i am very new to the whole miles/points story and finding this forum was like discovering a new world. i've been poking around and reading sticky and recent threads for the last several days now yet i am still mouth-open at the vast knowledge available here thanks to users' contributions

it would be more than unwise not to take advantage (or at least try to take advantage) of your knowledge and experience

your advise on achieving the frequent flyer status in the broad meaning of this notion would be more than appreciated

- here's what i got so far (if need more info let me know)
departure point - boston / new york
expected frequency of flying - 1 transatlantic and couple US flights (FL, TX, DC) a year
destinations interested in - West/East Europe, Canada, South America
member of - Miles&More, SkyMile, FreeSpirit (all got insignificant number of miles), SPG (sign up bonus expected)
credit cards - approved for SPG AmEx, waiting approval on Chase Sapphire (for use where amex is no good), some outstanding balance on Citi's platinum card (no rewards, timely payments)
i assume, my credit score got flawed after i canceled my amex blue cash and Macy's cards (i was an idiot) before opening SPG - got refused for CapitalOne NoHassle Rewards, later reinstated my amex blue (i know costs me a hard pull but brings back almost 2 years of ownership history)
expected monthly spending - 1-1.5K
mileage run - limited, not a US citizen, need visas

based on the info above suggest the best suitable airline/ff program (affiliation with iDine is extremely welcome)

the rest i'll probably pick up myself from the individual forums

thank you very much

Hi hihik,

Some questions to clarify:

- Are you totally free in your choice of carriers? (Or does company policy prevail?)

- Mainly coach or business?

- Main destination?

Cheers,

GenevaFlyer

I'd probably dump Chase Saphire for a better backup card.

not sure i understand you, can you explain? end of the day goal is discounted flights
coach
hard to single out one ... let's say Moscow

care to give some examples? schwab? im a bit unsure after my application for a cc even with Good Credit requirement got refused

Schwab is a good choice with the 2% cash back on everything and no foreign conversion fees.

What alliance will you mostly be flying on? I would consider a card that earns 1 mile per $ spent on an airline in that alliance. Then use that card whenever you can't use Amex.

GenevaFlyer, all flights will be personal, nothing corporate. so yeah, im free to choose

broadwayblue, i was hoping you guys could advise me which alliance to choose based on the info i provided, thanks ahead

Hi hihik,

Being based in the US, I would probably go with the programs of US airlines. You have Skymiles, I would add Continental to it. That will give you a membership in 2 alliances, Skyteam and Star Alliance.

Going to Moscow, you have plenty of options on either Star or Skyteam.

After that, it's a question of maximizing flights with one alliance. You may find more options on Star, with US, UA and CO all members.

Cheers,

GenevaFlyer

Thanks so much GenevaFlyer,

Guess I'll concentrate my foreign travel on *A as you suggested. Which FFP do you advise for domestic flights (BOS - SFO, DFW, MIA) and RN points - DL or AA? I checked ITA and SkyScanner and seems like they both have pretty much same flights from BOS. Get both?

Is it fine if I associate my SPG AmEx with RN for DL or AA, I won't be loosing on anything, right?

Any other "moves" I should consider to maximize my miles?

Best,
hihik

If I understand correctly that you will be flying only a few times per year you should not divide your earnings between multiple programs. You should choose one alliance, try to always fly on its member airlines, credit all your flights to ONE airline program, try to obtain a Mastercard or VISA which earns miles on the same airline, link all of your credit cards to that airline's iDine program, and allow the points earned with your SPG credit card to accumulate at Starwood until you need them.

If you will be using Star Alliance there are three domestic members: Continental, United and US Airways. Problem is, SPG transfers at an unattractive rate to both Continental and United. This forces you into US Airways as your frequent flyer program, or into a foreign Star Alliance program. How many of your destinations are conveniently served by US Airways and how satisfied are you with Dividend Miles?

You should also look at the Alaska Airlines program. Even if you never set foot on an Alaska aircraft it can be a good choice for less frequent flyers. Alaska does not belong to any alliance but has a broad set of partnerships with members of OneWorld (AA, BA, CX, QF) and SkyTeam (AF/KL, DL/NW,)

http://www.alaskaair.com/as/mileagep...rs_Airline.asp

*A - Star
With your spend of 1-1.5k / month, if you can put most of your spend on the Amex, then all you need is a free visa or MC.

Even if US does not fly to many places, the status miles are given for all alliance flights (but not the double or triple bonuses).

Wide coverage for award travel with *A to almost anywhere.
The US chart is good still for use.
US also has insane promotions to fill up your accounts

US gives free upgrades to elites, but you may not get that as a silver.

Free luggage allowance and priority boarding


Alaska
Is nice, and has advantage of accruing miles on several non star US airlines.
Award cancel fees are low 50$ vs 150-250 on US.
Good customer service