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I have an upcoming flight with Malaysia Airlines in August. I signed up for Enrich, but have time to change to a different OW program. I will be moving to Houston next year and looking to get a head start in an OW program.
(1) What is most important to you in a FFP? Priority services when flying the airline. (2) How many miles do you usually fly each year & in what class? How many flights/sectors? Currently: 30-60k Economy Next year: 20-30k (OW) (3) What types of fares do you usually buy? Economy (4) Can you choose your airlines and/or class of service? Do you travel for work and/or pleasure? Pleasure (5) Which routes do you fly most often? CRK, BKK, SIN, KUL, SJO, & MDE (6) What is your home airport? This Year: ORD Next Year: IAH (7) Do you have FFP status of any kind in OW or other airline? What is it? Do you have any miles banked in a FFP? OW - No *A - Asiana Club Diamond (*A Gold) (8) Preferred Airlines? Most common Airlines flown on? Prefered: Any Asian airline. I avoid US airlines for international travel and don't have any preference for domestic flights. Most Common: Asiana Airlines |
Firestorm1 Welcome to FT
Originally Posted by Firestorm1
(Post 22844829)
I have an upcoming flight with Malaysia Airlines in August. I signed up for Enrich, but have time to change to a different OW program. I will be moving to Houston next year and looking to get a head start in an OW program.
You will not get many AA miles flying MH, but neither does anyone. http://www.gcmap.com/mapui?P=HOU-CRK...A&MS=wls&DU=mi http://www.gcmap.com/mapui?P=HOU-SJE...A&MS=wls&DU=mi While not OW, Alaska is worth considering http://www.alaskaair.com/content/mil...ePlan-partners |
AAdvantage enforcing minimum segemnts rule now?
Saw this in my May AAdvantage summary:
http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q...mary052014.jpg First time I've ever seen a reference to this rule outside of the fine print in the AAdvantage T&Cs. Might well be a hint to AA choosing to finally enforcing their long-standing four-segment-minimum rule for status attainment. That would be a pretty major change of the OW FFP landscape and bad news for all members with AA status who don't fly AA to the US at least once a year. |
Originally Posted by bhomburg
(Post 22846316)
Saw this in my May AAdvantage summary:
http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q...mary052014.jpg First time I've ever seen a reference to this rule outside of the fine print in the AAdvantage T&Cs. Might well be a hint to AA choosing to finally enforcing their long-standing four-segment-minimum rule for status attainment. That would be a pretty major change of the OW FFP landscape and bad news for all members with AA status who don't fly AA to the US at least once a year. QF started to enforce the 4 segment for status some years ago |
this rule definitely is enforced now. There's reports from members in the linked thread (post 44 for example) not getting status despite having attained the requisite number of miles/points because of the newly enforced four-segments-minimum rule.
So this is another one of the "it was good while it lasted" things about AAdvantage. |
Another infrequent flyer
Hi from Auckland. I am keen to hear from some experts how (or if) I can benefit from an upcoming trip (June & July). I read through ten pages but couldn't find a parallel scenario, so my apologies if one does exist.
I am flying (1) Qantas AKL-MEL, (2) Malaysia MEL-KUL-LHR, (in UK for a month) (3) US Airways LHR-PHL and two weeks later (4) US again PHL-LAX. The final leg is on Air NZ (I have an Airpoints card for that leg). What is most important to you in a FFP? a) Flights and b) upgrades but beggars can't be choosers. I'll take anything I can get. The best chance of keeping the miles alive until next time should probably be my top priority. How many miles do you usually fly each year & in what class? Some years not at all, but most years 1 or 2 returns NZ domestic (usually Air NZ). Every few years I fly NZ to UK return and will look for a deal. What types of fares do you usually buy ? Economy Can you choose your airlines and/or class of service? Do you travel for work and/or pleasure? Currently only self directed travel, but I wouldn't rule out my work needing me to do trans-tasman flights in future. Which routes do you fly most often NZ domestic Trans-tasman What is your home airport? AKL Do you have FFP status of any kind in OW or other airline? What is it? Do you have any miles banked in a FFP? None. I had some good A* miles with United but they expired them due to lack of activity. (It would seem that donating miles stopped counting as activity!) Preferred Airlines Any |
Welcome Chasio.
Alas to answer your questions about the upcoming flights and OneWorld frequent flyer options, we will need to now the fare class in which each segment is booked. Alas this arises due to the variation of how much credit is given for economy fares by each program for its partners. In addition, QF is changing its rules on 01 July. And there are a number of airlines that give no credit for the lower economy fares to some partners (eg CX discount fares with respect to AA accounts) Normally the eticket receipt will show the fare class for each segment. Happy wandering. Fred |
Originally Posted by wandering_fred
(Post 22878904)
Welcome Chasio.
