Mileage program X-factor, best bang for buck?
 

I've been looking into the different mileage and other points programs to get an idea of which would be best for a frequent flyer.

There are a few programs that typically float to the top.

+ Chase UR
+ Capitol One Venture
+ Amex SPG

I have Amex and Chase Freedom. I'm very happy with Amex for hotel points, but not sure what would work best for airline points.

I happen to be a US Air traveler because for the routes I fly it provide, best ticket prices.

I've been tempted to get their airline credit card, but have been less than impressed with the average point value and cost to fly during higher demand time frames. For example, I priced out tickets for 4 travelers which would have 1 fly points, the other 2 on companion $99.00 tickets and one full fare. I was able to find a price on another airline that was practically identical without the use of miles!

I've done the calculation for more than one trip and was surprised given the point usage, that prices could come this close.

My question when taking into account x factor things such as companion tickets, opportunities for point multipliers, and base point value. Which credit card point system is best? I know it also dependent on other factors, but wondering which options look most attractive.

More basic questions: Which credit card point programs offer best bonus/ point multiplier opportunities.

Are the companion tickets a significant value add?

Regards,

Mike

Personally, I think you are comparing apples and oranges. If the routes you typically fly are on US because they are cheaper, you need to compare those costs to other airlines. It seems you already have. On the other hand, when you venture out and check the redemptions, you have found that on THAT route, US is not such a great bargain, which must be because the paid ticket is too high, in comparison to the other airlines you have checked. What about other potential redemptions that you a interested in?

It's not a one size fits all kind of thing. There is not one airline that will fly you on paid tickets for the cheapest all the time and then, have the best value on your redemption. if so, everyone would fly that airline exclusively and there were be no availability for redemptions...This is why people tend to have miles in several programs, more opportunities.

In terms of your personal situation, the Barclays card could help with status if you spend enough. If you don't care about status, then did you look at SPGs airline partners and transfers? Transfers in blocks of 20k with bonus? Have you considered using your CCs as an opportunity to diversify? I'd also consider flying US but crediting to UA and pairing with Chase URs. If your typical redemption will be four people, have you looked to see which airlines are good for families as many times, you find two seats, not four.

You may also wish to tell people where you are based as the people similarly situated are probably best suited to help you. I'd also recommend that you figure out what it is you are looking for. With a clearly stated goal like family of four to X in Y class, it will allow others to refine their suggestions as certain airlines are just better for redemptions to retain locations.

Good Luck!

I don't agree that Cap 1 program floats to the top, but I think you are already in two of the most popular, versatile programs with UR and and SPG. I'd say UR, SPG and Membership Rewards would pretty much cover everything.

2 other options come to mind for investigation: Avios for domestic flights (available to you via Membership rewards or the British Airways card) , and worth mentioning because of the low domestic rate redemption options.

Also, the Southwest companion pass is considered one of the best perks for domestic travel, too. As wjc said, it's a big world and it would be very helpful to know more specifics.

I guess my main issue is having the ability to fly 4. As far as destinations, they aren't my "typical" trips, since those are my work trips.

I don't have a specific location I'm trying to reach, does that really matter? I figure ability to earn high value points, assuming transfers, or having something like companion ticket would be key...

What other specifics would help narrow or recommend a particular points program?

Regards,

Mike