May 24, 2014, 12:34 pm
Last edit by: Mwenenzi
Before posting please read POSTS 1-3 for a comprehensive overview of how to select a program.
If you already plan to focus on one particular alliance, please visit the sticky in the relevant forum: Deciding on a oneworld FFP or Which SkyTeam FFP or Choosing a Star FFP
List of frequent flyer programs from Wikipedia
Questionnaire: Copy and paste into your post
Provide the requested information.
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:
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:
3. What fare class do you usually buy?
first, business, premium economy, economy
>>> Reply:
4. Are you able to choose your airlines and/or class of service? Do you travel for work and/or pleasure?
>>> Reply:
5. Which routes do you fly most often?
transatlantic, domestic USA, intra-Asia, etc.
>>> Reply:
6. What is your home airport?
>>> Reply:
7. Do you have status in any FFP? What is it? How miles do you have banked in each FFP, if any?
>>> Reply:
8. What are your preferred airlines, if any?
>>> Reply:
If you already plan to focus on one particular alliance, please visit the sticky in the relevant forum: Deciding on a oneworld FFP or Which SkyTeam FFP or Choosing a Star FFP
List of frequent flyer programs from Wikipedia
Questionnaire: Copy and paste into your post
Provide the requested information.
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:
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:
3. What fare class do you usually buy?
first, business, premium economy, economy
>>> Reply:
4. Are you able to choose your airlines and/or class of service? Do you travel for work and/or pleasure?
>>> Reply:
5. Which routes do you fly most often?
transatlantic, domestic USA, intra-Asia, etc.
>>> Reply:
6. What is your home airport?
>>> Reply:
7. Do you have status in any FFP? What is it? How miles do you have banked in each FFP, if any?
>>> Reply:
8. What are your preferred airlines, if any?
>>> Reply:
Which Frequent Flyer Program to Join? Help Is Here!
Jan 22, 2016 | 2:16 am
#961
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Lancashire, UK
Posts: 2,116
Jan 22, 2016 | 11:27 am
#962
Join Date: Jan 2015
Programs: BAEC Gold, Flying Blue Platinum
Posts: 1,886
1. What is most important to you in a frequent flyer program (FFP)?
upgrades and priority services
2. How many miles do you usually fly each year? How many flights/sectors?
20,000 miles, 10 sectors
3. What fare class do you usually buy?
Mixture of J and Y
4. Are you able to choose your airlines and/or class of service? Do you travel for work and/or pleasure?
Choose own flights for pleasure
5. Which routes do you fly most often?
UK to SE asia (BKK, KUL, SIN) Caribbean, Europe
6. What is your home airport?
Lon
7. Do you have status in any FFP? What is it? How miles do you have banked in each FFP, if any?
No
8. What are your preferred airlines, if any?
EY, EK
upgrades and priority services
2. How many miles do you usually fly each year? How many flights/sectors?
20,000 miles, 10 sectors
3. What fare class do you usually buy?
Mixture of J and Y
4. Are you able to choose your airlines and/or class of service? Do you travel for work and/or pleasure?
Choose own flights for pleasure
5. Which routes do you fly most often?
UK to SE asia (BKK, KUL, SIN) Caribbean, Europe
6. What is your home airport?
Lon
7. Do you have status in any FFP? What is it? How miles do you have banked in each FFP, if any?
No
8. What are your preferred airlines, if any?
EY, EK
Jan 22, 2016 | 12:01 pm
#963
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: New York, NY
Programs: DL Gold. UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt (Lifetime Diamond downgraded to Explorist)
Posts: 6,777
BA works with IB, AB, AY and various other EU airlines. Aligning with EasyJet (E2) would not make sense as they are direct competitors & are not in the same business. Both are airlines but one is an LCC and the other is a full service international carrier.
How are DL & AA aligned? DL is Skyteam & AA is OneWorld.
How are DL & AA aligned? DL is Skyteam & AA is OneWorld.
Jan 23, 2016 | 3:40 pm
#964
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 102,617
Thanks for the clear up!
OK I understand, so I guess my question should be, which airlines Program should I join.
But of course, I understand this is going to be a case by case scenario, depending on the persons activities. We are British... but we do long haul flights a lot and especially in and around america we travel a fair bit, so AA really works for us while there.
