US FF Programs Superior to EU Programs?
 

Hello Flyertalk,

I've silently followed these forums for quite some time and now's the time to post. Not sure if this thread fits here best, but here's my question: I relocated from EU to US about a year ago and so far have held on to my AY+, MM, and FB. I fly rock-bottom economy so none of the programs have status. My main objective is to gather enough points for award travel, which seems at times like an impossible task, despite 30K+ miles per year, because I usually get credited 25% or less of flown miles.

I just recently looked into the American counterparts to my programs (i.e. UA's, AA's, and DL's programs) and found them to be consistently of a better value. No miles expiration, 100% credited even on discounted fares, lower requirements for award travel, and frequent offers to gather extra points. In fact, the difference seems so staggering that it seems like I should switch over right away, even if it meant forfeiting points on the EU programs. This seems almost too good to be true -- am I missing something here?

You're not missing anything. It seems that US programs tend to outshine their EU counterparts (although I'm sure there are many that will disagree with me).

For the most part, all flights you take on US carriers will credit 100% flight miles to your account. So if you say you fly 30K in a year, that would be enough for a domestic RT ticket, and Premier (2P) status on UA. This would theoretically entitle you Unlimited Domestic Upgrades, albeit quite infrequent, a benefit that doesn't exist in Europe.

The only drawback I see in US programs, is that you're not going to get free lounge access on domestic flights just for achieving status.

Do note that United has just announced the return of milage expiration, starting next year.

Not true. DL Diamonds (125K EQM qualifying) gives you free SkyClub access domestically.

I still thought UA was going to add it for their top tier, but then again I also hoped for a much higher top tier like 150K.

-RM

Some EU programs are better than others (A3 for very low qual requirements, BD for 425% mileage credit on premium travel) and they all get free domestic US lounge access at *Gold.

There's a thread in the Star Alliance forum which will help you analyze your travel patterns in more detail and make a suggestion - but generally if you are in the US you will get the most benefit by picking a US scheme.

This seems a topic best suited for the MilesBuzz! Forum, so I will move this threre.

FlyinHawaiian, Co-Moderator
United Mileage Plus Forum

And we have US Airways with their nice campaigns for cheap F travel... :o

+1

UA has had mileage expiration for years. But it's also trivial to extend the expiration.

Thanks for your responses. Aegean's low qual requirements are really interesting but point earnings still seem lower than with UA, particularly for US partners; again, I travel rock-bottom economy and mostly aim for award tickets. How does Aegean compare in terms of award redemption and expiration? And in terms of Skyteam, DL seems to beat FB hands down, am I right?

You missed the best part; with US programs, you do get the honor of paying YQ (few exceptions).

I think what you meant was no "hard" miles expiration. Ie, while most US-based FFPs have (or will soon have) miles expiration, you can keep extending it forever with just about any "activity" (including partner activities aplenty that you can do on the ground or even from the comfort of your home). Except for some UK-based ones, most European and Asian FFPs have "hard" miles expiration, ie, your miles expire after a few years and there's absolutely nothing you can do to extend that.

Interesting, as someone who rarely sees past oneworld I would have said no YQ is one of the main advantages US based programs have over the European ones.

The easy qualification requirements of BA plus getting domestic lounge access is tempting, but the YQ is usually a deal breaker, even as a secondary program.

No, you are not missing anything. I agree completely with what you are saying. The US based FFPs are generally the best for budget conscious travelers who want to get the most flights for their money, unless there is any particular perk (e.g. lounge access) that you are looking for.

Also, welcome to Flyertalk!