Advice on picking between frequent flyer programs (BA, QF, AS, HP)
 

I'm an AA Plat mad presently I have no FF account with any of these other airlines. Since I got in on the $20 tix to Europe, I absolutely can't let those transatlantic miles disappear, so I need to figure out the best place to put them. Ultimately I would like to use them on AA or Oneworld, so HP might not be the best option (unless laundering is possible). Keep in mind that with maybe a few exceptions, whatever I earn with my 5x trips to Europe will be all that I probably ever put into these accounts. Therefore, bonus offers, possibilities for status comps and thus more bonuses are very key. Here's my list of pros and cons:

BA - Pros: Solid program, lots of great destinations, can be used on Oneworld. Get 10% for WT+. Cons:No bonus offers going right now.

QF - Australia would be great, but I won't be earning enough miles with these flights to get such an award. Seems complicated kinda confusing to me. Status? Would I get the 10% WT+ bonus?

AS - 10k bonus right now, but I won't be able to get that in time. Oneworld awards, but AS doesn't really go anywhere I want to go. 10% bonus?

HP - Does have a 10k bonus I could get, but is not in Oneworld. Again 10% bonus?

I would like to see if any of these airlines might comp me (probably not BA though) once I show them that I have all these Europe flights already booked and show them that I am Oneworld Sapphire.

Thoughts? Comments? Advice? Thanks all!

A lot of people are probably thinking the same thing. If anyone could share their insight, I would appreciate it as well.

Another thought...Any idea on how to move these miles to Hilton HHonors points? Many of the partners of BA don't have partnerships with Hilton.

As there are two of us from same address traveling -- we just opened an Executive Club Household account -- for each RT we will get a minimum of 23,xxx miles between the two of us. Either one (up to four in same household) can use the miles, either can add to the miles.

With a bit of mileage from AS or AA or a transfer from Diners or a bit of iDine we'll have miles for at least a couple of AA domestic tickets. Good for emergency use and then "releases" the UA miles I normally hold in reserve for a trip elsewhere.

DK_1KGal, thanks for the tip!

Lan Chile may offer the simplest and best 'bang for the buck' in exchanging miles (actually kilometers) to Hilton points. If you don't already have an account with Lan Chile, now is as good a time to enroll.

Indeed, you can exchange 10,000 LanPass kms for 10,000 HHonors points.
Check Hilton out !




[This message has been edited by eperaltaotero (edited 12-01-2002).]