Looks like now it's a for sure thing that I'll be moving overseas and was curious about which FF program makes the most sense. I'll be based in Luxembourg but will be spending a lot of time in the UK and Germany with other, likely more infrequent, trips to Spain, France, Italy, and Poland.

Questions
For members asking for information, to help people to assist you, can you please provide:
(1) What is most important to you in a FFP?
(upgrades on travel, priority services when flying the airline, extra baggage allowance, good award redemption rates, better award access, free - discounted lounge access, etc.)
Reply: Primarily the ease and cost of redeeming an intl ticket. I'd want my EU travel to help fund trips back to the states with my wife and I (and our soon to be born daughter).

(2) How many miles do you usually fly each year & in what class? How many flights/sectors?
(<25000, 25000-50000, >50000 miles - <25, 25-50, >50 flights?)
Reply: Currently around 40, all shorter flights (less than 1k each). Over there, not sure. I expect to be traveling at leas 25% of the time, but again these flights will be shorter as they will mainly be continental EU. Initially I will be flying back and forth between the UK/Lux and Seattle, probably a good 6 times, during the rest of this year. So far I've only booked one flight and it was through Air Canada as they had the cheapest fair. I wanted that direct Delta flight but it was over 30% more expensive.

(3) What types of fares do you usually buy ?
(First, Business, Premium economy, Economy, cheapest)
Reply: My company pays for the cheapest, sadly.

(4) Can you choose your airlines and/or class of service? Airline most flown? Do you travel for work and/or pleasure?
Reply: I have some leeway in airline selection. All our bookings are done through CWT and we are usually told to pick the cheapest, though the schedule is the more important piece at times.

(5) Which routes and airlines do you fly most often
(US Domestic, Transpacific, Kangaroo, in Asia etc)
Reply: I think it will be LUX - London (any airport) as the main route, plus some routes to Germany with a few LUX - SEA thrown in for good measure. Honestly I'm not sure yet.

(6) What is your home airport?
(SFO, SCL, London LHR, HKG, Singapore SIN etc.)
Reply: SEA now, LUX then.

(7) Do you have FFP status of any kind in an airline? What is it? Do you have any miles banked in a FFP?
(AA Executive Platinum, UA 1K, LAN Comodoro, etc)
Reply: I'm currently AS Gold, no status in any other airline.

(8) Preferred Airlines
Reply: Really not sure. With Lux Air being the main airline of the country it seems like going with them and using Miles and more from Lufthansa makes the most sense, but I've heard that program is not the best. Though it does look like I could get credit with LH (is that Lufthansa?) on my Air Canada flights so that is something. Plus they have a direct FRA to SEA flight that would be a good one to spend my accrued miles on to bring the family home

So all that being said, I guess I'm leaning towards LH as the airline I join up with and credit my travel to. I guess that would be Star Alliance then? If thats the recommendation, do I first sign up for LH and then use that airlines M&M number for my air canada flight? Or is there a separate sign up and number for the star alliance itself?

Thanks for your help!

About to start flying 5-10 times per year SFO- Europe & Asia, program to focus on?
 

I'll likely be doing about 5-10 domestic flights per year as well so about 20 flights annually, currently I use VA for domestic travel and am very happy with them.

If I focus on one FF program, I'll get the credit card associated with the program as well.

1. What is most important to you in a frequent flyer program (FFP)?
upgrades, priority services, baggage allowance, good award redemption rates, better award access, lounge access, etc.

I want to get points to redeem for free international flights for my myself and my wife (or only my wife if I can combine business with personal travel on the same trip)

2. How many miles do you usually fly each year? How many flights/sectors?
less than 25000 miles, 50000+ miles and 20-25 flights, etc.

Not sure as to milage, but at least 5 flights per year from SFO to Europe and or Asia and at least 5 domestic flights, usually SFO-NY

3. What fare class do you usually buy?
first, business, premium economy, economy

Economy

4. Are you able to choose your airlines and/or class of service? Do you travel for work and/or pleasure?

I'm able to choose what airlines I want to fly.

5. Which routes do you fly most often?
transatlantic, domestic USA, intra-Asia, etc.

Transatlantic, inter-European, domestic USA

6. What is your home airport?

SFO

7. Do you have status in any FFP? What is it? How miles do you have banked in each FFP, if any?

VA Silver

8. What are your preferred airlines, if any?

Don't really have a preference except for VA domestically (but if it helps me to reach my goals to fly someone else domestically, then I'd switch).

Thank you!

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry: BlackBerry8530/5.0.0.1030 Profile/MIDP-2.1 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/417)

I think AAdvantage would likely be best for you. For your paid flights, you can fly AA to JFK; BA TATL; and CX/JL TPAC; all out of SFO. For your award flights, you will pay no surcharges as long as you avoid BA and IB metal.