Alas to answer your questions about the upcoming flights and OneWorld frequent flyer options, we will need to now the fare class in which each segment is booked. Alas this arises due to the variation of how much credit is given for economy fares by each program for its partners. In addition, QF is changing its rules on 01 July. And there are a number of airlines that give no credit for the lower economy fares to some partners (eg CX discount fares with respect to AA accounts) Normally the eticket receipt will show the fare class for each segment. Happy wandering. Fred The QF and MH flights are marked as "N" (so I gather they are not worth a lot!). These are before July 1st. Post July 1st, I remember that LHR-PHL on US was "flexible economy" but the US Airways confirmation email is silent on fare class. The PHL-LAX leg on US is also Economy but was booked through an agent and sadly I have not yet received detailed information. I will update as soon as possible. Thanks again - Chasio |
Originally Posted by chasio
(Post 22887525)
The QF and MH flights are marked as "N" (so I gather they are not worth a lot!). These are before July 1st.
Post July 1st, I remember that LHR-PHL on US was "flexible economy" but the US Airways confirmation email is silent on fare class. The PHL-LAX leg on US is also Economy but was booked through an agent and sadly I have not yet received detailed information. I will update as soon as possible. As you state that you don't fly regularly and there might even be years without flight activity at all, primary concern should be making sure any points do not expire. So what you need is a program with a generous expiration policy. That rules out all programs with a fixed expiration policy and leaves AA, BA and QF who let points expire based on activity - AA and QF require activity once every 18 months, BA once every 36 months. Next, the program of choice should let you earn points on NZ domestic flights as you state that's what you fly most often, and - if possible - a way to earn points with non-flying activity to keep the balance from expiring and contribute to your total earnings. My advice would be to go with QFF - even though there's far more attractive programs out there in oneworld, it's the only program delivering on the last two requirements. First, you can earn QF points on domestic Jetstar flights. QFF is the only OW program that lets you earn on JQ. QFF is also the only OW program that offers a co-branded points-earning rewards credit card in New Zealand. Co-branded credit cards are the best source of points for non-frequent flyers, plus by using it you prevent your points from expiring even if not flying for extended periods of time. |
Originally Posted by bhomburg
(Post 22890670)
This trip appears to be booked in heavily discounted economy. "N" fares are among the lowest buckets around and earn nothing or very little in programs other than the "home" program of the operating airline.
As you state that you don't fly regularly and there might even be years without flight activity at all, primary concern should be making sure any points do not expire. So what you need is a program with a generous expiration policy. That rules out all programs with a fixed expiration policy and leaves AA, BA and QF who let points expire based on activity - AA and QF require activity once every 18 months, BA once every 36 months. Next, the program of choice should let you earn points on NZ domestic flights as you state that's what you fly most often, and - if possible - a way to earn points with non-flying activity to keep the balance from expiring and contribute to your total earnings. My advice would be to go with QFF - even though there's far more attractive programs out there in oneworld, it's the only program delivering on the last two requirements. First, you can earn QF points on domestic Jetstar flights. QFF is the only OW program that lets you earn on JQ. QFF is also the only OW program that offers a co-branded points-earning rewards credit card in New Zealand. Co-branded credit cards are the best source of points for non-frequent flyers, plus by using it you prevent your points from expiring even if not flying for extended periods of time. Much appreciated. |
Originally Posted by bhomburg
(Post 22890670)
...snip...
My advice would be to go with QFF - even though there's far more attractive programs out there in oneworld, it's the only program delivering on the last two requirements. First, you can earn QF points on domestic Jetstar flights. QFF is the only OW program that lets you earn on JQ. QFF is also the only OW program that offers a co-branded points-earning rewards credit card in New Zealand. Co-branded credit cards are the best source of points for non-frequent flyers, plus by using it you prevent your points from expiring even if not flying for extended periods of time. Chasio PS I did post a similar reply about a day ago, but for some reason I got a message about moderator approval and it has not yet appeared here. So I am trying again! |
I need advice too on which airline programme to use. I have Aeroplan with Air Canada and Silver status with Qatar Airways and Classic with Sri Lankan now.
Now Sri Lankan and Qatar are one world and what are the experts advice here for me to choose which one? I have more miles on QR than UL and should I transfer the UL miles to QR? Or the reverse or should I keep them separately. The reason why I fly AC is that I have to fly a domestic sector in AC to connect to the International flights. I take about 4 to 5 International long haul flights per year from Canada and fly either QR from YUL or AC to Europe and then connect to either UL or QR. |
Originally Posted by dav662
(Post 22915412)
I need advice too on which airline programme to use. I have Aeroplan with Air Canada and Silver status with Qatar Airways and Classic with Sri Lankan now.
