What programme to choose based in Jakarta?
 

Hello,

This is my first post here so apologies for any mistakes, etc ;)

I was wondering if you could provide any advice?

Currently, I am based in Brussels and I have Silver card (Frequent Traveller) at Miles and More (LH). I will be moving to Jakarta in August at least for 3 years. From there I will travel at least 2 times a year to Europe (Belgium and Poland). I will also try to travel around Asia and Australia. My trips will be both in economy and business class.

I am wondering if you have any idea which airline/frequent flyer programme to choose as the main one? I was thinking of Malaysia Airlines (Oneworld) and Qatar (soon to be Oneworld)? Garuda for the moment does not have many affiliations (only Etihad, Korean, etc) but early 2014 should join Sky team.

To get to Jakarta I was offered 3 options:

PROPOSAL 1:
HAI VIA BANGKOK
TG 935 J
TG 433 J

PROPOSAL 2:
ETHIAD VIA ABU DHABI
EY 58 D
EY7139 D

PROPOSAL 3:
TURKISH AIRLINES VIA ISTANBUL
TK1940 D
TK 66 D

I am a bit puzzled and I think there is no single answer on my query. :confused:

Many thanks in advance.

Have you checked Singapore Airlines?

Yes I did. Usually they are the most expensive ones, besides SIA is in Star which I think is not the best alliance for South-East Asia.

Assuming your company paid you for the trip back to Europe, I'll take Singapore Airlines for that trip. I'll use budget airlines for the trip around Asia or Australia.

Tg flies a nice plane up to BRU.

What exactly would be better than *a in the region? Sq probably makes the most sense based on your location, but you could always choose the best price and credit to M and M

Star Alliance is definitely the best alliance for Asia, with Singapore, Thai, Asiana, ANA and EVA joining June 18th. And of course United, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, etc. Of your options, I would choose Thai- the J lounge in Bangkok is nice, and offers free massages!

Given the two round trips to Europe, you might think about joining one of the more obscure programs, like either Aegean, to get *A Gold status for 20,000 miles. Or you might be able to get there on your Miles and More program- all depends on how much you've traveled this calendar year.

I would think for business travel, you would hub in Singapore and use SQ a lot. But SQ has a poor frequent flier program, with expiring miles, fuel surcharges and exactly the same benefits as you would get with *A Gold anyway. I'm Singapore based, but use UA Mileage Plus, because I also go to the USA quite a lot.

Definitely go with Star Alliance. I lived in JKT for 10 years, let me know if you have any question about Indo.