+1 As someone who formerly put 100K per year on both AA and UA and then decided a few years ago to concentrate on AA because UA was going so far downhill, I've been very happy with that move and haven't looked back. Shorter security lines, a nicer terminal and better upgrade chances into and out of SFO on AA (partly because of the overall AA frequent flyer program and, ironically, partly because SFO is a UA hub and therefore you have much more competition for upgrades). Plus right now AA's FF program and overall operations are superior. Some very nice redemption options, particularly to Asia on CX F or J.

Now, having said that, the FF field is a moving target these days and it seems that once the AA merger/integration with US is complete its FF program and perhaps other aspects of the airline will go downhill. Plus recent rumblings from CX make it unclear for how long the pretty good AA access to CX award flights will remain pretty good.

For other, more focused feedback, you might add if there are any particular destinations in the US and abroad you're likely to be going to frequently, as that could influence folks' advice. But in the absence of UA and its partner airlines being much better for those destinations (and perhaps even if they are better), I'd still suggest AA.

However, if the OP puts all travel on one alliance, he/she is likely to be around 75,000 status miles per year. On AA, this is Plat (50,000 EQM/EQP annually) but on UA, it would lead to the Plat level at 75,000 status miles per year, assuming that spend on UA airfares meets the requirements. UA Plat at 75,000 is likely to get better treatment than AA Plat at 50,000 status miles or points. However, UA is messed up now, while AA is in the early stages of a merger and its FF program is expected to change, so either choice involves a risk.

By VA Silver do you mean Virgin Australia (code VA)?

Look here, where you post will probably be moved:- http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/infor...help-here.html

Overwhelmed newbie - jump start for once-a-month global traveler - Cards? Seating?
 

Hello,

I'm a business and pleasure traveler who travels about once per month to Europe and throughout the U.S. (approximately 50-100k/year) from JFK or Newark. My travel is often unpredictable (but will be less so in the future) and I like to keep my credit cards to a minimum, so I've been horrible and neglectful about tapping mileage programs.

I often take redeye flights and I'm starting to get more anxious about seating assignments and upgrades, particularly because I get bad migraines if I don't sleep well, which can ruin any trip.

I've been reading all of the "How-To" sites and threads, but to be honest, there's a ton of information and it's a bit overwhelming as a complete mileage newbie.

My profile:
-- Travel 10-12x per year to Berlin, Paris, California, Beijing, London, South America, (major cities) from JFK or Newark
-- Excellent credit rating with only two bank cards in my name. Put a high amount of living and travel expenses on cards for convenience, but pay them off immediately.
-- Enrolled in UnitedMileage Plus, but have been bad about applying for flight credit.
-- Usually fly United; sometimes American Airlines, Virgin, or local (Air China, Air Berlin, KLM etc...)
-- Between jobs, but steady income - starting a new job in July
-- Usually have 2 - 6 weeks notice before travel

Priorities:
-- Better seating
-- Earning flights
-- Lounge / WiFi access would be nice add-on


I've been looking at a Chase Sapphire card and the United Card. I had considered the American Express Platinum, but ditched the idea due to mixed reviews, and the Sapphire card seems more appropriate than the Barclays. I signed up with ExpertFlyer Basic to get seat alerts.

Any thoughts for a simple explanation of how a newbie can best dive in or achieve the aforementioned goals? Or recommendations?

Thanks in advance!

EDIT: Oops - sorry, just saw that you're not supposed to ask about cards in here, but really, I'm looking for some multi-topic, broad advice about how to approach my situation strategically. If this is more appropriate for another forum, please let me know. Thanks!

Been lurking many years as a non-rev (therefore no interest in FF), and now I am in the real world paying for flights for the first time in 8 years.

I am wondering, should I gun for a) ua platinum only or b) ua silver + tk elite? Economy plus on UA is something I like but will never pay for.

this year 2/3 of my flying is on TK on fares that earn 100% status and 50% award miles with UA...yet these fares earn 50% award in TK, therefore 50% status miles?

1. What is most important to you in a frequent flyer program (FFP)?
upgrades, priority services, baggage allowance, good award redemption rates, better award access, lounge access, etc.
>>> Reply: award redemption, economy plus (ua) & upgrades, lounge, everything else

2. How many miles do you usually fly each year? How many flights/sectors?
less than 25000 miles, 50000+ miles and 20-25 flights, etc.
>>> Reply: flown 11 000 on ua so far, another 50-65k to go this year
next year will probably just fly 25-50k.

3. What fare class do you usually buy?
first, business, premium economy, economy
>>> Reply: cheapest economy but will pay bit more or travel more/longer to get more award and status miles on long haul itineraries

4. Are you able to choose your airlines and/or class of service? Do you travel for work and/or pleasure?
>>> Reply: any choice and economy. all travel is for pleasure and on my own dime (i do not make a lot but i also do not own/spend a lot, travel is the only thing i really spend $$$ on ).