Now Sri Lankan and Qatar are one world and what are the experts advice here for me to choose which one? I have more miles on QR than UL and should I transfer the UL miles to QR? Or the reverse or should I keep them separately. The reason why I fly AC is that I have to fly a domestic sector in AC to connect to the International flights. I take about 4 to 5 International long haul flights per year from Canada and fly either QR from YUL or AC to Europe and then connect to either UL or QR. You cannot, in practical terms, transfer miles between FFP's. Have a look at the questions in post 1. What are your objectives with a FFP? If you live in North America AA may be best for you. Be very careful about miles expiry. |
Originally Posted by bhomburg
(Post 22846316)
Saw this in my May AAdvantage summary:
http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q...mary052014.jpg First time I've ever seen a reference to this rule outside of the fine print in the AAdvantage T&Cs. Might well be a hint to AA choosing to finally enforcing their long-standing four-segment-minimum rule for status attainment. That would be a pretty major change of the OW FFP landscape and bad news for all members with AA status who don't fly AA to the US at least once a year. It has been a "rule" for many years; it has not heretofore been enforced. It does include codeshares. It will undoubtedly impact non-US members if so. Off topic, my hat's off to Mwenenzi for this thread and the attention paid it. Asante sana, mwalimu! |
Originally Posted by JDiver
(Post 22926750)
A lot of discussion in the AA fora about this, and it may be quite possible the "new AA" will begin enforcing this next year (when we assume the integration of AAdvantage and US Dividend Miles FFPs will occur).
It has been a "rule" for many years; it has not heretofore been enforced. When it does, it is likely to include codeshares. It will undoubtedly impact non-US members if so. Off topic, my hat's off to Mwenenzi for this thread and the attention paid it. Asante sana, mwalimu! While it has been assumed that the program is still living, nothing has been stated definitely on how/if "life-time" status has been affected by this. Happy wandering Fred |
Hi guys,
Which oneworld program is the best to get free gifts with small mileage (less than 10000 avios)? I know that on miles&more (star alliance) we could get items likes pillows for the couch, and other items of similar value. I'm looking for that because last december I had 4300 avios on Iberia that expired and now back to zero I can choose a new program. I use low cost whenever possible but I will use Qatar airways next month for a trip that should be around 6000 miles each way. (1) What is most important to you in a FFP? 1st Miles not expiring. 2nd Possibility to spend miles on stuff like watches, usb pens, concert tickets. (2) How many miles do you usually fly each year & in what class? How many flights/sectors? <15000 - <5 flights - about 5000 miles per 2 years (3) What types of fares do you usually buy? The cheapest (4) Can you choose your airlines and/or class of service? Do you travel for work and/or pleasure? Mix of Business and Pleasure (5) Which routes do you fly most often? Europe domestic (6) What is your home airport? Portela Lisbon (Portugal) (7) Do you have FFP status of any kind in OW or other airline? What is it? Do you have any miles banked in a FFP? No status. I have about 4000 on start alliance and 800 on skyteam. Banked??? (8) Preferred Airlines? Most common Airlines flown on? TAP, Brussels, KLM, Alitalia Thanks in advance |
Originally Posted by ARPcPro
(Post 22929110)
Hi guys,
Which oneworld program is the best to get free gifts with small mileage (less than 10000 avios)? I know that on miles&more (star alliance) we could get items likes pillows for the couch, and other items of similar value. I'm looking for that because last december I had 4300 avios on Iberia that expired and now back to zero I can choose a new program. I use low cost whenever possible but I will use Qatar airways next month for a trip that should be around 6000 miles each way. (1) What is most important to you in a FFP? 1st Miles not expiring. 2nd Possibility to spend miles on stuff like watches, usb pens, concert tickets. (2) How many miles do you usually fly each year & in what class? How many flights/sectors? <15000 - <5 flights - about 5000 miles per 2 years (3) What types of fares do you usually buy? The cheapest (4) Can you choose your airlines and/or class of service? Do you travel for work and/or pleasure? Mix of Business and Pleasure (5) Which routes do you fly most often? Europe domestic (6) What is your home airport? Portela Lisbon (Portugal) (7) Do you have FFP status of any kind in OW or other airline? What is it? Do you have any miles banked in a FFP? No status. I have about 4000 on start alliance and 800 on skyteam. Banked??? (8) Preferred Airlines? Most common Airlines flown on? TAP, Brussels, KLM, Alitalia Thanks in advance To answer your question: Qatar's Privilege Club Qmiles can be used as a currency in the DOH duty Free shop: http://www.qatarairways.com/Privileg...th+Qmiles.page. Cheapest economy fares on Qatar Airways don't earn much or even nothing in most other oneworld programs. They earn 0.25 Avios per mile in IB plus, and zero in BAEC...Even QRs own program gives you only .25 or .50 Qmiles per mile for the most prevalent economy fares (chart here)... The game has gotten tougher for infrequent low-fare travelers. The only way to build and maintain a meaningful miles/points balance (and keep them from expiring!) would be with non-flying activity. Easiest way to do this is with credit card spend on either airline co-branded cards or with rewards cards that let you transfer their rewards scheme points into airline miles. Also, check out retail partners that let you earn points through shopping. So my recommendation would be to stay with IB plus (they do have the most generous expiration policy out there, together with BA), and get an Amex card that earns Membership Rewards points. These can easily be transferred into Avios, sometimes even with generous bonus payouts (they had a 50% bonus at the end of last year, for example)
Originally Posted by JDiver
(Post 22926750)
A lot of discussion in the AA fora about this, and it may be quite possible the "new AA" will begin enforcing this next year (when we assume the integration of AAdvantage and US Dividend Miles FFPs will occur).
