Originally Posted by
planefacts
(1) What is most important to you in a FFP?
Upgrades (especially on long-haul), priority services (check-in, boarding, baggage). Award redemption value matters, but in-flight comfort and reduced friction while traveling are the primary goals. Complimentary or realistically attainable upgrades are a key interest.
(2) How many miles do you usually fly each year & in what class? How many flights/sectors?
Approximately 150,000–160,000 miles per year, primarily long-haul international. Roughly 20 one-way flights annually, mostly Asia–US and Asia–Europe sectors. All flying is currently in Economy. Typical one-way sector is ~7,500–8,000 miles.
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Not going to get international complementary upgrades. With oneworld international flight upgrades with frequent flyer miles/points/avios, sometimes with cash co-payment, are generally only available on the airline that you have an account with and are flying. That is QR avios on QR marketed / QR operated flights for example.
Have you tried to get an upgrade on your QR flights?
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.
BA & AA have an out of alliance cross airline scheme. Requires a high cost base fare class.
Oneworld airlines AA & QF are trialing a OW upgrade scheme. Cost of an upgrade is *very* high. Have yet to read of anyone being successful.
Star Alliance have a cross airline upgrade scheme. Requires a high base fare class and onerous t&c's. Useless for most people. Example with UA -->
How to upgrade with UA miles on Star Alliance carriers