Going for FB Platinum or FB Gold + Oneworld Sapphire?
Jul 12, 23, 4:01 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2022
Posts: 17
Going for FB Platinum or FB Gold + Oneworld Sapphire?
Hi all,
Trying to get some perspective on this: I have a considerable amount of travel coming up before EOY, and will probably be able to do either of the following (have some flexibility re choice of carrier):
(a) - reach Flying Blue Platinum (currently Gold);
OR, alternatively:
(b) - reach Oneworld Sapphire while keeping Flying Blue Gold;
Mileage is not the deal breaker, as I would be mostly interested in redeeming for upgrades on long haul flights to US & Latin America, which should be possible with both programs.
So that leaves me doubting whether it's better to diversify and reach status in two programs or just focus on one?
Any thoughts or things I missed I should consider?
P.S. It might be the case that this post belongs in another sub-forum, if so and a moderator can point out I will move it.
Trying to get some perspective on this: I have a considerable amount of travel coming up before EOY, and will probably be able to do either of the following (have some flexibility re choice of carrier):
(a) - reach Flying Blue Platinum (currently Gold);
OR, alternatively:
(b) - reach Oneworld Sapphire while keeping Flying Blue Gold;
Mileage is not the deal breaker, as I would be mostly interested in redeeming for upgrades on long haul flights to US & Latin America, which should be possible with both programs.
So that leaves me doubting whether it's better to diversify and reach status in two programs or just focus on one?
Any thoughts or things I missed I should consider?
P.S. It might be the case that this post belongs in another sub-forum, if so and a moderator can point out I will move it.
Jul 12, 23, 5:47 pm
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MEL CHC
Posts: 20,482
What airlines? From EU?
Upgrades, due to status-ff miles, are generally only with the airline of your ffp.
Oneworld does not have a cross airline alliance upgrade scheme. AA-BA have an out of alliance upgrade scheme, with onerous t&c's
Some low cost air fares may not be eligible for upgrades.
Long haul "free" upgrades are for the most part long gone. But some USA ffp's have SWU's for long haul upgrades subject to t&c's
Upgrades, due to status-ff miles, are generally only with the airline of your ffp.
Oneworld does not have a cross airline alliance upgrade scheme. AA-BA have an out of alliance upgrade scheme, with onerous t&c's
Some low cost air fares may not be eligible for upgrades.
Long haul "free" upgrades are for the most part long gone. But some USA ffp's have SWU's for long haul upgrades subject to t&c's
Jul 12, 23, 6:05 pm
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2022
Posts: 17
Thanks for answering.
Iberia and AF/KL.
But to be honest I'm not sure upgrade via miles would be priority in making this decision, I am most concerned on whether it makes sense to hold status with two different programs or better go all-in on FB.
Iberia and AF/KL.
But to be honest I'm not sure upgrade via miles would be priority in making this decision, I am most concerned on whether it makes sense to hold status with two different programs or better go all-in on FB.
Last edited by mmh_; Jul 12, 23 at 6:43 pm
Jul 12, 23, 6:52 pm
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MEL CHC
Posts: 20,482
Mid level status can be best. Lounge access due to status can be good.
Often not a lot more to gain from top status (Oneworld OWR-->OWS-->OWE)
Jul 14, 23, 9:41 am
#5
Join Date: Jul 2023
Posts: 160
Hello,
Mwenenzi is right, diversify.
Option B seems best since you'll be on equal levels in both Skyteam and One World. Offering you more options to travel in confort.
The Platinum Service line would be the best perk that would come with Plat. But also being higher on standby list. However I would recommend you checking the thread called "The Platinum Effect" here on Flyertalk to help you make that decision. Platinum will not necessarily make you feel more looked after by AF/KL (most of the time). And if that means you'll have to stick with them, that could mean higher fares between Europe and South America.
If you're based in Spain (assuming because of the airlines), OW offers cheaper fares and more direct destinations from MAD and BCN to US and South America compared to AF/KL, unless you earn status with UX.
Mwenenzi is right, diversify.
Option B seems best since you'll be on equal levels in both Skyteam and One World. Offering you more options to travel in confort.
The Platinum Service line would be the best perk that would come with Plat. But also being higher on standby list. However I would recommend you checking the thread called "The Platinum Effect" here on Flyertalk to help you make that decision. Platinum will not necessarily make you feel more looked after by AF/KL (most of the time). And if that means you'll have to stick with them, that could mean higher fares between Europe and South America.
If you're based in Spain (assuming because of the airlines), OW offers cheaper fares and more direct destinations from MAD and BCN to US and South America compared to AF/KL, unless you earn status with UX.