It has been a "rule" for many years; it has not heretofore been enforced. When it does, it is likely to include codeshares. It will undoubtedly impact non-US members if so. Nonetheless, the days of universally recommending AAdvantage as the OW program of choice even for non-North-America-based flyers seem to be over for at least for all who seek OW status and don't fly to the US. |
Thank you. If there is no FFP that allows me to exchange avios for small worthless gifts I will keep Iberia Plus. I'm expecting that this trip will be the only one where I will pass thru Doha duty free shop.
The credit cards are a good way to maintain avios but the one that have miles reward usually have a higher anual fee. I had amex, it was expensive, and the one from miles&more credit card also has an expensive fee. |
Good afternoon,
Could you help finding the best FFP to sign up in Oneworld. I know it might be difficult as I fly only on economy, but your help will be very precious for me because there are a lot of different systems and rules under tne Oneworld scheme (4 trajects rule, different manner of calculating tier miles, etc). My main goal is basically to achieve as quickly as possible one of the sapphire status to benefit to the lounge access and services like priority check-in, priority boarding, etc. 1. What is most important to you in a frequent flyer program (FFP)? Priority services and lounge access 2. How many miles do you usually fly each year? How many flights/sectors? Between 50000 and 75000 and between 25 and 35 flights. 3. What fare class do you usually buy? Economy 4. Are you able to choose your airlines and/or class of service? Do you travel for work and/or pleasure? I am able to choose my airline but not my class of service. I travel for work. 5. Which routes do you fly most often It is very balanced between intra-Europe, Europe to Africa, Europe to Asia and Europe to South America. 6. What is your home airport? CDG and ORY 7. Do you have status in any FFP? What is it? How miles do you have banked in a FFP, if any? A3 Gold. I don’t have any miles banked in another FFP. 8. What are your preferred airlines, if any? I don’t have one. Thank you very much in advance for your help. |
The only oneworld airline with a comprehensive intra-European network and significant presence in PAR that will take you to all the destinations you mentioned is BA, so if you decide to go with oneworld you'll likely end up on their flights to LON pretty often.
Checking statusmatcher.com for leveraging your current A3 status it appears that airberlin may either match your A3 status outright or (more likely) grant you their gold (OW Sapphire) status combined with a challenge. Topbonus is a decent program, but beware of low earn rates for the cheapest fare classes on many OW partners, including BA. (find the chart here). Even when flying cheapest economy fares, your stated amount of travel should give you enough tier points to achieve silver status in BAEC. Unfortunately, since you appear to not travel to North America, AA is not an option for you as they now require you to fly four aa-coded segments per year. And all other programs except Iberia's have low earn rates on the most discount economy BA fare classes, which you most probably end up booking. So I'd go with BA. The tier points used to measure your status qualification is a bit more complicated than the mileage-based systems in place at most other airlines. I'd suggest reading the BA forum and browsing through the sticky introduction thread for clarity.... To accelerate achieving status, BAEC has one thing going for them: Even with cheap cash upgrades done online or at checkin (something I totally would do on any long-haul flight that has their new WT+ premium economy cabin .Well worth the small-in-comparison fee), you are credited tier points for cabin class flown - which will get you to silver status roughly two-and-a-half times faster than it would take with discount economy. Example: A return flight from Paris to Singapore via London will net you 100 tier points in discount economy. You'd need six flights to achieve silver status at 600 TP. Upgrading the longhaul segment to Premium economy for about £350 one way will net you 220 tier points - you'll have silver status after just three such flights. |
N00B
Hi Everyone,
I am very close to LTG with QANTAS and am looking at potentially moving to another FF program after this due to the changes in earn rates, wonder what your opinions are. I would like to maintain OW sapphire :) (1) What is most important to you in a FFP? Reply: Free Lounge Access, Award Redemption, Upgrades (2) How many miles do you usually fly each year & in what class? How many flights/sectors? Reply: >100000 miles, Premium Economy/Business - 25-50 flights (3) What types of fares do you usually buy? Reply:Premium Economy, Business (4) Can you choose your airlines and/or class of service? Do you travel for work and/or pleasure? Reply: Can choose airline (usually Q or BA), class dictated by policy (5) Which routes do you fly most often? Reply: SYD-SIN 8 x PA, SYD-TKO 4 x PA, SYD-MIA 1-2 x PA (6) What is your home airport? Reply: SYD (7) Do you have FFP status of any kind in OW or other airline? What is it? Do you have any miles banked in a FFP? Reply: QF Platinum (8) Preferred Airlines? Most common Airlines flown on? Reply: QANTAS, BA, AA Thank you in advance |
FlyingJordo Welcome to FT - Aust branch
Originally Posted by FlyingJordo
(Post 22969828)
I am very close to LTG with QANTAS and am looking at potentially moving to another FF program after this due to the changes in earn rates, wonder what your opinions are. I would like to maintain OW sapphire :)
(1) What is most important to you in a FFP? Reply: Free Lounge Access, Award Redemption, Upgrades < snip > Note that with AA you must fly 4 segments before status is given (a recent policy change) AA (and the AA plat challenge) would be good for you. With QF LTG you have lounge access (but your life or QF club life??). Also worth reading - post 2 in this thread about upgrade policies - post 330 in this thread about AA/QF miles/points for awards There are also several threads on AFF about this topic |
Best choice for flights mostly within Asia
Any help determining which program is beneficial for me is appreciated!