5. Which routes do you fly most often?
transatlantic, domestic USA, intra-Asia, etc.
>>> Reply: 2015: 3-4 ultra long haul from africa to north america or asia/yr and some us domestic flying
2016: 33% north america flying, 66% long haul international around caucasius, africa, asia, maybe s america.


6. What is your home airport?
>>> Reply: 2015: cpt, 2016: either yyc iah atl or ord

7. Do you have status in any FFP? What is it? How miles do you have banked in each FFP, if any?
>>> Reply: have 25k award miles (and 11k status miles) this year so far in UA

8. What are your preferred airlines, if any?
>>> Reply: seriously do not care

Planning Babymoon
 

My wife and I had a blast in Mexico and did pretty much every excursion under the sun. We are now planning a babymoon. She really wants to go to southwest Pacific probably Maldives. Might want to make a stopover in Greece along the way. I'm brand new to travel hacking and read Nomadic Matt's e-book to get the gist of it. Wife and I have very good credit.

1. What is most important to you in a frequent flyer program (FFP)?
upgrades, priority services, baggage allowance, good award redemption rates, better award access, lounge access, etc.
>>> Reply: Redemption. Basically most "bang for our buck."

2. How many miles do you usually fly each year? How many flights/sectors?
less than 25000 miles, 50000+ miles and 20-25 flights, etc.
>>> Reply: No more than 3-4 flights. Usually 2 big vacations and then maybe an extra trip and one business trip. At least one of those trips a year would likely be to Egypt.

3. What fare class do you usually buy?
first, business, premium economy, economy
>>> Reply: Economy

4. Are you able to choose your airlines and/or class of service? Do you travel for work and/or pleasure?
>>> Reply: Yes can choose airlines and class of service. Mostly travel for pleasure.

5. Which routes do you fly most often?
transatlantic, domestic USA, intra-Asia, etc.
>>> Reply: Transatlantic

6. What is your home airport?
>>> Reply: IND

7. Do you have status in any FFP? What is it? How miles do you have banked in each FFP, if any?
>>> Reply: SkyMiles with a little more than 15,000. On the way to getting 45,000 points with Chase Sapphire and 50,000 points with Citi Thank You.

8. What are your preferred airlines, if any?
>>> Reply: Don't have one really. Have flown Delta and U.S. Airways domestically.

aebulbul Welcome to the forum

The words "travel hacking" is treated with scorn and laughter by many on this site. Life is not a free ride.

With 3 or 4 paid flights per year you are better to just select on price & schedule, and treat ff miles, if any, as bonus that may or may not be able to used. 3 or 4 flights is a long way from frequent flying. Many here do that per week (or day).

Credit card sign & spend may get you more ff miles. We have forums for that as post 1. There is a difference between frequent flying and frequent spending

The Maldives are in the Indian Ocean and not the Pacific Ocean. And a long way from Greece.

Thanks, Mwenenzi I'll keep the tip about the nomenclature in mind ;)

The 3-4 flights a year will likely go up as we get more into flying. Here in the Indy we've pretty much visited and done everything that's within driving distance.

I went back and re-read the first post you've made. I'll take the tip about frequent spending. I've started a Bluebird account so I pay rent, student loans, and other expenses I normally can't with a credit card.

Miss
 

1. What is most important to you in a frequent flyer program (FFP)?
upgrades, priority services, baggage allowance, good award redemption rates, better award access, lounge access, etc.
Good award redemption rates, baggage allowance, and better reward access.

2. How many miles do you usually fly each year? How many flights/sectors?
less than 25000 miles, 50000+ miles and 20-25 flights, etc.
>>> less than 25000 miles.

3. What fare class do you usually buy?
first, business, premium economy, economy
Economy.

4. Are you able to choose your airlines and/or class of service? Do you travel for work and/or pleasure?
I am able to choose my airlines and class. I travel for pleasure.

5. Which routes do you fly most often?
transatlantic, domestic USA, intra-Asia, etc.
I normally fly to domestic USA destinations, though one of my best friends lives in Australia and I'd like to visit him in the next year or two.
I'd also like to go to Britain and Spain.
6. What is your home airport? Portland, PDX.
7. Do you have status in any FFP? What is it? How miles do you have banked in each FFP, if any?
No status. I have about 400 miles banked in Delta.

8. What are your preferred airlines, if any? I don't have any.

Need suggestions on which airline to switch to
 

I have only ever flown United but I'm looking to switch airlines. I always fly first domestically so can I get some suggestions for what airline has decent customer service and comfy seats? I usually fly short haul from SFO to SEA.
Thanks in advance. I hope I posted this in the right section off the boards!

Start by checking which airlines serve this route nonstop? AS surely does, maybe DL or AA. JetBlue might and Southwest doesn't ahve FC. I assume that nonstops are important as well as sufficiently frequency to give you a choice of times.

Almost everyy flight would be nonstop since it's such a short route, rarely have I looked up flights and had the option of a layover. I suppose I'll just have to dig on my own, thanks