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Old Jun 14, 2011 | 9:31 pm
  #1  
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Question Best Frequent Flyer Program?

Hi, I am new to this, but I travel a lot and would like to start joining program. There are so many of them though and I travel with various airlines. Is there a way to easily sign up for a bunch of them or do I have to subscribe to loads of airline frequent flyer programs? Any suggestions?
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Old Jun 14, 2011 | 9:42 pm
  #2  
 
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You are going to have to provide WAY more info than that if you want help on a question as broad as the best FF program.
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Old Jun 14, 2011 | 9:58 pm
  #3  
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Allright, well I am already a member of the star alliance and that program gave me a long list of various airlines that they partner with. Does that mean that I can use my star alliance card/account when I fly with those airlines? And if so, what is the point of joining a different program?
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Old Jun 14, 2011 | 10:17 pm
  #4  
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Originally Posted by maniscalco
Allright, well I am already a member of the star alliance and that program gave me a long list of various airlines that they partner with. Does that mean that I can use my star alliance card/account when I fly with those airlines? And if so, what is the point of joining a different program?
In some cases, flights on one airline might earn different amounts of miles depending on which program you are crediting to and the particular fare purchased. In addition, different airlines have different reward redemption rates and rules. Which program is best for a redemption will depend upon where you want to fly, in what class, and whether you want en-route stopovers.

Some programs make it easier to achieve elite status, so if things like free baggage allowance and lounge access are important to you, it might be advantageous to credit flights on certain Star Alliance flights to Aegean's Miles + Bonus frequent-flyer program.

It really depends a lot on what your paid travel looks like, what your redemption travel looks like, and what perks are important to you.
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Old Jun 14, 2011 | 10:18 pm
  #5  
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Old Jun 14, 2011 | 10:18 pm
  #6  
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Delta, hands down.
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Old Jun 14, 2011 | 11:19 pm
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I actually quite like the SC though, that part is actually best in class (NA).

Originally Posted by maniscalco
Allright, well I am already a member of the star alliance and that program gave me a long list of various airlines that they partner with. Does that mean that I can use my star alliance card/account when I fly with those airlines? And if so, what is the point of joining a different program?
Which *A program are you already a member of? And how often do you fly with that airline? If you want to accumulate the most miles and possibly make status, it's best to stick with an alliance. Just because you're already collecting with one *A airline, you're by no means stuck to *A. Oneworld includes some of the world's best airlines and SkyTeam, although a weaker alliance, may have a network that better suits you.

I guess important things are:
  • How often you fly per year
  • What class you usually fly in
  • Where you live/where you will fly from
  • Where you want to fly

Those are important because you want to pick a program/alliance that serves where you live and where you want to go as well. Every program has its little quirks, so it's best to have as much information about your own flight habits as well as the FFPs.
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Old Jun 15, 2011 | 5:40 am
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Originally Posted by maniscalco
I am already a member of the star alliance and that program gave me a long list of various airlines that they partner with. Does that mean that I can use my star alliance card/account when I fly with those airlines? And if so, what is the point of joining a different program?
I am afraid you are still confused about the "concept" of alliances, which is sort of a network of partnered airlines. Currently there are three major alliances: OneWorld, SkyTeam, and Star Alliance. Each (partnered) airline has its own unique benefits and/or restrictions that may "earn" you different privilege when flying other partnered airline. I suggest you dive into our Global Airline Alliances and get familiar with the stickies of each airline alliance (Star Alliance may be a good starting point ).

Like Santander said, you got to know which airline program in Star Alliance you are already a member of, then go from there. Use both guv1976's & Santander's replies as pointers to get yourself started.

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Old Jun 15, 2011 | 2:33 pm
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Originally Posted by fsa_ea
Delta, hands down.
y u b hatin on DL?

seriously, the Sky Club is excellent, they have unlimited free domestic upgrades, and they fly everywhere.

...<ducking>...
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Old Jun 15, 2011 | 4:42 pm
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OP, check out this thread right here. It should come in handy
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Old Jun 15, 2011 | 6:05 pm
  #11  
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Originally Posted by redtailshark
Dellll-llllta SssskyMiles, without doubt.


Don't get it, why Delta??--they often have the highest fees involved for booking a flight using miles and also uses more miles for travel and less available seats.

I have some Delta miles and if I could move them elsewhere I would.
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Old Jun 15, 2011 | 6:21 pm
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Old Jun 15, 2011 | 9:44 pm
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Originally Posted by freezone
Don't get it, why Delta??--they often have the highest fees involved for booking a flight using miles and also uses more miles for travel and less available seats.

I have some Delta miles and if I could move them elsewhere I would.
turn on your browser's sarcasm detector, and then re-read his post
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Old Jun 17, 2011 | 4:03 pm
  #14  
 
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Question and for me?

Thanks for starting this thread, I need to ask the same question! In my case I started traveling extensively for work. Thanks to a AMEX bonus offer, I am gold medallion on my way to platinum and expect to be diamond by the end of the year with Delta. The only problem is that it looks like I'm moving to Chicago! Am I crazy to think that I should continue on Delta????? I am in Milwaukee and already have to connect through Detroit for most of my flights, and I find that I do get upgraded quite quickly. In addition, being the only loyal Delta Chicago-based flyer should help me continue with those free domestic upgrades, right?

More info on my flying-90% for business, no one place in particular, but Atlanta does come up once a month. 90% in coach. All domestic...not sure if that helps?
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