1. What is most important to you in a frequent flyer program (FFP)? (e.g., upgrades, priority services, baggage allowance, good award redemption rates, better award access, lounge access) Reply: Air miles (to reduce flights fares), Baggage allowance, upgrades, in that order 2. How many miles do you usually fly each year? How many flights/sectors? (e.g., <25000, 25000-50000, >50000 miles and <25, 25-50, >50 flights?) Reply: Probably around 20 flights a year, Normally around 1 return flight from UK to Jakarta and the rest hopping around SE Asia (Jakarta, to Bali to Dingapore, to Bangkok, to Jakarta... etc) 3. What fare class do you usually buy? (e.g., first, business, premium economy, economy) Reply: Economy or Premium Economy 4. Are you able to choose your airlines and/or class of service? Do you travel for work and/or pleasure? Reply: Yes, Yes, work and pleasure 5. Which routes do you fly most often (e.g., U.S. domestic, transatlantic, intra-Asia) Reply: Short haul in SE Asia 6. What is your home airport? (e.g., SFO, LHR, HKG) Reply: I guess.... LHR? Or Jakarta is the one I use most frequently. That might change to Bangkok next year if Thailand becomes home 7. Do you have status in any FFP (frequent flier program)? What is it? How miles do you have banked in a FFP, if any? (e.g., AA Executive Platinum, UA 1K, LAN Comodoro) Reply: Nope 8. What are your preferred airlines, if any? Reply: I like Etihad and Emirates, Garuda are good for local flights. Wasn't a fan of KLM but appreciate they are cheap. Not a huge fan of Air Asia. I'd always rather pay aa bit more for better service and less chances of crashing into the sea while approaching Bali airport! |
Moving to UK
Hey guys, I've never flown with OW before but I have a few flights booked on AA and MH this year and want to know what the best option was to credit points to. I'm anticipating lots of transatlantic flights in the coming years since I'm moving from US to UK and will be going back to visit family a couple times each year in the US. I'm currently looking at BA or AA. Does anyone have any advice or better options that I'm not looking at? The airports I'd be flying into in the US often would be MSY and LAX.
(1) What is most important to you in a FFP? upgrades on travel and good award redemption rates (2) How many miles do you usually fly each year & in what class? How many flights/sectors? 25000-50000 miles in economy unless using miles to upgrade. 25-50 Sectors (3) What types of fares do you usually buy? Economy (4) Can you choose your airlines and/or class of service? Do you travel for work and/or pleasure? Yes, travel for Pleasure (5) Which routes do you fly most often? Trans-Atlantic (6) What is your home airport? Will be LHR and GLA (7) Do you have FFP status of any kind in OW or other airline? What is it? Do you have any miles banked in a FFP? Silver status with Emirates, but no status with any OW airlines (8) Preferred Airlines? Most common Airlines flown on? KLM and Emirates is who I usually fly with. But trying to figure out a good OW member to credit upcoming points to. I've attached an image of most of my flights I've got scheduled for the remainder of the year below. https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.n...16187427_n.jpg |
Hi all,
Was wondering if anyone on here has any experiences with RJ's FFP? My primary goal is to maintain status, gain lounge access and preferential treatment etc. I've had a look on their website, using the miles calculator, the redemption rate doesn't seem to good. Do they charge YQ? BA seems like a good alternative to CX but a minimum of 4 segments must be on BA which can be difficult given my location. I don't fly very often but if I do, I tend to fly to PE or J. Have done mileage run in the past to maintain status with CX but it's becoming less realistic for me now:( Any input would be appreciated:) Many thanks |
Originally Posted by Kleenlex
(Post 23052287)
Hi all,
Was wondering if anyone on here has any experiences with RJ's FFP? BA seems like a good alternative to CX but a minimum of 4 segments must be on BA which can be difficult given my location. - low mileage thresholds for attaining and maintaining OW status: 35k to reach and 30k to maintain Gold/Sapphire, 55k to reach/50k to maintain Platinum/Emerald - some earning gems: BA WT+ (premium economy) earns almost as well as business class even on discounted "T" tickets. Five annual LAX-LHR returns in WT+ earn enough for Emerald status - good family pooling program - no YQ on awards. The bad: - miles expire 30 months after accrual (hard date) - minimum RJ metal segment rules make it impossible for anyone not using them on a fairly regular basis to attain OW status: 10 for Sapphire, 20 for Emerald - which is probably why this program isn't for you seeing they have no presence in Oceania at all and very few destinations in SE Asia. - earn and burn rates on partners vary wildly and are mostly inferior to benchmark OW programs. Discount economy earnings on most partners are slim. I would look into SriLankan's program, seeing you have TPE listed as one of your home airports. They have similarly low status thresholds. Oneworld needs an A3 equivalent! :) |
Originally Posted by vidrineb
(Post 23040710)
