This is going to shock you... (People who don't sign up for FF programs)
Jun 4, 2011, 7:12 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: SFO
Posts: 198
This is going to shock you... (People who don't sign up for FF programs)
This is going to shock you, but my dear parents, who are otherwise pretty smart people, fly to Asia at least twice a year and they never bothered to sign up for a single frequent flyer program in all these years of flying! 
In the past three months, they've flown to HK from SFO and from there flown to Taipei, Shanghai, Thailand that I know of...who knows where else they've flown...I've just found out they don't want to "bother" with miles!!
My question: is there a way I can sign them up for a frequent flyer account with one of the airlines and then retroactively claim the miles for them? I know on Continental I can ask for flights that didn't get credited, but can I do this with Cathay Pacific especially if they flew before joining the Asia Miles program? Or can they fly Cathay Pacific and still credit British Airways? (I recently signed up both for the BA Chase card - they're shocked they have one of those mileage accounts to deal with now.)
Any advice will be greatly appreciated. TIA
Mods, please move this if this isn't the proper forum, not sure to post under Cathay or BA, thanks.
In the past three months, they've flown to HK from SFO and from there flown to Taipei, Shanghai, Thailand that I know of...who knows where else they've flown...I've just found out they don't want to "bother" with miles!!
My question: is there a way I can sign them up for a frequent flyer account with one of the airlines and then retroactively claim the miles for them? I know on Continental I can ask for flights that didn't get credited, but can I do this with Cathay Pacific especially if they flew before joining the Asia Miles program? Or can they fly Cathay Pacific and still credit British Airways? (I recently signed up both for the BA Chase card - they're shocked they have one of those mileage accounts to deal with now.)
Any advice will be greatly appreciated. TIA
Mods, please move this if this isn't the proper forum, not sure to post under Cathay or BA, thanks.
Jun 4, 2011, 9:13 pm
#7
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: NC
Programs: Priority Club Plat, AA Gold
Posts: 428
Jun 4, 2011, 9:42 pm
#8
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 6,338
Well SOME airlines allow retroactive credit if you join within a set period after taking the flights.. but clearly not the ones the OP is interested in!
I'm curious about one thing.. what cabin do they fly in?
IF they fly C/J all the time I can see their point. They would get all the status benefits (lounge etc) as part of the paid ticket... and don't "need" to save miles for upgrades/travel...
If OTOH they fly in Y then... Yes, I am shocked!
I'm curious about one thing.. what cabin do they fly in?
IF they fly C/J all the time I can see their point. They would get all the status benefits (lounge etc) as part of the paid ticket... and don't "need" to save miles for upgrades/travel...
If OTOH they fly in Y then... Yes, I am shocked!
Jun 5, 2011, 9:13 am
#11
Join Date: May 2009
Location: South Park, CO
Programs: Tegridy Elite
Posts: 5,678
More to the OP's parents' particular situation, they may be able to get some BA credit for applicable partner flights. BA's page for retroactive BA flight credit specifically allows credit for flights up to 3 months prior to joining (note you will need a BA number to log in and view the following links):
https://www.britishairways.com/trave...club/_gf/en_us
Their page for retroactive partner credit, BA is silent on retroactive credit. I'd have your parents submit the request and see what happens - nothing to lose by trying!
https://www.britishairways.com/trave...gf/?eId=191001
I'm actually not surprised at all by your parents. I know several people, many at work, who also don't feel it's worth the bother. I think they just don't realize how the programs work and/or are put off by rumors (or CapOne commercials) implying it's impossible to actually use the miles for a useful award.
Jun 5, 2011, 9:42 am
#13
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: SMF
Posts: 1,262
British Airways states that retro miles after joining Executive Club are NOT possible with partner airlines---at least with the family option.
Jun 5, 2011, 9:53 am
#14
Join Date: May 2009
Location: South Park, CO
Programs: Tegridy Elite
Posts: 5,678
Q Can I claim missing BA Miles and Tier Points after I have travelled on British Airways' partner airlines?
A Current members can claim missing BA Miles and Tier Points for flights on British Airways' airline partners within 6 months of travel. Print and complete the Claims for airline partner flights online form, then fax it with a copy of your flight ticket and boarding card.
No credit will be granted for flights you flew on our airline partners prior to your enrolment in the Executive Club.
A Current members can claim missing BA Miles and Tier Points for flights on British Airways' airline partners within 6 months of travel. Print and complete the Claims for airline partner flights online form, then fax it with a copy of your flight ticket and boarding card.
No credit will be granted for flights you flew on our airline partners prior to your enrolment in the Executive Club.