Greetings All,

I have been browsing on these forums for the past few days as a guest and I just got myself registered now. I have a query in regards to which frequent flyer program or airline flyer program I should avail of. I am currently based in Cebu, Philippines and I don't really travel internationally often except to twice or thrice a year. However, I intend to build up miles so that in the next few years I can redeem my miles for a regional flight.

I'll definitely be flying twice this year to one location, Taipei, Taiwan. I have already booked the first flight with Philippine Airlines (Mabuhay Miles). However, I am contemplating whether to book my next flight, sometime in June, with Cathay Pacific as I'll be garnering 3200 miles with the airline. It's not much but it's a start.

The only concern I have right now is whether I should spend more for a flight ticket, about $160 more with Cathay Pacific. Is it worth it in the long-run? Or should I just scrap the frequent flyer program and go for the cheapest flight available?

On a different note, I just got myself a credit card which rewards me with both Asia Miles and Mabuhay Miles when I spend.

Any of your thoughts or suggestions are most welcome!

Thanks guys,

Welcome to FT josefarrugia!

I would book the most affordable flight.

I believe that unless you actually fly frequently, or can take advantage of a special promo, earning butt-in seats miles has a low return on investment. I am in this same boat. Butt-in seat miles are a bonus of flying and should not dictate you breaking your budget to earn them.

I am in a similar situation to you, no where close to Frequent Flier but I do have CC's. I would recommend you earn miles through your CC, whenever possible charge it and make sure you can pay off the balance. For infrequent flyers this is the best way to earn mileage.

Also make sure to register for all frequent flyer programs you may be buying fares with and diversify your holdings.

Fly for the trip not for the miles!

Thank you for your reply! I guess I'll do that. I am pretty unsatisfied as there aren't any special mile offers here in the Philippines unlike those found in the US or Canada. For instance you simply get 70K worth of points just for signing up on a credit card. That's practically about 30K worth of miles.

Anyway, I guess I got to start using my credit card on a regular basis now.

Thank you again for your response.