Is it worth having multiple FF programs?
 

Hi

I am going to requalify with highest status I can get from my current FF program on my next big trip http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif, but have an RTW in C planned for early next year. So I am wondering is it worth joining another program and get some status or better to stick with what I have?

The RTW is well before my anniv so I wont get any credit (other than the points of course). But going forward I'm not sure I can maintain status on 2 programs.

Any help would be appreciated.

Cheers
KF

The simplest answer is, "What are your flying patterns?" If you normally only fly one carrier and that works fine for you, then there's no reason to get status on another one. Doing the RTW on your preferred carrier will have the advantage of making it that much easier to maintain (or increase) your status with them, plus you'll get all the bonus miles, better treatment, etc from having status with the airline you'll be spending so much time on.

However, if you find yourself splitting your flying time naturally between more than one airline, then it may make sense to do the RTW on the second airline. I guess the main question is, what benefit will getting status on the second airline get you? status on an airline you never fly isn't really worth all that much...

Dan

It's worth having awards on every airline you ever fly, don't not sign up because you don't think you will be with them again or something like that.

I like to have a cushion of a free ticket with other airlines in case I have to go someplace that my main one doesn't fly, or can't get tickets on, etc.

But unless I'm flying them on a regular basis, I won't concentrate on them for status or anything like that, just enough miles to get someplace.

Greetings,
I find myself heavily invested in 8 different major airline programs .
That includes both Domestic and Int programs as well as the two I remain the most loyal to.
The reasons I do this are simple.

* The ability and versatility to claim awards when one or more carrier says no.

* The ability to make the transition to another carrier more comfortably should changes in the program become to negative .
Having that investment of earnings spread out in a variety of programs also gives you more control of your mileage destiny and a safety net should one go under.

You can then be free to participate in numerous promotions more freely and not be stuck with the lack of generosity one program may at times be experiencing.

Good luck in your strategy and above all Welcome to Flyertalk!!!
We are very glad to have you on board.
Auckland is a great city.
Hope for a return soon in my travel future !
Happy Travels/Many Miles

------------------
AA & Starwood,Marriott Platinum
Hyatt, Hilton Diamond
Swissotel Club Gold
U/A 1k


[This message has been edited by 777 global mile hound (edited 11-05-2003).]

Very good info above.

The only think I would add is that some people do like to "put all eggs in the same basket" for lifetime status reasons. Having status for life, i.e. never having to requalify is quite an advantage.

Since I travel on business for the government, I must use the contract carrier which varies by routing. So I rarely have much choice as to the carrier (though the system can be tweaked, e.g. by flying into JFK instead of EWR). But even when I was in the private sector, I generally took the fastest most direct routing which varied depending on destination.

Over 18+ years, the result is that I have significant balances in many programs but generally have status in only one (which again varies depending on my travel habits). One benefit is that I can usually find desired award seats on some carrier (though rarely if ever on CO).

My experience notwithstanding, if you are in a hub city and your job permits, I think it would be wise to fly as many miles as you can on the dominant carrier so that you get all the status perks. But you should definitely create a new account whenever you travel on another airline as you never know when your patterns will change and you can usually postpone mileage expiration with little effort.

[This message has been edited by Boraxo (edited 11-05-2003).]

I have miles on AA,UA,US,NW,CO,DL & Midwest. I have over 25K miles on all except Midwest. If I need to go somewhere in an emergency, it's nice having many options. I keep my miles active usually by crediting a hotel stay or a car rental to my about to expire program.

Another very good thing is I recently got a bump on a UA flight & they put me on Horizon. (PDX-SEA). I had my NW card with me & got NW miles for that flight. Got 500 miles plus 50% bonus for 750 NW miles. Also got my UA miles too! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

Thanks for your helpful suggestions. While most trips I can use my carrier/alliance, some I cant so may be it is worthwhile.

Cheers
KF

I would guess your RTW will be on multiple carriers (in Star or Oneworld??)
It may be worth joining one or more of the carrier's FF program. Need to check what benefits you get. A RTW in C is can be worth a lot in benefits

Yes, this is what prompted my question http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Cheers
KF

It's always good to have options and I've qualified on both AA and UA. Yes it keep me covered on both one world and *Alliance. Service is better on some routes than others. I have the control on where my money goes not the airline, so I do what best for my interests.