Jumping ship - other options?
 

Elite 50k renewed for 2014. Obviously very upset with new fare structures, and AC's perceived "Thanks for the money and your loyalty from 2009-2012, now F-off" attitude.

I live in Oz, did AC 33/34 quite a bit with a reasonable amount of upgrades.
But now, I'm out.

Does anyone know much about SQ, NZ or TG? Are these options worth exploring?

I fly VA domestically in Australia, and they're kinda-sorta linked to both NZ and SQ. I'd love to hear some thoughts on these programs, and if it's truly worth the swap.

I'd recommend exploring what programs are available in conjunction with a credit card spend from Australia. I don't know what opportunities or partners AMEX has down there with Membership rewards but I'd look toward a program that has a partnership with AMEX.

As for strictly flying, SQ points only last 3 years if I'm not mistaken and NZ has had a lot of devaluations recently. In fact, they seem very unhappy over in the NZ forum.

I think that based on flying only, that would make Thai ROP your better choice.

UA Mileage Plus might be something to look into if you can make the 4 segment minimum for their top tier, since their program has no Fuel Surcharges on awards. Plus, you could earn with them across the Pacific, but their economy class is not something too exciting.

As an elite (even the lowest kind) you get Economy Plus for free.

Far more exciting than the crappy AC TPAC product earning half the mileage.


You need to prioritize what you want, is it upgrades, good awards, etc, then you can pick based on that.