If British Airways was as efficient in Europe, as AA is in America... then I think I'd join BA. But it is not - so I reckon I probably am with the right program already... AAdvantage.
It's only Feb and we have knocked up 3 out of the four required AA flights already so we will certainly qualify this year as long as we make up the miles.
I don't think there is anything in England that rewards you with AA miles. I might be wrong though.
If only BA would allie up with all the other companies like Easyjet for example (like Delta is to AA), then they would be much more tempting to join.
Thanks again for your help - unless anyone else has anything to pitch in, perhaps a British person in a similar scenario to me, then Im happy with what Ive learnt :-)
OK I understand, so I guess my question should be, which airlines Program should I join.
But of course, I understand this is going to be a case by case scenario, depending on the persons activities. We are British... but we do long haul flights a lot and especially in and around america we travel a fair bit, so AA really works for us while there.
If British Airways was as efficient in Europe, as AA is in America... then I think I'd join BA. But it is not - so I reckon I probably am with the right program already... AAdvantage.
It's only Feb and we have knocked up 3 out of the four required AA flights already so we will certainly qualify this year as long as we make up the miles.
I don't think there is anything in England that rewards you with AA miles. I might be wrong though.
If only BA would allie up with all the other companies like Easyjet for example (like Delta is to AA), then they would be much more tempting to join.
Thanks again for your help - unless anyone else has anything to pitch in, perhaps a British person in a similar scenario to me, then Im happy with what Ive learnt :-)
Easyjet is a LCC and it won't join alliances; it's extremely unlikely to have a partnership with a full service carrier such as BA.
Jan 24, 2016 | 2:57 pm
#965
Join Date: Jan 2016
Programs: AA, Hyatt, Marriott, Hilton
Posts: 502
1. What is most important to you in a frequent flyer program (FFP)?
Upgrades, Lounge access, priority boarding, baggage, in that order
2. How many miles do you usually fly each year? How many flights/sectors?
8-10x a year domestically, once a year internationally. Based in NYC, at least 3 cross country trips each year.
3. What fare class do you usually buy?
Economy.
4. Are you able to choose your airlines and/or class of service? Do you travel for work and/or pleasure?
For pleasure, and for family obligations/holidays.
5. Which routes do you fly most often?
NYC - LAX/SFO
6. What is your home airport?
JFK/LGA/EWR
7. Do you have status in any FFP? What is it? How miles do you have banked in each FFP, if any?
No. I am very interested in doing a status challenge in June, if possible. I have a trip to Europe then, and then a trip to Texas and California the next months after that.
I have around 20k in Delta, 90k in JetBlue, 80k in Chase Ultimate Rewards via Chase Sapphire Preferred, and 600k in a family pool for Korean Air
8. What are your preferred airlines, if any?
Looking at Delta, United, and American. I am losing my JetBlue Amex, and need to replace it with another Amex. I am open to also getting a non-Amex card for flying (United, American, rewards card). Around 800-820 credit score, if that matters.
Ideal scenario:
-Find a status challenge that doesn't require me to have status at competing airlines
-Get a credit card that helps me get points for that airline
-Have it somewhat easy to maintain status (buyback, challenges, mileage runs)
Upgrades, Lounge access, priority boarding, baggage, in that order
2. How many miles do you usually fly each year? How many flights/sectors?
8-10x a year domestically, once a year internationally. Based in NYC, at least 3 cross country trips each year.
3. What fare class do you usually buy?
Economy.
4. Are you able to choose your airlines and/or class of service? Do you travel for work and/or pleasure?
For pleasure, and for family obligations/holidays.
5. Which routes do you fly most often?
NYC - LAX/SFO
6. What is your home airport?
JFK/LGA/EWR
7. Do you have status in any FFP? What is it? How miles do you have banked in each FFP, if any?
No. I am very interested in doing a status challenge in June, if possible. I have a trip to Europe then, and then a trip to Texas and California the next months after that.
I have around 20k in Delta, 90k in JetBlue, 80k in Chase Ultimate Rewards via Chase Sapphire Preferred, and 600k in a family pool for Korean Air
8. What are your preferred airlines, if any?
Looking at Delta, United, and American. I am losing my JetBlue Amex, and need to replace it with another Amex. I am open to also getting a non-Amex card for flying (United, American, rewards card). Around 800-820 credit score, if that matters.
