Originally Posted by wanaflyforless
Great...but I don't see how this pertains to mileage runs.
Because a lot of us who are IBOs [independent business operators] use our miles to reinvest in our businesses, there are some very creative ways to do this that can generate significant business profits for us, and at the same time provide a virtually tax free vacation.
Originally Posted by wanaflyforless
Just so you know, an objective comparison of Southwest earning verses UA/AA for LAX-JFK.
AA/UA 2475 miles outbound + 2475 return x 2 status bonus + online booking = 10,900 miles earned per round trip.
5 round trips = 53,600 miles earned
50K miles earned = 1 unrestricted free domestic round trip or 2 restricted round trips on AA/UA
Southwest 1 credit earned each way. 2 credits per round trip. Maybe 3 credits if there is a current promo. I will be generous and use 3 credits.
6 round trips on Southwest = 18 credits
16 credits = 1 free restricted round trip
Results: You earn at least twice as much on UA/AA.
This is not taking other things into account, like the fact you could be upgraded part of the time for free on AA/UA, or that UA only has economy plus seating on this route: it is a special route for UA, with an international business/first quality product in the premium cabins.
If you choose Southwest, know you are choosing them only for their cheaper last minute fares; not for their program. Their program/product does not compare!
The OP was asking who has the best FF program.
Oh! I strongly disagree! WN restictions are only on a few days of the year, like Dec 25, etc. on Rapid Rewards tickets. And the more important thing is that the seats are always available. This is not the case with UA/AA because they don't release all seats for redemptions. The worth of $/mile means nothing if there is no seat available.
Also, UA/AA are either bankrupt or teetering on such. In addition WN fares are not only cheaper for last minute fares, but their advanced purchases tend to be cheaper.
They have a better program, and as an airline are way more profitable.
Originally Posted by wanaflyforless
I would only recommend AF to someone who goes to/from Africa and the Middle East a lot...because AF has better coverage of Africa than anyone else. But this does not pertain to the OP! If you are deciding based on routes served directly, the OP will not be better served to his/her destinations on AF. If deciding based product, AF does not have the best transatlantic J product available. BA does. If deciding based on upgrade possibilities, AF is terrible and UA/AA win.
Well we don't exactly know what the OP wants to do with regards to redemptions. Whether for US domestic, trans-Atlantic or trans-Pacific vacations. Do we? We also don't know how much the OP flys in the domestic market, in addition to flying to Europe with transfer at NYC airports. Hence I can only post what I do, and perhaps the OP can extract from that what is applicable to the OP's individual case.
Originally Posted by wanaflyforless
This one sounds like an excellent choice for you, as you must be deciding based on product (not wanting to upgrade often), and SQ has one of the best transpacific products. But this does not pertain to the OP!
I attempted to respond based on what would be best for the OP considering what the OP stated they were looking for; not what works best for me with what I am looking for.
Same response as above.
BTW, very well thought out and written response
Cheers,
M8