I am trying to collect people’s views on the best Frequent Flyer program to India.

India seems to be the hardest destination to redeem mileage from North America or Europe. Not only are the seats hard to find but also there are various black out dates and restrictions of sorts.


I would appreciate if people can add else comment on the following views I have listed.


American

- Mileage can be redeemed on partners like BA, CX & OZ (Korean).

- The lowest redemption award at 65K miles on Korean.

- BA offers probably the best Economy seats compared to all the other airlines departing from North America to India and the mileage required is only 75K which is comparatively less than other US based airlines operating to India.


British Airways

- If your goal was to travel in Business or First, then no one can match the comfort and value for miles to BA. My understanding for this is as follows. BA charges 100K on Business and 125K on First. BA is the only Airline operating to India that has a bed in Business and the service is way better than Continental, Delta or United. This is in regards to THE BUSINESS & FIRST PRODUCT only.

- Redeeming an Economy Ticket the least amt of miles are required 75K only.

- No BLACK OUT DATES for Travel. Which is a big plus

Overall I think this might be the best program, if your goal was to accumulate miles for travel to India only.


Continental

- Partnerships with NW and now KLM. Which makes it easier to book and redeem rewards on KLM's system as well and no longer would you have to wait for 48hrs before KLM could confirm your seat.

- World Business Class is expensive at 120K, but the service has been great on NW especially. The AMS - BOM/DEL segment the NW agents have been great.

- Lots of blackout dates and booking this with your Onepass miles can be a headache. This is often the case, since Onepass agents have limited access to the seats on NW and KLM.

- Earlier anything booked with KL as your flight number, did not allow you to receive mileage on a purchased ticket. I think that has changed now.

- A change for dates is an ordeal. Especially once in India. If you are trying to change your return date. It’s next to impossible. Continental doesn’t INFORM its passengers that it has a presence in Bombay, Delhi and other parts in India. FYI - Stic Travels is the agent that handles all Onepass issues.

- Be very careful when you redeem a Business First award on Continental and fly from North America to London onwards to India on Emirates. Emirates does not offer you a First seat. In fact you continue on in Economy on the LHR-BOM segment.


Delta

- Awards are very reasonable here as well. 80K for Economy & 100K for Business First, which is a steal.

- The service is great and staff is fantastic.

- With the new HUB of CDG (Paris) one will have access to redeem mileage on Delta & Air France flights as well. Thus the options have increased now.

- Air France awards is ridiculously expensive. Dont make sense whatsoever to redeem miles on AF.

- One important thing to note for Elite level members on Delta is that you have no BLACK OUT DATES, which is a HUGE PLUS especially in the month of Dec when traveling to India.

- Singapore offers a reward from LAX/SFO via Pacific to India and is quite reasonable as well. 140K for Singapore First Class is great. Only issue here is the transit time in Singapore onwards to Bombay or other Indian destinations.

Northwest/KLM

- Like Continental, however with Worldperks mileage it becomes easier to redeem mileage to India.

- World Business Class is 120K miles and is reasonable. Service is great or has been for me at least so far.

- Lots of Blackout dates and therefore could pose a threat when traveling in the month of December.

- Very few fares can be upgraded and be sure when you are buying a ticket from an agent who claims its a higher class fare, that its not a CONSOLIDATOR fare. Agents will try to tell you otherwise. Always get the FARE BASIS code call NW and confirm whether you can UPGRADE this ticket using your mileage on not.

- I think the best option is always buy an upgradeable ticket and use miles to upgrade yourself in WBC. 40K to 60K for roundtrip travel from US to India.



Lufthansa

- Looking for your views?

United

- Not sure if it flies to India anymore?

- Looking for views?