Ideal scenario:
-Find a status challenge that doesn't require me to have status at competing airlines
-Get a credit card that helps me get points for that airline
-Have it somewhat easy to maintain status (buyback, challenges, mileage runs)
Jan 24, 2016 | 3:30 pm
#966
Original Poster
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MEL CHC
Posts: 22,913
StatusChallenged Welcome to FT
Given the few flights you take getting your ideal scenario to work is a tough ask (optimistic).
The recent changes to ffp's mean its harder to get & keep status.
What airline to Europe?
Upgrades USA east coast to west coast are hard: a lot of others want the same.
Post 3 has links to AA vs UA vs DL.
There is a sub forum on credit cards.
I suspect you will status challenged for some time
1. What is most important to you in a frequent flyer program (FFP)?
Upgrades, Lounge access, priority boarding, baggage, in that order
<snip>
8. What are your preferred airlines, if any?
Looking at Delta, United, and American. I am losing my JetBlue Amex, and need to replace it with another Amex. I am open to also getting a non-Amex card for flying (United, American, rewards card). Around 800-820 credit score, if that matters.
Ideal scenario:
-Find a status challenge that doesn't require me to have status at competing airlines
-Get a credit card that helps me get points for that airline
-Have it somewhat easy to maintain status (buyback, challenges, mileage runs)
Upgrades, Lounge access, priority boarding, baggage, in that order
<snip>
8. What are your preferred airlines, if any?
Looking at Delta, United, and American. I am losing my JetBlue Amex, and need to replace it with another Amex. I am open to also getting a non-Amex card for flying (United, American, rewards card). Around 800-820 credit score, if that matters.
Ideal scenario:
-Find a status challenge that doesn't require me to have status at competing airlines
-Get a credit card that helps me get points for that airline
-Have it somewhat easy to maintain status (buyback, challenges, mileage runs)
The recent changes to ffp's mean its harder to get & keep status.
What airline to Europe?
Upgrades USA east coast to west coast are hard: a lot of others want the same.
Post 3 has links to AA vs UA vs DL.
There is a sub forum on credit cards.
I suspect you will status challenged for some time
Jan 24, 2016 | 6:39 pm
#967
Join Date: Jan 2016
Programs: AA, Hyatt, Marriott, Hilton
Posts: 502
StatusChallenged Welcome to FT
Given the few flights you take getting your ideal scenario to work is a tough ask (optimistic).
The recent changes to ffp's mean its harder to get & keep status.
What airline to Europe?
Upgrades USA east coast to west coast are hard: a lot of others want the same.
Post 3 has links to AA vs UA vs DL.
There is a sub forum on credit cards.
I suspect you will status challenged for some time
Given the few flights you take getting your ideal scenario to work is a tough ask (optimistic).
The recent changes to ffp's mean its harder to get & keep status.
What airline to Europe?
Upgrades USA east coast to west coast are hard: a lot of others want the same.
Post 3 has links to AA vs UA vs DL.
There is a sub forum on credit cards.
I suspect you will status challenged for some time
Jan 26, 2016 | 9:43 am
#968
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 1
I've been mulling over the Capital One World Elite Master Card, BMO Word Elit Mastercard or Amex Gold vs Scotiabank Amex Gold card. I really do not want to pay the hefty annual fee but don't think I can realistically commit the time and energy to churning. Plus I don't want to open and close credit cards.
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:Free flights! Redemption rates, ease of points/rewards accumulation
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:8-10000 miles per year
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: Choose my airline & class and travel for pleasure.
5. Which routes do you fly most often?
transatlantic, domestic USA, intra-Asia, etc.
>>> Reply: International (Europe, Asia etc)
6. What is your home airport?
>>> Reply: Toronto
7. Do you have status in any FFP? What is it? How miles do you have banked in each FFP, if any?
>>> Reply:British Airways, United, WestJet
8. What are your preferred airlines, if any?
>>> Reply:No Preference
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:Free flights! Redemption rates, ease of points/rewards accumulation
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:8-10000 miles per year
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: Choose my airline & class and travel for pleasure.
