what program to join? lots of questions.
 

Hi,

I'm really new to the whole mileage run thing. But I'd love for someone to show me the ropes. I read through the faq, and the thread that outlines all the reasons to do it.... and how some people think it's crazy, but 'some people just don't get it.' I get it, and I'd like to join the ranks of the elite like you guys.

I'd love to travel around just for the accumulation of miles, and take part in some of the great deals out there (price mistakes, etc...). I love flying, and if I can get some advantage and gain some platinum status while I'm earning miles to fly to those places that I need.... it would be awesome.

Basically, I'm starting from 0.

In the past, I used to book airline tickets based on prices. I've never been part of any program. When it was cheaper to fly delta, id fly delta. If it was cheaper to fly spirit, I flew spirit. If it was cheaper to fly jetblue, I would fly jetblue. I never once even signed up to the free frequent flyer programs they offer.

Basically, I'd really appreciate it if someone can show me the ropes and get me started.... and help me choose and become loyal to one airline.

Basically, I'm at 0- and I'd love to one day be where some of you guys are. First class, etc....

Hi markymark1,
First of all, welcome to FlyerTalk! ^

The Mileage Run forum is specifically for sharing mileage run fares. Please read the sticky thread at the top of Mileage Run Deals for an explanation:

Sticky: Welcome to the Mileage Run Forum - Important information how the MR forums work

Announcement: Mileage Run Deals is for FARES ONLY, not for fare requests or "I need XXX EQMs / miles" - for requests, please use the "Mileage Run Discussion" subforum

Since both MR Deals and MR Discussion are focused on fare 'deals' and the logistics of such fares, please elaborate on your location. You should add some detail to your profile, too, so people know where you might be flying from.

It's probably best that you look in the MR Discussion and the MR Deals forum and find some threads covering fares from your most convenient airport, then get an idea of the time of year these fares pop up.

There is a lot of information already in the forum, but in the MR forums it's mostly about the 'Deals', so you should learn which airlines are most likely to have flights that suit you and then you can decide on a StarAlliance, OneWorld or SkyTeam focus for an airline FFP.

Don't forget we use a lot of acronyms, especially for airports, so use the Help link to learn the lingo. :)


Cheers,
BiziBB, Moderator, Mileage Run forums

Hello markymark1 and welcome to flyertalk, this is a very addictive hobby for me. My suggestion as to which program to join is based on where you live and where you travel mostly. See what carriers serve your local home airport and the places you like to go. Once you see, join and start flying on 2010. I would've say now, but it will take several flights, time and a bit of expense from your part. AA and UA are having double miles bonus until 12/15, so you could achieve elite status with half the miles. If these are the carriers you might choose and decide to start flying this year to achieve status NOW, I also suggest to enroll in the status challenge, that way you can get elite status faster and start accruing bonus.

You should also get a credit card that rewards you with miles or points (SPG AMEX).

This is basically the nuts and bolts of this, find out which carrier service your airport, enroll and fly. You might even get credit for previous flight, if they were recent.

Good luck.

Thank you for all the advice.
I'm actually in Brooklyn, NY- so JFK, Newark, and Laguardia are probably closest.
With that in consideration, can someone save me some time and recommend an airline program that's convenient for me? Mostly, I travel to Florida and Seattle. But will probably start traveling to Los Angeles shortly, as well.

Mostly within the United States.

I think United/Continental/Star alliance might not be a bad choice. United has PS flights from JFK to LAX. The Continental is coming to Star Alliance. Star Alliance will have three US carriers (UA, US and CO) serving NYC airports. You would have more flights choices with Star Alliance.

Polar Bear

Are there other places you'll want to travel once you start earning free tickets? Award availability and alliance partner network and quality does vary some.

What are PS flights?

I might consider going to Russia Ukraine sometime in the future? But it's more important for me to get around the United States more than anything.

So, Star Alliance is my optimal choice?

p.s. flight is the United Premium Service http://www.unitedps.com/main.html

I think UA/CO and US are covering United States pretty well.

Polar Bear

UA has had some good fares to DME recently. Have fun searching the forums - search by airport code to see the historical fare deals for places you're interested in.

Are you a frequent air traveler, do you fly mostly for work or leisure? How much air miles you'd normally fly in a normal year without MR? Which airlines (routes) have you used in the past and how often are the trips (routes) you anticipate to take in the next year or so? How many EQM (elite qualifying miles) do you already have for this year, if any, on which airline?

OP, I'm asking these because I assume you want help to choose a frequent flyer program that would fit your air travel needs (in the coming months, years), not just some short term mileage run/route suggestions. This post is actually best addressed in the Miles Buzz forum than here in MR Discussion.

Stay away from US.

AA is great for domestic travel. So is UA. Overall, UA will probably be cheaper. Your choice.

yeah, star alliance (*A) is probably best for you - I think AA is ending their DME service. But they give more non-stop options from JFK/LGA vs. going through EWR. DL also has a big presence at JFK.

After that, it depends on some of the more subtle points and what you're looking for in a FFP.

I will be traveling to Florida at least once a month as I own several properties there. I will also be traveling to Seattle sometime next month, and I want to spend the New Years in LA this year.

So, first step- sign up to *A? How do you guys choose which airline to book a flight with? Do you price shop? How does it work for you pros?

So basically, I'd like to experience first class at least once in my life. I'd like to one day be able to relax with all the cool people at the lounge. And finally, I'd like to get to Florida with all these benefits in mind in the cheapest way possible (from NY) whenever I want. Even during peak times, I'd like to pay $ not $$$$

taking a look at your expected traveling pattern.. NY-FL/SEA/LA, IMO i think AA or Continental would be your best options. AA has hubs in both MIA and LAX= more flight options since those are the places you plan on going to alot. The thing about AA is that they don't have any other partner airlines in the US.

CO is about to join *Alliance. so this means eventually you don't necessarily have to fly them to earn miles. If it's cheaper on UA or US you can fly them and still get miles on CO.

up to you..