What program is best for me?
 

I apologize for my enthusiasm, but my husband just got a promotion to be a trainer for his company. So, I had to look at frequent flier deal. My only problem is I have NO IDEA where to start. I will start flipping through the forums, and if thing shave been said before will you please point me in that direction?
We are out of Salt Lake City

These are the cities he will be fly to a lot
IN US
D.C.
Orlando
San Francisco

Out of the US
Singapore
Japan
Germany
Brazil
The Phillipines
London

he has to have a credit card ( or debit card but we thought we could double up on the points) that he needs 2500 on for travel expenses that is reimbursed by the company. Is there any programs you all suggest? I don' thave any flier miles with anyone right now. Thank you SO MUCH in advance.
Gretchen

What are the things that matter most? Mileage redemption, upgrades, base fares, lounge access? Also, what sort of fares and class of service will his company spring for?

Hi Gretchen,

Welcome to FT!

The first thing to do for your husband is to check with his company:

(a) do they have a preferred airline?
(b) do they have a preferred hotel chain?
(c) would they provide a corporate credit card?

Out of SLC, DL could be a natural choice. Going to SFO and IAD a lot, UA could be a choice (especially with US and CO in the Star Alliance and the proposed merger between UA and CO).

Another element to take into account is whether your husband gets to fly business or coach on the international flights. If coach, access to Economy Plus on UA could be a benefit. Or, if you expect sufficient flying, AA with its upgrade stickers could be an option.

For the international aspect, Singapore and Japan would be easy to reach on UA and their partners.

For the credit card, also take a look at hotel credit cards. For example, if your husband is going to stay a lot at Marriotts, their card could be interesting, but if it's mostly Starwood, their card will have benefits.

(For the personal side of things, my company tends to have corporate deals with AF/KL, and a number of our locations have Marriotts in front of the door ... thus my affiliations. But, things can change over time.)

Finally, on the credit card front, if your husband does need a credit card, go for something with a higher limit. If there are holds on the card, or reimbursements are late, he may find himself stuck somewhere with a declined card. (And always have a backup card just in case). Finally, I would not recommend a debit card.

That's it for now. Others will chime in, but I would start with checking with the company's travel department.

Cheers,

GenevaFlyer