5. Which routes do you fly most often?
transatlantic, domestic USA, intra-Asia, etc.
>>> Reply: International (Europe, Asia etc)
6. What is your home airport?
>>> Reply: Toronto
7. Do you have status in any FFP? What is it? How miles do you have banked in each FFP, if any?
>>> Reply:British Airways, United, WestJet
8. What are your preferred airlines, if any?
>>> Reply:No Preference
Jan 26, 2016 | 2:52 pm
#969
was thetravelingRedhead
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Western Michigan
Programs: Delta Silver Medallion, United Silver Premier
Posts: 642
Hi,
Doing this again as I look towards a new job that will (hopefully) involve worldwide travel.
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.
upgrades, award redemption/access, destinations available in network, credit card program (more of a far future thing but would be nice).
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.
Currently under 5000, projected near future 25000+
3. What fare class do you usually buy?
first, business, premium economy, economy
Premium Economy, economy
4. Are you able to choose your airlines and/or class of service? Do you travel for work and/or pleasure?
Biz/Pleasure, price is #1
5. Which routes do you fly most often?
transatlantic, domestic USA, intra-Asia, etc.
Domestic USA currently Future: Canada-USA, Africa (all over, but mostly South Africa, Zimbabwe and Rwanda in the cards too), India, Chile/Latin America, Hong Kong, Russia,
6. What is your home airport?
ORD/MDW, looking to the future BOS will be the home and will fly out of YYZ for certain trips
7. Do you have status in any FFP? What is it? How miles do you have banked in each FFP, if any?
none. small number of miles with UA/AA/B6, cashed out Skypesos for magazine earlier this year
8. What are your preferred airlines, if any?
I book off of price, so none
Doing this again as I look towards a new job that will (hopefully) involve worldwide travel.
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.
upgrades, award redemption/access, destinations available in network, credit card program (more of a far future thing but would be nice).
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.
Currently under 5000, projected near future 25000+
3. What fare class do you usually buy?
first, business, premium economy, economy
Premium Economy, economy
4. Are you able to choose your airlines and/or class of service? Do you travel for work and/or pleasure?
Biz/Pleasure, price is #1
5. Which routes do you fly most often?
transatlantic, domestic USA, intra-Asia, etc.
Domestic USA currently Future: Canada-USA, Africa (all over, but mostly South Africa, Zimbabwe and Rwanda in the cards too), India, Chile/Latin America, Hong Kong, Russia,
6. What is your home airport?
ORD/MDW, looking to the future BOS will be the home and will fly out of YYZ for certain trips
7. Do you have status in any FFP? What is it? How miles do you have banked in each FFP, if any?
none. small number of miles with UA/AA/B6, cashed out Skypesos for magazine earlier this year
8. What are your preferred airlines, if any?
I book off of price, so none
Jan 30, 2016 | 5:47 am
#970
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 3
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: Good award redemption rates, lounge access, upgrades
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: 25000+ miles and 10+ flights
3. What fare class do you usually buy?
first, business, premium economy, economy
>>> Reply: Business for long-haul, premium economy for normal-haul and economy for short-haul. Economy, always Y, premium economy always W and business J/D (Basically normal, not discounted, of course it does depend)
4. Are you able to choose your airlines and/or class of service? Do you travel for work and/or pleasure?
>>> Reply: Yes. I travel for pleasure
5. Which routes do you fly most often?
transatlantic, domestic USA, intra-Asia, etc.
>>> Reply: Transatlantic (Americas), Trans-pacific (Asia/Australia), intra-european (Europe), Trans-African (Africa)
6. What is your home airport?
>>> Reply: PRG (Prague)
7. Do you have status in any FFP? What is it? How miles do you have banked in each FFP, if any?
>>> Reply: Czech Member (0 Miles). I want to change as it is a pretty bad ffp.
8. What are your preferred airlines, if any?
>>> Reply: Swiss, Lufthansa, Singaporean, SAS
upgrades, priority services, baggage allowance, good award redemption rates, better award access, lounge access, etc.
