Best program for award travel originating in Europe
 

Hello All,

I currently live in the US (DTW), but will be moving to Ireland or the UK in the near future.

Which program is going to have the best award travel originating out of Ireland or the UK? The destination will often be the US, but other places like Japan, Australia, Egypt would be on the list as well.

Please let me know if I left out any important information which would help in answering my question.

Thanks.

do you know what routes you are likely to fly for work? and how much & what cabin?....also, your possible home city[s] may have a bearing....

also, do you have status on any airline and a large rdm balance [over 50k maybe]

As a general rule, i still think US airlines are the most generous when it comes to award travel, YQ wise.

I was a DTW flyer and therefore a DL hostage. About a year ago, I moved abroad (TLV).

I quickly found out my DL miles are a lot less useful abroad than they were in the US, thanks for the evil International Origination Surcharge, which can be upwards of $200!

I would recommend an airline other than DL...

I've checked one way reward tickets on United and American, they don't have the evil international origination surcharge and fees seem to be reasonable. Either one would be better than Delta, check to see if they fly where you want to go.

Flying Blue offers 50K rt promo awards from anywhere in Europe to selected destinations in the US which is a great deal. Also Amex transfer partner. With BA's impending devaluation this is not a bad choice.

Flying Blue has rather high fuel surcharges/taxes on award redemptions. Sign up for a free Flying Blue account, search for awards on routes you are likely to take, and see how much the taxes are before you start earning with them.

Main 4 for me would be BMI, BA, AirFrance & Virgin depending on where you are planning on flying and if you are loyal to one certain alliance.

Andrew