Hey guys, I've never flown with OW before but I have a few flights booked on AA and MH this year and want to know what the best option was to credit points to. I'm anticipating lots of transatlantic flights in the coming years since I'm moving from US to UK and will be going back to visit family a couple times each year in the US. I'm currently looking at BA or AA. Does anyone have any advice or better options that I'm not looking at? The airports I'd be flying into in the US often would be MSY and LAX.
(1) What is most important to you in a FFP? upgrades on travel and good award redemption rates The biggest advantage of AA is that you can upgrade directly to business from any economy fare class, even the lowest "Q" sale one. BA lets you only upgrade from full-fare economy tickets or paid premium economy tickets. However, there's two catches: One: AA charges a $700 co-pay in addition to the miles to upgrade a return transatlantic flight. Add the base fare, and you are looking at roughly the same cash price as BAs discounted "T" premium economy tickets when you can plan ahead and take advantage of sales. Two, and I suspect this will only get worse instead of better: Availability. I can only speak for the LAX and DFW routes, which are served by an AA 777-300 with arguable the best business class seat product out there right now. Even as an EXP using SWUs, upgrades are far from guaranteed. I have sat next to top-tier members in coach on LHR.LAX whose upgrades have not cleared - the airport upgrade list having 50 names on it is not uncommon these days. You as a Gold or Platinum member using miles and co-pay would be at the bottom of the list and I suspect you'd never see an upgrade clear at booking. This is only going to get worse in the future as the new AA management is reducing premium cabin sizes to match paid demand with the pending retrofits of their 777s and new types coming in from what we can observe. BA serves LAX with an A380 that has almost 100 business class seats, and upgrades have a way better chance of actually clearing. And, should it not clear, you get to travel in WT+ which is definitely a better experience than economy and well worth the extra money if you can snag a discounted "T" fare. Also, Upgrades using points upgrading WT+ tickets are an especially good value with BA as you earn most of them back on the base WT+ fare. Look at this example I did in anther thread. So, when your primary concern is upgrades, and you don't mind paying a bit more (for the PE base ticket) for less of a lottery , BAEC is the better choice. Also, as a UK resident, you have far more opportunities to earn Avios than AA miles with co-branded credit cards and the like. |
This is the perfect thread I need.
Currently holding MH Gold (OW Sapphire). Contemplating switching to BA/AA Questions For members asking for information, to help people to assist you, can you please provide: (1) What is most important to you in a FFP? Good award redemption rates, and of course the ability to redeem. The rest are not very important (2) How many miles do you usually fly each year & in what class? How many flights/sectors? 170,000. 75% in business. (3) What types of fares do you usually buy? Business/Discount Economy (4) Can you choose your airlines and/or class of service? Do you travel for work and/or pleasure? Mix. Airlines & Class of Travel at my discretion (5) Which routes do you fly most often? SIN-North Asia SIN-Europe (6) What is your home airport? SIN (7) Do you have FFP status of any kind in OW or other airline? What is it? Do you have any miles banked in a FFP? UA *G, VN Plat, MH Gold. (8) Preferred Airlines? Most common Airlines flown on? CX/MH/MU Undecided between AA/BA. Will easily hit 4000TP in a year, so gold vouchers are tempting AA has the 100% elite bonus from Plat onwards, which is tempting too Will be able to clear 4 sectors on AA/BA with ease. |
Greetings dfs24
As AA now has a requirement of 4 AA marketed flights, I suspect BA would be a far better match unless you can add a trip to the USA every year. AA does code share on MH to Europe when continuing to the states, but the transAtlantic portion would still be required. One of the BA experts will have to comment on the potential additional benefits such a large number of TPs might generate with BA. If your European trips can accept a detour via HKG, DM privileges with CX don't seem to have disappeared, though MPC is under transition (like almost every program). Happy wandering Fred |
Hihi,
Thanks for your inputs. Given that CX has no Mileage Bonus given, I did not want to consider that. I understand that DM gets perks like Greeting by purser/First meal choice/Good Op-up chances etc. But I really don't care if I am greeted by the purser or not, and I am quite okay with whatever is on the J menu. Flying Y, I don't lust over/sulk over getting/missing a upgrade. I just expect to fly the cabin I paid for. For AA, I guess 4 sectors a year is not difficult. It's just a hop across e pond anyway. I am used to high surcharges all those Asian FFP Charge for redemption, so generous AA has decided to not charge surcharges for most airlines is a + to me. How easy is it to redeem on AA? Long-haul EU SIN J/F redemption is what I am looking for. |
Originally Posted by dfs24
(Post 23122107)
How easy is it to redeem on AA? Long-haul EU SIN J/F redemption is what I am looking for.