>>> Reply: Good award redemption rates, lounge access, upgrades
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: 25000+ miles and 10+ flights
3. What fare class do you usually buy?
first, business, premium economy, economy
>>> Reply: Business for long-haul, premium economy for normal-haul and economy for short-haul. Economy, always Y, premium economy always W and business J/D (Basically normal, not discounted, of course it does depend)
4. Are you able to choose your airlines and/or class of service? Do you travel for work and/or pleasure?
>>> Reply: Yes. I travel for pleasure
5. Which routes do you fly most often?
transatlantic, domestic USA, intra-Asia, etc.
>>> Reply: Transatlantic (Americas), Trans-pacific (Asia/Australia), intra-european (Europe), Trans-African (Africa)
6. What is your home airport?
>>> Reply: PRG (Prague)
7. Do you have status in any FFP? What is it? How miles do you have banked in each FFP, if any?
>>> Reply: Czech Member (0 Miles). I want to change as it is a pretty bad ffp.
8. What are your preferred airlines, if any?
>>> Reply: Swiss, Lufthansa, Singaporean, SAS
Jan 31, 2016 | 8:08 pm
#971
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 180
Hi all,
Thank you in advance for this. I'm starting a good amount of travel (2 round trips monthly) for work, and starting from a blank slate with not much travel in the past. Would like to get opinions on what my best option would be here. As a noob looking to absorb as much info!!
(1) What is most important to you in a FFP?
Lounge access, priority services, good award redemption rates
(2) How many miles do you usually fly each year & in what class? How many flights/sectors?
I will be flying approx 2 round trips per month over the course of the next two years. Fly out Sunday return Friday 2 weeks out of every month.
(3) What types of fares do you usually buy ?
Economy (through company portal)
(4) Can you choose your airlines and/or class of service? Airline most flown? Do you travel for work and/or pleasure?
I will be flying 99% for work (we can choose airline NOT class of service, economy only). Currently American Airlines most flown. Any pleasure travel is maximum 2 times per year.
(5) Which routes and airlines do you fly most often
I will be flying PHL - TPA
(6) What is your home airport?
Home: PHL
Travel to: TPA
(7) Do you have FFP status of any kind in an airline? What is it? Do you have any miles banked in a FFP?
Only a few thousand miles banked in American Airlines. Looking to maximize the best option for my work travel.
(8) Preferred Airlines
No preference.
Thank you in advance for this. I'm starting a good amount of travel (2 round trips monthly) for work, and starting from a blank slate with not much travel in the past. Would like to get opinions on what my best option would be here. As a noob looking to absorb as much info!!
(1) What is most important to you in a FFP?
Lounge access, priority services, good award redemption rates
(2) How many miles do you usually fly each year & in what class? How many flights/sectors?
I will be flying approx 2 round trips per month over the course of the next two years. Fly out Sunday return Friday 2 weeks out of every month.
(3) What types of fares do you usually buy ?
Economy (through company portal)
(4) Can you choose your airlines and/or class of service? Airline most flown? Do you travel for work and/or pleasure?
I will be flying 99% for work (we can choose airline NOT class of service, economy only). Currently American Airlines most flown. Any pleasure travel is maximum 2 times per year.
(5) Which routes and airlines do you fly most often
I will be flying PHL - TPA
(6) What is your home airport?
Home: PHL
Travel to: TPA
(7) Do you have FFP status of any kind in an airline? What is it? Do you have any miles banked in a FFP?
Only a few thousand miles banked in American Airlines. Looking to maximize the best option for my work travel.
(8) Preferred Airlines
No preference.
Jan 31, 2016 | 8:19 pm
#972
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Benicia CA
Programs: Alaska MVP Gold 75K, AA 3.8MM, UA 1.1MM, enjoying the retired life
Posts: 31,849
I'd stay with AA (and I'm guessing that PHL-TPA was formerly a US route). Looks like they're the only major that flies that route nonstop unless you wanted to try Southwest who operate twice a day (checked a typical weekday). With AA's move to awarding miles based on ticket price later this year, you might come out a winner if your tickets are bought closer to departure and cost more. If you're buying weeks out, AA does not attach spending minimums to their elite tiers like UA and that could benefit you. UA could be an option but it's going to mean backtracking to IAD, so unless you want extra travel time I;d take them off the table.
