Dear all,

Im based in Moscow. Bonus programs only mattered to me to get miles as I was flying not so often (3-4 times a year to France).
This year, I started to fly much more. At least one flight to France every 2 months + vacation + some flights in Russia, all of them in economy unfotunately.
Next year I certainly will fly even more. Especially on the second half of 2013 if I get a promotion as it is planned.
My goal is get at least the silver level next year as it seems it will be hard to get gold. The year after, it should be possible to get gold.

Which program do you advise to focus on ? Aeroflot bonus or Flying Blue ?
It seems to me that its easier to get miles with Aeroflot.
But as I do not reside in France, the gold level on FF is 40 000 miles instead of 50 000 for Aeroflot.

Thank you.

If you're aiming to get gold, then the lower threshold might be a good idea. Another advantage for Flying Blue is that the number of segments to qualify for gold/silver is significantly lower.

Another thing to consider is where you'd like to go on those vacations using miles. If you're looking to go from Moscow, it might turn out to cost fewer miles to go on Aeroflot awards.

I'd choose SU, unless i specifically aimed for ST Gold (which might be easier to get with FB). Would you be flying full-fare economy or the cheapest discount fares? Check the mileage earning charts for the relevant airlines and fares. Would you earn miles only by flying? SU has a lot of credit card partners in Russia, FB has none.

Usually, the cheapest fares that are available (not the discount ones as it is corporate prices). After checking, on SU, for a flight to France, I would get 75% of the miles. With AF or KLM, 25%.
For now, only by flying, my bank doesn't offer such a card (only the Transaero one...) I don't really wish to open an account in another bank...

But it seems that the award are cheaper with FB, Moscow - NY = 60000 with FB and 70000 with AB.

Honestly, I would pick DL. When you fly AF or KL, you earn 100%; on SU the earning rates are the same as SU's (75% for discounted economy except 25% for one super-discounted economy which is rather rare; 100% for medium economy). But DL's redemption rates -- especially on ST partners -- are often much lower (e.g., DL award on SU to Geneva is 25k; SU charges 40k for it). And if you do make it to 50k MQMs, then your bonus is 100% and not 50% as on SU.

and a perk w DL...........their miles do not expire............. unlike other airlines that have a 12 -month use it or lose it policy or others that require activity within 18-months, once you have DL SkyPesos in your acct they're there for life...........no activity required

True...for the moment. Those of us long in that program and who know a new and painful definition of the world enhancement fear this too will be taken away in time. For now though, it does indeed set the SM program apart.

DL made a big deal of announcing their new miles don't expire feature not so long ago, so I think they're unlikely to reverse themselves right away.

Unless the OP is native Russian, fully fluent, etc., it could be frustrating to deal with the SU FF program. I don't think it's a wise choice for most foreigners, expats, and so forth.

I'm not Russian, am highly functional in the language, and have been a Bonus member since the program started. No problems for me at all. Good English language site if you need it, you can choose what language you want all your communication in including T&C upon joining, and a very, very straightforward redemption policy. You can also find English speaking Bonus reps at any and all Bonus Service Centers not in Russia listed on their website. Honestly, I'm a happier Bonus Member and Sky Miles Member a lot of times.

Of course, your/his/her miles might vary...

dont forget that SU miles expire and you cant book a ticket with miles unless you have flown SU flight in last 12 months.

The flight must actually be in the last 24 months

Oh. Is DL making changes they think we'll like?

I can say if you are based in moscow better use aeroflot make sure about the booking classes and miles accumulation though. if you want to earn extra miles get the aeroflot credit card. Aeroflot has offices on arbat street and just go in and take a number usually go early or it gets busy. Also economy comfort plus seats for free but again book early they go fast but is free for gold members they also have a great website in english as well waiting for the SU app for my phone. One more thing you can go to old SVO 2 they have 24 hour ticketing office its only 30 minutes drive at midnight from tverskaya change tickets face to face no traffic!

Also dedicated immigration lane in terminal d for gold members thats worth more then gold for me anyways