Moving to the Netherlands - what FF program should I use?
Nov 12, 2012 | 5:22 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2012
Programs: AC S100K, Emirates Gold, Marriott Platinum, Accor All Platinum, Nexus, Global Entry
Posts: 25
Moving to the Netherlands - what FF program should I use?
I am currently an Aeroplan Elite and will have my Aeroplan Super Elite for 2013 - believe it or not, I get it on segments, not miles. I am moving to The Netherlands in mid-February 2013 and my new job will have a fair bit of travel and I was wondering if anyone had any advice on what FF program that I should use. I am pretty sure that I will be able to maintain the Elite50 level and will have the necessary 5 segments or 10k miles on AC metal. Looking for advice.
Nov 13, 2012 | 10:55 am
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2012
Programs: AC S100K, Emirates Gold, Marriott Platinum, Accor All Platinum, Nexus, Global Entry
Posts: 25
Right now my purpose is mainly for upgrades, and I like the lounge, boarding and baggage privileges. So far I have been Star Alliance loyal but I am prepared to move to another alliance if I have to. As for who I will fly mainly with out of The Netherlands - I am not sure yet.
Nov 13, 2012 | 12:14 pm
#4
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: NYC
Posts: 9,781
It would depend on where you fly most - KLM would make the most sense but there may be better options based on your travel pattern. Also good is a non-Dutch issued Diners Club Card (difficult to get) as this provides lounge access at AMS.
Nov 13, 2012 | 1:43 pm
#5
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: FKB
Programs: Skymiles - FO
Posts: 207
Welcome to FT, yyclady!
I lived in Amsterdam (AMS) for 3 years, and I ended up in Delta's FF program instead of KLM, for a few reasons:
1. For the cheaper flights, KLM would only credit 25% of the mileage, where Delta would credit 100%. This allowed me to achieve Pt status on Delta last year even though most of my flights were on KLM planes. Had I credited those miles to KLM, I'm not sure I'd have made silver.
2. With Gold status (or above) on Delta you get access to the flagship KLM lounges for all of your KLM flights you credit to Delta, since it's an "international flight" for Delta. It also gets you into the fast-lane for security on Schengen-Staten flights
3. This got me some occasional upgrades on the US segments of my trans-Atlantic flights. I also got lounge access back in the US from this.
4. Skymiles, while low in value, don't expire.
Honestly, I'd rather have miles in the star alliance if all other factors were equal. But with AMS being a Skyteam hub, Delta worked out the best for me.
I lived in Amsterdam (AMS) for 3 years, and I ended up in Delta's FF program instead of KLM, for a few reasons:
1. For the cheaper flights, KLM would only credit 25% of the mileage, where Delta would credit 100%. This allowed me to achieve Pt status on Delta last year even though most of my flights were on KLM planes. Had I credited those miles to KLM, I'm not sure I'd have made silver.
2. With Gold status (or above) on Delta you get access to the flagship KLM lounges for all of your KLM flights you credit to Delta, since it's an "international flight" for Delta. It also gets you into the fast-lane for security on Schengen-Staten flights
3. This got me some occasional upgrades on the US segments of my trans-Atlantic flights. I also got lounge access back in the US from this.
4. Skymiles, while low in value, don't expire.
Honestly, I'd rather have miles in the star alliance if all other factors were equal. But with AMS being a Skyteam hub, Delta worked out the best for me.
Nov 20, 2012 | 6:24 pm
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2012
Programs: AC S100K, Emirates Gold, Marriott Platinum, Accor All Platinum, Nexus, Global Entry
Posts: 25
RedSnapper - thanks for that - appreciate it. I am going to have to get a membership with someone on the Skyteam Alliance - so I think I will go with Delta but have decided to keep my Aeroplan, as I will be able to reach the AC minimums in a year (5 segments of 10K miles on AC metal)
Nov 22, 2012 | 4:54 pm
#8
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Internet
Posts: 866
When I lived in NL I started with KLM then went over to Delta. You will quickly get *miles* with KLM only if:
1. You get the Amex card tied to KLM and spend a lot (get someone to refer you for bonus miles and the first year free - I no longer have the card so can't help here) - annual fee is about EUR140 depending on the card; and/or
2. You fly the very highest fare classes. Otherwise expect 25% miles which, especially in Europe, don't add up to much! As mentioned, you get 100% miles with Delta whilst KLM only gives you 25% for the lower fare classes.
You will quickly get *status* with KLM if you fly a lot of flights, regardless of length. Unlike Delta, you only need 15 segments (instead of 25).
So if you want status and fly a lot, go KLM. If you want miles, go Delta.
For other alliances, notably OW, I just used AA as it was most suited to me. There was no advantage of one over another.
1. You get the Amex card tied to KLM and spend a lot (get someone to refer you for bonus miles and the first year free - I no longer have the card so can't help here) - annual fee is about EUR140 depending on the card; and/or
2. You fly the very highest fare classes. Otherwise expect 25% miles which, especially in Europe, don't add up to much! As mentioned, you get 100% miles with Delta whilst KLM only gives you 25% for the lower fare classes.
You will quickly get *status* with KLM if you fly a lot of flights, regardless of length. Unlike Delta, you only need 15 segments (instead of 25).
So if you want status and fly a lot, go KLM. If you want miles, go Delta.
For other alliances, notably OW, I just used AA as it was most suited to me. There was no advantage of one over another.