(1) What is your home airport? BHX, although LHR is our preferred for long haul.
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy? Economy for short haul, PE for long.
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? No more than 4,000 miles a year but this might be going up some what in the next couple of years.
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? BA bronze and Flying blue Silver.
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? Points that don't expire, free seat selection (ideally) at the time of booking and lounge access.
(6) Which routes do you fly most often? Europe, North America.
(7) Preferred Airlines? None
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? Fully leisure so I pay for all my flights either cash or points.
I've been doing research trying to figure out which *A scheme is right for me and could do with some help. I'm almost certain UA is the way to go for my situation but wanted to ask in case I've missed something?
Me and my partner are due to go to Frankfurt later this year with LH. Next year, we are going to Las Vegas followed by Toronto (BA going, Virgin return) maybe using Air Canada in between?
After that I hope to go to Chicago and then Indianapolis using LH for the former (return) to fly on a 747, a lifelong dream and again maybe another *A partner in between. We have plenty of ideas, it's just getting round to booking it and more importantly, funding it all. We always have a checked bag between us and our budget only allows up to PE for long haul unless I can find a really good deal otherwise for business class.
I don't have a problem with connecting flights, although I've never done one yet but my partner is very much against them where possible. She wants direct flights only unless the savings are substantial.
Points that don't expire is VERY important to me as I don't travel enough as I'd like to make use of them over the short term but having a pot for a little weekend break somewhere would be nice. Status would also be nice but not essential as I have a credit card that allows lounge access with PP attached to it.
I've looked at Aegean and I'm not sure what activity would keep the points alive, also, 4 flights (at least) with them to gain or maintain status isn't feasible for me.
Thank you all for any advice.