That said, it's been reported that award availability declined recently, and premium cabin MilesAAver awards are hard-to-find nowadays. That said, you can see for yourself and check redemption availability online on aa.com for the routes and dates you want (no need to be logged in or possess any AA miles): http://www.aa.com/reservation/awardF...earchAccess.do. |
Thanks all for the input. Decided to go with AA. Shall see how it goes.
|
Hello Everyone.
I'm new on this forum so please forgive me if I don't correctly do things. I used to be a Flying Blue (AF) Gold member for years but I want to switch on another airline. I'm looking for the best FFP on One World regarding may situation (I will do the same for *A) These are my actuals concerns: Questions For members asking for information, to help people to assist you, can you please provide: (1) What is most important to you in a FFP? The most important for me is the ability of having access to lounges (flying sometimes with my young children) and the ability of chekin'in business counters. Not agains any kind of upgrades (2) How many miles do you usually fly each year & in what class? How many flights/sectors? I fly usually 3 or 4 flights per month in Europe but in general in discounted economy. I fly Business 2 times a year for intercontinental trip (US and Asia). That was the good point with the FB program (Gold level when you fly 30 times a year) (3) What types of fares do you usually buy? Discount Economy - 1or 2 times Business (4) Can you choose your airlines and/or class of service? Do you travel for work and/or pleasure? Mainly for work - Economy for Europe no matter which Airline - Business for intercontinental trip no matter which airline (5) Which routes do you fly most often? EUROPE (From CDG to BCN, MAD, BUD, KBP) CDG - JFK CDG - LAX CDG - NRT (6) What is your home airport? CDG (7) Do you have FFP status of any kind in OW or other airline? What is it? Do you have any miles banked in a FFP? FB Gold (8) Preferred Airlines? Most common Airlines flown on? AF / DL / LX Regarding of my situation, BA Executive club seems obvious but AA and IB could also be a possibility ? Thanks for your answer and Time. |
Originally Posted by RussianTsar
(Post 23142069)
I used to be a Flying Blue (AF) Gold member for years but I want to switch on another airline.
The most important for me is the ability of having access to lounges (flying sometimes with my young children) and the ability of chekin'in business counters. Not agains any kind of upgrades Between AA, IB and BAEC, in your situation I'd choose BA. You say that you fly with your young children - BA is the only program among the three that allows mileage pooling with household accounts. This is a great advantage. As you say lounge access is the most important perk for you, be aware that unlike AF/FB who allow extra guests in lounges for a fee, BA Lounge access rules only allow one guest, and I have seen the lounge dragons at LHR enforce this. Your whole family (especially when there are two and more children) will only be allowed into the lounges based solely on your status if you encounter a sympathetic agent at off-peak times. This is not to be counted on. BA and IBs programs share the same rewards currency and balances are transferrable between both (some restrictions apply). The savvy family traveler's way to maximize advantages of the two programs is to have accounts in both and then transfer avios to IB to book awards with considerably lower surcharges :). Just one annual return business-class flight from CDG to LAX and another from CDG to NRT will earn you enough tier points on BA to qualify for/maintain Silver status. Silver corresponds to the mid-tier oneworld sapphire status which gives you lounge access. All BA/AA/IB joint venture flights even in the most discounted economy fare classes earn full points. And before deciding, I'd check with AA, BA and IB if any of those would match your FB status. I would not want to start out as a frequent oneworld flier with biweekly LHR transfers without access to lounges and Fast Track. |
Dear bhomburg
Thank you for your answer. I Will probably Go BAEC. Your clue is good, I will ask for a status match and see which airline wants me onboard ! Thank you. RussianTsar |
I am moving to TKU and think about Finnair, would be grateful for advice;
(1) What is most important to you in a FFP? lounge access and priority lines (2) How many miles do you usually fly each year & in what class? How many flights/sectors? I fly intra Europe 3, 4 times a month (economy), and 2-3 times EU - Asia, and / or North America (business) (3) What types of fares do you usually buy? Economy (4) Can you choose your airlines and/or class of service? Do you travel for work and/or pleasure? I can choose airlies but it should be based on the price (most economical) and the dates of meetings. travel for work - ca 80% of all travels (5) Which routes do you fly most often? Intra EU (6) What is your home airport? TKU (7) Do you have FFP status of any kind in OW or other airline? What is it? Do you have any miles banked in a FFP? Senator (Gold) of Lufthansa / star Alliance (8) Preferred Airlines? Most common Airlines flown on? SAS, Finnair , Lufthansa, LOT |
Best bonus program when flying finnair CPH-Hong Kong frequently
Dear all. Can any one help me to decide a bonus card strategy?
