US FF program or International FF Program
May 29, 2003 | 10:40 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Washington, DC, USA,
Programs: US Airways Chairmans Gold, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Platinum Premier, Avis First, Starwood Diamond
Posts: 29
US FF program or International FF Program
Hello,
I have a pretty basic question that I think this forum should be able to help with.
I fly regularly from Washington DC, my home to Toronto and Montreal. United and Air Canada share many of the routes using Air Canada operated aircrafts. They are both in Star Alliance.
My question is, would I be better of using the Air Canada Aeroplan program when I book or United's Mileage Plus?
My thinking originally was the AC express check in for Aeroplan members, and periodic flight segments between Toronto and Montreal. However, after reading flyerTalk and other FF related sites, I am beginning to think I would be better off using the domestic program...because I will be able to utilize UA miles more readily from Washington, DC when I use awards.
I have require 10 more segments to qualify for Elite Status. Do you think at this point, I should start using the UA program? And more generically, when flying interationally, is it recommended to use your domestic program, rather the international carriers, even if you have a regular itinerary?
BTW-I made this decision prior to Aeroplan's new fee introduction.
Thanks
BATW
I have a pretty basic question that I think this forum should be able to help with.
I fly regularly from Washington DC, my home to Toronto and Montreal. United and Air Canada share many of the routes using Air Canada operated aircrafts. They are both in Star Alliance.
My question is, would I be better of using the Air Canada Aeroplan program when I book or United's Mileage Plus?
My thinking originally was the AC express check in for Aeroplan members, and periodic flight segments between Toronto and Montreal. However, after reading flyerTalk and other FF related sites, I am beginning to think I would be better off using the domestic program...because I will be able to utilize UA miles more readily from Washington, DC when I use awards.
I have require 10 more segments to qualify for Elite Status. Do you think at this point, I should start using the UA program? And more generically, when flying interationally, is it recommended to use your domestic program, rather the international carriers, even if you have a regular itinerary?
BTW-I made this decision prior to Aeroplan's new fee introduction.
Thanks
BATW
May 29, 2003 | 10:58 am
#2
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Washington, D.C.
Programs: DL GM, UA 1P, AA GLD
Posts: 1,963
Welcome to FT!
I think that the purpose of having an alliance is that when travelling internationally you can base all of your frequent flyer needs to a single airline in the alliance, irrespective of airline traveled. Thus, it is probably not recommended to have accounts with both AC and UA.
However, since you are already on AC, I'd recommend sticking with them, especially if you are well on your way to elite status. On a side note, I do not expect AC's award travel fee to stick... there will be way to much backlash.
I think that the purpose of having an alliance is that when travelling internationally you can base all of your frequent flyer needs to a single airline in the alliance, irrespective of airline traveled. Thus, it is probably not recommended to have accounts with both AC and UA.
However, since you are already on AC, I'd recommend sticking with them, especially if you are well on your way to elite status. On a side note, I do not expect AC's award travel fee to stick... there will be way to much backlash.