Best FFP for infrequent flyer based in HKG?
 

Hey guys, I'm new to this forum and I'm amazed by the wealth of knowledge here!

I'm definitely not a hardcore flyer, but I'd like your opinions on which FFP I should choose. I'm based in HKG, and fly about 2-3 times a year for leisure, mainly to Europe and sometimes other places in Asia. Currently I'm just a Green with CX's MPC, so I don't have much to lose if I switch FFPs. What I dislike about Asiamiles is that the miles expire after 3 years, so given my infrequent flights I often have to opt for their "lifestyle awards".

Is there a better FFP for somebody in my position?

Thanks!!!

I like AA for award redemption
 

Hi HKBum, I fly almost exclusively on Cathay in Asia and I use AA to accrue my miles. The award redemption on CX is much better (22,500 AA miles for 1 way biz in Asia).

do the mi expire 3 yrs from posting?... many us airlines mi expire 18 mo's from the last activity in the account, which, in our case results in having mi's earned 4 or more yrs ago still available....

if you always get the cheapest fare, you should look at the earnings rate from partners that you might use....

good luck...

Thanks for the tip!

How does CX treat you when you belong to AA instead of MPC? I've read that CX treats AA members well-- how true do you find that?

Also, I once tried to post miles from a CX flight to AA, but they totally ignored my missing miles application and so I lost 8000 miles... Have you encountered any such problems?

Yes, the miles expire 3 years from posting and MPC can theoretically revoke your membership anytime if you don't have any activity...

Only selective CX fares (i.e. the higher and more expensive ones) earn AA miles. Double check the rules for CX miles credited to partners from CX/AA sites. I suspect your missing CX flight was illegible for AA credit.

For more specifics about CX, you should check out our Cathay Pacific Asia Miles Forum.

Even when you are forced to redeem for "lifestyle awards", at least being HK-based, your options are wider and better than those of us Taiwan-based. ;)

CX AA Missing Miles
 

hkbum, there is usually only one booking code per Cathay flight that allows you to earn miles on American - and it is usually the most expensive option, by a lot. There's a good chance that you booked in a class of service that you can't redeem. Here is a link that will help:

http://www.aa.com/i18n/AAdvantage/ea...hayPacific.jsp

I think mine was a CX/AA codeshare flight operated by CX....