What is the most important factor in a FF program?
 

After the amazing "slide show" BenjaminNYC gave in this thread: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showt...1&page=1&pp=15 I thought I would ask you all what is important to you. In the show it details the different types of travellers there are and what each type wants in a FF program.

So, what is most important to you in a FF program? The bonus miles? The priority bording? Rewards? Or is just the special feeling to say you are a "UGS" or "1K" or whatever it might be?

For me it's just the fact that I can say "I am an elite on United Airlines." It probably sounds egotistical, but I just like to say that I am an elite on the airline I love doing what I love. My friends have envy because I can get upgraded to first class for free (500-milers), I can check in at business/first class countries, and I have special bording.The bonus miles are nice, but I can get those with a CC. The seating on UA for elites and the fact that I am an elite on UA are tied, but the latter beats out the former by just an inch.

the quality of promotions is paramount, imo

Given the o.p.'s thread title and question -- "What is the most important factor in a FF program?" -- this seems more apt for general discussion in MilesBuzz since it's a question and topic with much wider import than just United. So I am moving it there for the widest discussion.

cblaisd
Moderator, United

Isn't kinda about balance too. If you have a great program with loads of promos and tons of bonus miles thats great, as long as you have award availability. Sometimes you must also look at the airline--if the airline has great service, then you can expect less in the way of "enticing", and more loyalty encentive programs.

I think it's a balance. I like being able to prereserve exit rows, bulkheads, free upgrades, elite checkin/security lines. I fly who I fly because I feel it gives me the best value for my dollar, and a large part of it is their generous domestic FF program.

Award availability is paramount.

Most important aspect of FF
 

So, what is most important to you in a FF program? The bonus miles? The priority bording? Rewards? Or is just the special feeling to say you are a "UGS" or "1K" or whatever it might be?

QUOTE]

As you mentioned it may be ego, but when I enter the aircraft I like to be recognized, addressed by name. I like getting first choice of meals. I like getting preferential treatment, espacially after almost 2 million miles on UA.
I am intensely loyal to my good customers and expect them to be equally loyal to me. It's good business. Getting no hassle Award trips and the other background perks are also important.
bb

Upgrade availability (of all flavors).

Guaranteed seating on revenue tickets available for top elites available as late as possible. Flying for business and being able to get on that impossible flight, last minute, even when it is already oversold in all cabins has been invaluable to me on many occasions (and considering the fact that it normally requires full fare tickets often makes me wonder why the airlines do not push this benefit even more).

For me. it's upgrades, early boarding (and guaranteed overhead storage space) and premium access lines in major airports, such as Atlanta. Rewards are nice, but the other items are of value every week for this raod warrior

I totally agree.

I also like when I have the extra benefits even when traveling with family. That way my better half is less reticent about my biz travel. She gets to enjoy some of its perks.

Today?
 

Today, the most important is having my miles banked on an airline that will be around long enough for me to use them.

So, being smart :td: I have been having all my miles credited to two accounts: NW and DL. Bright @:-) Idea, huh?

You think Sept. 14 was a very happy day for me? :(

Lack of pending bankruptcy liquidation by the airline holding the FF miles is THE most important thing today. All the other little details mean nothing if the miles vaporize.

No expiration. I'll never fly JetBlue again because of this. I am not a big fan of British Air either. Seems way too harsh to get / keep points while upgrade chance is minimal.

Award availability. If I can't get a seat, the miles are worthless.

1. Int'l business class award availability to wide variety of desirable long-haul destinations.

2. Ability to earn miles on wide variety of partners (airline & non-airline), & bonus mile promotions.

3. Upgrades.

I agree with lmk tat Int'l business class award availability to wide variety of desirable long-haul destinations is the best option for me.

Int'l C/J or F award on a really good airlines (think CX/SQ ;) ) is the most important to me.

ditto

ease of getting award tickets has to be tops with me. Fewer hoops to jump through make me a happy flyer.
Nick

I'm big on the free travel, so the rate at which that can be earned (with bonus miles due to status being a big part of that) is probably #1. OTOH, an LCC with generous in-network awards still would be highly unlikely to steal me away from a global alliance because I want the destination selection. Upgrades are also good and will break any tie, though I never spend miles on them.

All in all, I think people will fall into either the "upgrader" or "free-travel" camp, and I'm in the latter.

Most important? It's really difficult for me to distill a program down to one benefit.

I used to be an "upgrader" as RustyC mentioned, on AA. Earning miles (on most every fare -- that's important) and redeeming them for upgrades, not free travel, was the most important thing. Since AA had decided to charge a $500 roundtrip upgrade fee, plus the miles of course, I'm now a "free traveler" on AA. Instead of redeeming 50,000 miles + buying a ticket to get into international business, now I'll just redeem miles for a free ticket and AA can forego all of the revenue from that trip.

Elite benefits are also very important (esp. priority standby and free/cheap domestic upgrades).

So, yeah, that's not one most important factor. Sorry.

For me it is upgrades and knowing the airline will be around when I want to use my miles (I include United in the group who will be around)

Award availibility is #1 for me since I don't fly enough to get status