Bangkok-Based UA Platinum - Advice on which program to switch to?
Jan 3, 2015, 2:14 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: SIN
Programs: Turkish E+, Alitalia Freccia Alata Plus
Posts: 182
Bangkok-Based UA Platinum - Advice on which program to switch to?
Hello.
I'm based in BKK, am a Platinum and am looking for the best program to switch to.
I generally fly 75-95k annually, mostly within SE Asia, to Japan and to the US.
UA no longer flies to BKK, and with the new mileage rules, I'm over them.
Also, *A is ALWAYS the most expensive alliance to everywhere from BKK - by a longshot.
Any advice on a better loyalty program within Sky Team or One World for an airline that's going on have a good network in and out of BKK?
I'm based in BKK, am a Platinum and am looking for the best program to switch to.
I generally fly 75-95k annually, mostly within SE Asia, to Japan and to the US.
UA no longer flies to BKK, and with the new mileage rules, I'm over them.
Also, *A is ALWAYS the most expensive alliance to everywhere from BKK - by a longshot.
Any advice on a better loyalty program within Sky Team or One World for an airline that's going on have a good network in and out of BKK?
Jan 3, 2015, 2:21 am
#2
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2009
Programs: Delta skymiles DM + 1MM
Posts: 8,144
Hello.
I'm based in BKK, am a Platinum and am looking for the best program to switch to.
I generally fly 75-95k annually, mostly within SE Asia, to Japan and to the US.
UA no longer flies to BKK, and with the new mileage rules, I'm over them.
Also, *A is ALWAYS the most expensive alliance to everywhere from BKK - by a longshot.
Any advice on a better loyalty program within Sky Team or One World for an airline that's going on have a good network in and out of BKK?
I'm based in BKK, am a Platinum and am looking for the best program to switch to.
I generally fly 75-95k annually, mostly within SE Asia, to Japan and to the US.
UA no longer flies to BKK, and with the new mileage rules, I'm over them.
Also, *A is ALWAYS the most expensive alliance to everywhere from BKK - by a longshot.
Any advice on a better loyalty program within Sky Team or One World for an airline that's going on have a good network in and out of BKK?
http://www.skyteam.com/
Jan 3, 2015, 3:38 am
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: SIN
Programs: Turkish E+, Alitalia Freccia Alata Plus
Posts: 182
Good idea.
Any advice on Chinese carriers in Sky Team that offer reasonable mileage accrual on partners? Or what about Air France?
I was also wondering about switching to Cathay? How is their accrual?
Another option in *A that I'm sort of thinking about is Turkish. They do upgrades for elites on international flights, and they have a great product. Flying them BKK to the US via IST really isn't much further. You also attain their highest tier after 80k.........
Any thoughts?
Any advice on Chinese carriers in Sky Team that offer reasonable mileage accrual on partners? Or what about Air France?
I was also wondering about switching to Cathay? How is their accrual?
Another option in *A that I'm sort of thinking about is Turkish. They do upgrades for elites on international flights, and they have a great product. Flying them BKK to the US via IST really isn't much further. You also attain their highest tier after 80k.........
Any thoughts?
Jan 3, 2015, 3:52 am
#4
Join Date: Jun 2007
Programs: CO-plat, SPG-plat
Posts: 1,655
did you consider BR?
You mentioned that Star Alliance carriers consistently have higher fares for your routes, but I wonder whether you considered BR? They usually have good fares ex-SE Asia. I also like their product. You might consider them as your primary carrier going to Japan and US.
Jan 3, 2015, 4:04 am
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: SIN
Programs: Turkish E+, Alitalia Freccia Alata Plus
Posts: 182
I'm checking out BR now. Thanks for the tip.
Just thought of another question: If I switch to another *A program, and then fly them the first year to build status, would it not be possible to use lounges until elite status on the new airline is attained? Or would it be possible to get credit on the new *A program while using my *A status from United to get in the lounges?
If the second option isn't possible, then it's probably better to do a status match to an airline in another alliance.
Thanks.
Just thought of another question: If I switch to another *A program, and then fly them the first year to build status, would it not be possible to use lounges until elite status on the new airline is attained? Or would it be possible to get credit on the new *A program while using my *A status from United to get in the lounges?
If the second option isn't possible, then it's probably better to do a status match to an airline in another alliance.
Thanks.
Jan 3, 2015, 7:46 am
#7
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: lax
Programs: 1k
Posts: 440
I have been looking into this also as I travel US to BKK 7 times a year.
I am probably sticking with UA, but will just use Hong Kong as my base.
Then Thai air to BKK less than 3 hours so still get mileage credit since Thai Star A.
But Eva air seems to have a decent program you might look into.
I am probably sticking with UA, but will just use Hong Kong as my base.
Then Thai air to BKK less than 3 hours so still get mileage credit since Thai Star A.
But Eva air seems to have a decent program you might look into.
Jan 3, 2015, 9:19 am
#8
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Florida
Programs: UA 2MM
Posts: 1,917
Bangkok-Based Platinum - Advice on which program to switch to?
United has not yet announced the mileage earning details for *A partner flights (not ticketed by UA) . Depending on what they do there, and what fareclass you usually buy, it might affect your decision.
Jan 3, 2015, 9:22 am
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: SIN
Programs: Turkish E+, Alitalia Freccia Alata Plus
Posts: 182
I have been looking into this also as I travel US to BKK 7 times a year.
I am probably sticking with UA, but will just use Hong Kong as my base.
Then Thai air to BKK less than 3 hours so still get mileage credit since Thai Star A.
But Eva air seems to have a decent program you might look into.
I am probably sticking with UA, but will just use Hong Kong as my base.
Then Thai air to BKK less than 3 hours so still get mileage credit since Thai Star A.
But Eva air seems to have a decent program you might look into.
It looks like TK is the best accrual for *A, and I've yet to find anything worthwhile on SkyTeam.
EVA only gives full credit for limited fare classes, and is next to nothing on partners. But their fares are great....
Jan 3, 2015, 9:57 am
#10
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,455
The only negative here is that CX flights do not count towards the AA status challenge.
Jan 3, 2015, 9:57 am
#11
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2001
Programs: DL 1 million, AA 1 mil, HH lapsed Diamond, Marriott Plat
Posts: 28,190
AA-coded, CX-operated in AAdvantage uses the AA earnings chart but flyers complain that AA-coded can be much more expensive than CX-coded.
Jan 3, 2015, 11:24 am
#12
Join Date: May 2001
Location: RNO, NV, USA.
Programs: UA 2MM
Posts: 5,063
Just thought of another question: If I switch to another *A program, and then fly them the first year to build status, would it not be possible to use lounges until elite status on the new airline is attained? Or would it be possible to get credit on the new *A program while using my *A status from United to get in the lounges?
Thanks.
Jan 3, 2015, 11:50 am
#13
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MEL CHC
Posts: 21,022
For awards UA is still OK. USA ffp's tend to more generous than non USA airline ffp's
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/infor...help-here.html
Star Alliance forum http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/star-...post-here.html
OneWorld Alliance forum http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/onewo...help-here.html
Skyteam Alliance forum http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/skyte...i-sign-up.html
Last edited by Mwenenzi; Jan 3, 2015 at 11:58 am