I reside in Denmark and currently hold a eurobonus card with approximately 30000 miles. As I’m starting up a business in Hong Kong, I will be flying to HK from Copenhagen quite a lot. At least 6 times a year. I found that Finnair has the best connection to HK for me. Cheap economy with ok comfort, and fast/short connection time. Therefore I’m planning to travel with this airline company. I don’t hold an oneworld bonus card at the moment, and don’t know which card will be the best for me. My idea of the best bonus card: Earn: Economy flights between Copenhagen and HK. Staying at hotels in Hong Kong It is a bonus if the card is a credit card where you can earn when you use it. Spend: Staying at hotels in HK Upgrading from eco-class to eco+ or business class DK-HK Flying short distance on economy DK and HK. It is a bonus if the membership/status gives access to lounges and priority check in. Should I go for the Finnair bonus card, or are there any better solution for me. I have heard that it is easy to get gold status at Agean, and that this status could be used to sign up at a higher status at other airline companies. Is this true, and does it help me in this particular situation? Thanks in advance, and great site by the way. The best regards Morten. |
Preferred OW FFP
(1) What is most important to you in a FFP?
I'd say, in reverse order: upgrades on travel, better award access, lounge access (2) How many miles do you usually fly each year & in what class? How many flights/sectors? <25000 miles - <25 flights?) (3) What types of fares do you usually buy? cheapest (4) Can you choose your airlines and/or class of service? Do you travel for work and/or pleasure? Yes, Pleasure (5) Which routes do you fly most often? Intra European (6) What is your home airport? LHR (7) Do you have FFP status of any kind in OW or other airline? What is it? Do you have any miles banked in a FFP? I'm a blue BAEC member with about 12k miles in the bank (separate to this question I also have 129k miles in VS flying club) (8) Preferred Airlines? Most common Airlines flown on? BA / LH / EZ In August I am flying as follows: AY834 LHR-HEL (BA Codeshare) AY081 HEL-SIN AY5915 SIN-SYD (BA Codeshare) QF127 SYD-HKG AY070 HKG-HEL AY5905 HEL-LHR Flying in J This, if I use my BAEC would give me 28K miles and 720 tier points, normally enough to put me into Silver with the concomitant lounge access etc. However, I need 4 BA flights in the year for this to be the case and currently I haven't used BA at all this year - and my year ends the day after I get back, so I couldn't tack a few flights on afterwards. Should I forget about tier level, and just enjoy the 28k miles or should I use Finnair for the equivalent miles in their programme and also get the silver tier? Or, is there another option I haven't thought of? Thanks for your help, in advance. Ian |
Hi, I'm having an upcoming flight to Japan via Cathay Pacific. I mostly uses Star Alliance or Sky team airlines so this is one of very few times I'm gonna use a oneworld member so I need your advice one which oneworld FF program I should sign up for, I currently have a active account with Asia Miles but not sure if it is the best for me.
Here's my info (1) What is most important to you in a FFP? Reply: good award redemption rates and miles can sit there for a long while without expiring. (2) How many miles do you usually fly each year & in what class? How many flights/sectors? Reply: <25000 miles or <25 flights. Mostly in Economy. (3) What types of fares do you usually buy? Reply: Economy or cheapest. (4) Can you choose your airlines and/or class of service? Do you travel for work and/or pleasure? Reply: I am flexible with choosing airlines and classes, traveling mostly for leisure (5) Which routes do you fly most often? (US Domestic, Transpacific, Kangaroo, in Asia etc) Reply: mostly Canada and US domestic. transpacific once or twice a year. (6) What is your home airport? Reply: YVR - Vancouver, Canada (7) Do you have FFP status of any kind in OW or other airline? What is it? Do you have any miles banked in a FFP? Reply: Aeroplan with air Canada, Skymiles with Delta. All basic status. (8) Preferred Airlines? Most common Airlines flown on? Reply: EVA air for transpacific. Other than that, I just fly whatever is cheap. Thanks in advance :) _____________________________________________ |
Welcome to FT nqtri.
What fare class is your Cathay ticket? Alas within OneWorld partners, the cheaper economy fares often have limited (or no) places in which to place them. Things are much more interesting if you can fly premium Y long haul. Happy wandering. Fred |
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