Hi!, to one and all. As a UK resident, I am always looking to increase my earning opportunities with the best mileage deals. As an ex Million Miler with Northwest, we were dumped out of WorldPerks some 2 years back, and were forced to join KLM Flying Dutchman, which like all European schemes, leaves a lot to be desired compared to US based schemes. I am thinking of starting again with Alaska, as on the face of it, their partners give me everything I need, (just about); BritishAirways, AA, KLM, Northwest, Continental, TWA, Canadian. However, before jumping ship, I would appreciate some input from you guys as to the merits or otherwise...i.e What would you do ? Thanks.

This is a decision I also made. Living in the Pacific NorthWest, I am fortunate to fly AS a lot. However, for my flights back east and elsewhere, my criteria is to choose an airline partner of AS. This is the simple reason I don't fly UA (unless absolutely forced by price)--they don't partner with AS. I then throw all my NW, TWA, etc. miles to AS. My AS miles account is then available as you've pointed out for partners that go anywhere I want to go.

Alaska is one of the best frequent flyer programs for partner awards (100,000 miles first class BA rt Euorpe-US)AA is a partner also.Flights on AA + NW/KLM count towards base mileage also.Good choice.

[This message has been edited by Sydneyjb (edited 01-24-2000).]

[This message has been edited by Sydneyjb (edited 01-24-2000).]

Mike welcome

I quite like the AS programme.... although it doesn't have much for european travellers.

Like mike, i too am resident in the UK, and we are both regulars on the KLMuk forum, but unlike Mike i have been a mile Plan member since 92 and while it is a good programme... it has it's limits for us UK'ers.

All KLM ( including KLMuk ) is eligible, and hopefully Alitalia too soon.

As Mike and I have already discussed US elite level FFP's lack the lounge access feature that is such a wonderful feature of European FFP's

For instance,KLM reguires that i fly 40 segments top reach their GOLD elite - their highest level, and while bonus miles are COMPLETELY non existent for European FFP's, i get complimentary lounge access instead.

So, while Alaska offers me mileage credit and redemption on TWA, KLM, NW, AA, CO, As too of course and now Lan Chile, KLM offers mileage credit on AS, NW, AZ, KL, Kenya, Malaysia, LAtinpass members, and soon on CO too.

CO does offer NW, AS, AZ, AF, CSA.... so its a tough decision !