Need help fast with milage program decision
 

Hi

I'm completely new (sorry) and have been trying to decide whether it would be worth it to join an awards program. Dec 2014 I flew from STR from HLN and this Dec. will be returning to HLN. Then STR in March, and Australia from there soon after.

The problem is that it's much cheaper to use Delta and their partners than United and their partners, which is what I flew here with. And the more I try to learn about these programs, the more intricate details I find.

Admittedly I realize I should read more before posting but I am running out of time and would be super grateful for any help at all!

Thanks!

What's your question, exactly?

Delta miles (at the moment) never expire, so, you have NOTHING to lose by joining Delta SkyMiles!

Welcome to our world! :)

I think that only Delta has direct transatlantic flights from STR, and if they are the cheapest too then that seems your logical choice. By next year the main US airlines probably will all be very comparable to each other in their mileage programs, and the European ones do not tend to be any better, so in your case it makes sense to go with Delta.

Is either one or the other more stingy, sneaky, or worse with their mileage system/just in general? Does United charge a fee and do either of them expire after 18 months?

I think the FF game is over (until the next recession). If you're just starting and you'll be flying Delta then go with them. It doesn't sound like you're flying enough to think about elite status (and besides you can get lots of the bennies from a CC).

As for your last question, you can read the threads for the airlines to decide. None are perfect. The cost/benefit analysis varies for each person.

Delta has the best performance stats.

Delta is the only of the major US carriers where miles do not expire. With the others you need to have activity on the account every 18 months (or so) or your miles are gone. None of them charge a fee for belonging to the FF program.

The expiration of miles is way down the list of relevant details. You can keep your account alive for a 10 dollar transaction.

What do you want from miles? They are worth about a penny a piece.

How much of your life do you want to dedicate to a 500 USD accumulation of 'miles' that are difficult to use for all programs?

At the entry tier level below Gold (50000 miles per year)

Fly the airline that meets you transportation needs the best, and then use the miles the same way.