Originally Posted by
jawnbc
So glad I found this thread! As we'll be based in Ireland we've no local credit card option for *A (and evening the EI one sucks, like EI's AerClub sucks)
(1) What is your home airport? DUB (moving there this month from NZ)
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? Y for short haul; PE or J for long haul
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? whilst working 40-70k; getting close to retirement
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? Airpoints Gold Elite (* Gold) with NZ. Previously Elite with AC Aeroplan before moving to NZ)
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? upgrades, lounge, express security and checkin-in
(6) Which routes do you fly most often DUB YVR; DUB AKL, various cities in Europe
(7) Preferred Airlines have enjoyed all the LH group, TG, SQ (of course), NZ, TP
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? 50/50
Upgrades are generally available on the airline of your ffp.
Star Alliance has a cross airline upgrade scheme, but useless for most people as requires a high priced base fare. Even then is far from guaranteed.
If short haul is DUB Europe these are short flights and often cheap so little earnings to a ffp. And the best fights for price and schedule may not be on your airline~alliance.
For lounge access need top status or by class of service (business - first)
How long will you be in Ireland for? Months~ multiple years ~ for ever?
What is wrong with
AC Aeroplan? Any balance of ff miles?
Air NZ airpoints is a poor ffp unless flying Air NZ and have no other choice for a ffp.