With the current AA program, you'd earn 920 miles one way. Calculating what you'd earn later in the year would depend on what your typical ticket costs.
With the current AA program, you'd earn 920 miles one way. Calculating what you'd earn later in the year would depend on what your typical ticket costs.
Jan 31, 2016 | 9:41 pm
#973
was thetravelingRedhead
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Western Michigan
Programs: Delta Silver Medallion, United Silver Premier
Posts: 642
Hi,
Doing this again as I look towards a new job that will (hopefully) involve worldwide travel.
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.
upgrades, award redemption/access, destinations available in network, credit card program (more of a far future thing but would be nice).
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.
Currently under 5000, projected near future 25000+
3. What fare class do you usually buy?
first, business, premium economy, economy
Premium Economy, economy
4. Are you able to choose your airlines and/or class of service? Do you travel for work and/or pleasure?
Biz/Pleasure, price is #1
5. Which routes do you fly most often?
transatlantic, domestic USA, intra-Asia, etc.
Domestic USA currently Future: Canada-USA, Africa (all over, but mostly South Africa, Zimbabwe and Rwanda in the cards too), India, Chile/Latin America, Hong Kong, Russia,
6. What is your home airport?
ORD/MDW, looking to the future BOS will be the home and will fly out of YYZ for certain trips
7. Do you have status in any FFP? What is it? How miles do you have banked in each FFP, if any?
none. small number of miles with UA/AA/B6, cashed out Skypesos for magazine earlier this year
8. What are your preferred airlines, if any?
I book off of price, so none
Doing this again as I look towards a new job that will (hopefully) involve worldwide travel.
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.
upgrades, award redemption/access, destinations available in network, credit card program (more of a far future thing but would be nice).
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.
Currently under 5000, projected near future 25000+
3. What fare class do you usually buy?
first, business, premium economy, economy
Premium Economy, economy
4. Are you able to choose your airlines and/or class of service? Do you travel for work and/or pleasure?
Biz/Pleasure, price is #1
5. Which routes do you fly most often?
transatlantic, domestic USA, intra-Asia, etc.
Domestic USA currently Future: Canada-USA, Africa (all over, but mostly South Africa, Zimbabwe and Rwanda in the cards too), India, Chile/Latin America, Hong Kong, Russia,
6. What is your home airport?
ORD/MDW, looking to the future BOS will be the home and will fly out of YYZ for certain trips
7. Do you have status in any FFP? What is it? How miles do you have banked in each FFP, if any?
none. small number of miles with UA/AA/B6, cashed out Skypesos for magazine earlier this year
8. What are your preferred airlines, if any?
I book off of price, so none
Most of the travel will be the lower 48 first, then Alaska/Hawaii/Puerto Rico added in. Guam is a longterm prospect... yes we are a bit forward thinking here :P Worldwide travel will be sporadic but guaranteed as we grow
Feb 1, 2016 | 5:29 am
#974
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 180
I'd stay with AA (and I'm guessing that PHL-TPA was formerly a US route). Looks like they're the only major that flies that route nonstop unless you wanted to try Southwest who operate twice a day (checked a typical weekday). With AA's move to awarding miles based on ticket price later this year, you might come out a winner if your tickets are bought closer to departure and cost more. If you're buying weeks out, AA does not attach spending minimums to their elite tiers like UA and that could benefit you. UA could be an option but it's going to mean backtracking to IAD, so unless you want extra travel time I;d take them off the table.
With the current AA program, you'd earn 920 miles one way. Calculating what you'd earn later in the year would depend on what your typical ticket costs.
With the current AA program, you'd earn 920 miles one way. Calculating what you'd earn later in the year would depend on what your typical ticket costs.
Feb 1, 2016 | 9:11 am
#975
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Benicia CA
Programs: Alaska MVP Gold 75K, AA 3.8MM, UA 1.1MM, enjoying the retired life
Posts: 31,849
That's where UA might work against you as there have been posts by some in the UA forum that they meet the flight requirements (say 50K at midtier) but not the spending requirement ($6,000 at that tier). If you're buying discounted tickets weeks out, it could be a hard target to meet. AA, on the other hand, does not have spending minimums attached to their tiers right now. Not to say they might not implement that down the road, but not as of today.