Westcoast Canada & US: Which FF program?
 

I'm looking to join an airline FF and hotel loyalty program.

New job entails flying from YVR to SFO.

Trip Duration: Less than one week per visit.

Frequency: On average once every six weeks.

Goal: To earn free airfare and hotel for family vacation.

Recommendations? Thanks in advance.

Welcome to FT.

Given your travel pattern, I would recommend flying Alaska Airlines.
You will get awards quickly, (3500 points for signing up, 1000 points first check in online, 1000 points each ticket bought online.) You'll get upgrades quickly, and its generally a nice happy program.

Welcome to FT!
 

I'd say also given your location, i'd also fly/join the Alaska program. Although I'm on American, Alaska does have a fairly extensive partner system, notably NW, CO, DL and AA. The only detriment is that I hear that it sometimes takes more miles to redeem on partner airlines versus on Alaska.

Please note, recently Alaska has had problems with on time performance. Peek into the Alaska Forum and you'll find out more.

Happy travels,
pb

And at the same time, apply for the Alaska Airlines credit card for Canadians -
Click here: link to application

Thx...recommend Hotel programs?
 

Thanks for your suggestions.

Any recommendations on Hotel loyalty programs?

Depends if you're company will spring for Fairmont or Motel 6. The former does have an outstanding program with Plat, IIRC, in as little as 10 nights. Some of the more mainstream programs, like Hilton HHonors, may be a little more flexible with transfers to FFP programs, etc. I was a Marriott silver for years but am unlikely to qualify and have switched over to HH more recently as they seem to want my business more.

Just some thoughts. Good luck and enjoy this silly game. :)