Best FF program for International upgrades?
Jan 14, 2008 | 10:26 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: DSM
Programs: UA Platinum, Hilton Diamond, Hertz Pres. Circle
Posts: 235
Best FF program for International upgrades?
It is eary in the season for earning elite status and I am lookig for the airline with the ability to earn upgrades for international flights. It appears that NW does not offer upgrades on Int flights. Is this common? Any reccomendations?
Jan 15, 2008 | 7:16 am
#2
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Johnstown, PA
Programs: UA P, Delta SL, US SL, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Diamond, IHG PL AMB, Marriott Plat, SPG Plat
Posts: 928
Go with British Airways. Get their credit card to start building your account with 20K points. You can put American Airlines flights in the US in the account. When you are ready for your International Flight, purchase a Premium Economy ticket, which is often only about $200 more than coach and you can upgrade to Business class for only 25K miles. BA has one of the best Business classes in the air.
Jan 15, 2008 | 7:16 am
#3
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: IAD, DCA
Programs: UA-Plat, Marriott-Plat, AAI, AAII
Posts: 3,758
Welcome to FT!
That said, you'll need to do a little of your own work to get the most out of FT.
You want one of us to just pick a program for you? OK, AA, UA, DL, CO, ..... Heck, depending on where you're going you might be better off with BA, BD, or LH. The point is you offer no info on which to base an informed opinion.
You might start by figuring which carriers service where you are and then figuring out which carriers service where you want to go. Then you review the FAQs and forums for those carriers. Then you can start to ask informed and meaningful questions. Then you'll find all the help you'll need.
Also, double posting is frowned upon.
That said, you'll need to do a little of your own work to get the most out of FT.
You want one of us to just pick a program for you? OK, AA, UA, DL, CO, ..... Heck, depending on where you're going you might be better off with BA, BD, or LH. The point is you offer no info on which to base an informed opinion.
You might start by figuring which carriers service where you are and then figuring out which carriers service where you want to go. Then you review the FAQs and forums for those carriers. Then you can start to ask informed and meaningful questions. Then you'll find all the help you'll need.
Also, double posting is frowned upon.
Jan 15, 2008 | 8:28 am
#4
Moderator: Avianca, Travel Photography, Travel Technology & USA
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Far western edge of the La-La Land City limits
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Posts: 3,810
I have merged two threads started by the OP, on the same subject.
Jan 15, 2008 | 11:12 am
#5
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Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Benicia CA
Programs: Alaska MVP Gold 75K, AA 3.8MM, UA 1.1MM, enjoying the retired life
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Jan 15, 2008 | 8:51 pm
#6
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: NYC
Programs: No longer loyal "over-entitled" 1K
Posts: 3,825
LH also offers upgrade instrument for SEN and HON members IIRC.
That being said, depending on where your destination is, AA or UA has the best program for international upgrade.
AA gives 8 e-VIPs to EXP members while UA gives 6 SUWs to 1Ks.
Personally, I like UA better because my primary destination is Asia, but if you fly often to S America, for example, AA makes whole lot more sense.
The only catch is that you'll have to fly 100,000 miles per year to get those upgrade instruments.
That being said, depending on where your destination is, AA or UA has the best program for international upgrade.
AA gives 8 e-VIPs to EXP members while UA gives 6 SUWs to 1Ks.
Personally, I like UA better because my primary destination is Asia, but if you fly often to S America, for example, AA makes whole lot more sense.
The only catch is that you'll have to fly 100,000 miles per year to get those upgrade instruments.
Jan 15, 2008 | 8:58 pm
#7
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
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Jan 15, 2008 | 9:08 pm
#8
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: NYC
Programs: No longer loyal "over-entitled" 1K
Posts: 3,825
Jan 16, 2008 | 8:00 am
#10
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: YYZ
Programs: Haven't been flying for a while... :(
Posts: 478
I would factor in upgrades using MFU as an option for those that aren't flying enough to reach the highest elite tiers. With that in mind, BA's Premium Economy -> Business upgrade is very well priced. AA's miles+copay option is nice if you tend to buy bottom-barrel economy fares, UA's and NW's "higher fare basis" requirement may not matter if you tend to book on comparatively short notice.
Availability is always an issue, of course.
Availability is always an issue, of course.
Jan 16, 2008 | 3:17 pm
#11
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: LA/London
Posts: 33
I would factor in upgrades using MFU as an option for those that aren't flying enough to reach the highest elite tiers. With that in mind, BA's Premium Economy -> Business upgrade is very well priced. AA's miles+copay option is nice if you tend to buy bottom-barrel economy fares, UA's and NW's "higher fare basis" requirement may not matter if you tend to book on comparatively short notice.
Availability is always an issue, of course.
Availability is always an issue, of course.
Or would this only apply to miles that I have with BA's FT program?
Jan 16, 2008 | 5:18 pm
#14
Join Date: Sep 2006
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Jan 16, 2008 | 9:58 pm
#15
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