Originally Posted by xpstranger
Hello everyone.
I am thinking of joining frequent flyer program or reward program. But can’t seem to decide what I should do in my situation.
Please, help me with the decision!!!
Here is my situation.
I and my wife fly at least ones a year when we take vacation. At the most we may fly 2, very rear 3 times a year. One flight is usually international – Europe, Caribbean, Mexico. Other flights are local.
I am looking at United and American AA frequent flyer programs and also at American Express rewards program which allows getting hotel stays, car rental and other merchandise. It also allows converting points into miles. But I read that when I do that American Express charges extra point for that. Is it true?
I am also looking at cash back programs, like True earnings from American Express and Costco.
I will really appreciate all the input from you guys.
Thank a lot.
First, welcome to FT! I will say that when I first joined I thought that I would fly only once or twice a year, but now I must (at least I think I must) be an elite -- all thanks to FT. So, you might end up like me. Anyway.
The answer, I think (I won't say IMO because for a newbie it is VERY confusing), depends on where you live. I have heard that it is easier to get reward tickets on AA than UA, but don't quote me on that. If you are making your decision on price alone, Northwest might be good because they are usually fairly cheap compared to other airlines. Northwest might also be good because you can earn miles in your NW account when flying on Delta or Continental. I, as well as many other people, stress NOT to join Onepass.
As for AA, they do have a good FF program. In fact, Consumer Reports just rated AAdvantage as being the best FF program. You say that you will fly to the Caribbean and Mexico. AA has the best presence in both areas, as well as in Europe.
I personally enjoy UA because they have economy plus (more legroom at a cheap economy price), somewhat wider seats in economy, and channel 9 (where you can listen to air traffic control). On UA you can earn miles while flying on US Airways, and you can earn miles while flying on Lufthansa.
Almost all airlines now have a credit card option where you can earn miles, and even some have the ability to earn elite qualification miles with a certain amount of money spent.
Again, the best answer might depend on where you live, but I hope I helped.