spent.
For 15-18 sectors per year better the select flights based on schedule & price, on any airline. Any frequent flyer miles/points/avios collected are just a minor bonus that may or may not be of use before they expire.
Avios is used as ff currency by QR, BA, AY, IB, IE. Subject to rules can be moved at no cost to other avios's ffp.
With 2 people/2 ff accounts 1 account can be used for the award flight out and the other account for the return (one way awards)
Nowadays many people get more frequent flyer miles/points/avios from non flying activity like credit cards, shopping . hotels etc.
Thanks for the reality check. I appreciate the directness.
If Oneworld Sapphire is mathematically out of reach with my fare classes, I will shift my goal purely to maximising Redemptions.
I already have an Amex Platinum (transferable to Avios) and I am familiar with earning extra Avios via online shopping portals. So my "points engine" is not just flying.
Since I cannot get lounge access via flight status, I want to get it by redeeming miles (Amex + Flights + Shopping) for Business Class tickets.
Given this, which program is best for a couple flying Qatar metal in discounted economy solely for:
* Pooling points (Household Account is a must).
* Best earning rates on QR 'O'/'T' classes (to avoid the 0% earn traps).
* Good redemption value for future Biz flights (combining flight miles with my Amex transfers).
Should I just stick with Qatar Privilege Club or move to BA/Finnair or other?