Which Program for an Infrequent Skyteam Flyer?
Aug 30, 2012 | 10:18 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC
Posts: 144
Which Program for an Infrequent Skyteam Flyer?
I will be taking a China Eastern flight from YVR-PVG, plus some other China domestic flights. I typically don't take many Skyteam flights so I haven't registered in any of their programs (being based in Canada, I usually end up on Star Alliance carriers), but I figure I would take this opportunity to do so. So my question is in which program should I register?
I am not sure what my future travel plans might be with Skyteam, but my thinking is that I should register with Delta Skymiles since miles there won't expire (correct me if I'm wrong on this), but I would appreciate any suggestions anyone out there may have.
I am not sure what my future travel plans might be with Skyteam, but my thinking is that I should register with Delta Skymiles since miles there won't expire (correct me if I'm wrong on this), but I would appreciate any suggestions anyone out there may have.
Aug 30, 2012 | 11:10 pm
#3
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: DFW
Programs: Marriott Lifetime Titanium, HH Gold, AA Lifetime Gold, United Silver, BA Gold
Posts: 877
Which Program for an Infrequent Skyteam Flyer?
Makes sense. Although DL miles are good only for Domestic flights (easy availability). Also since you don't travel much, the no expiration date would be very helpful to you.
Aug 31, 2012 | 9:49 pm
#5
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 102,617
False. DL miles can be used for domestic or international award tickets, as well as upgrades from expensive fares. Elites get enhanced domestic coach award availability, so it's not clear that someone with no status would find it easier to redeem for domestic flights versus international.
Sep 3, 2012 | 8:24 am
#6
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: PDX
Programs: Don't think it matters...
Posts: 5,255
ST member for person based in Kolkata / India
Hi Folks,
My brother usually travels to places in China ( Dalian /Guanzou / Beijing ) about 2 times a year.. He usually takes China eastern flight from Kolkata ( CCU) since it has 1 stop connection to most of the places he travels to in China and also much cheaper and shorter timings than TG / SQ which are the other options sometimes..
Considering the above travel pattern to China and other 2 trips to Europe ( which he usually takes Emirates / Qatar , should he join China Eastern loyalty program or some other one ?
Seek advise..
A
My brother usually travels to places in China ( Dalian /Guanzou / Beijing ) about 2 times a year.. He usually takes China eastern flight from Kolkata ( CCU) since it has 1 stop connection to most of the places he travels to in China and also much cheaper and shorter timings than TG / SQ which are the other options sometimes..
Considering the above travel pattern to China and other 2 trips to Europe ( which he usually takes Emirates / Qatar , should he join China Eastern loyalty program or some other one ?
Seek advise..
A
Sep 3, 2012 | 8:33 am
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: HH Diamond, Marriott, IHG, Hyatt something
Posts: 34,503
Always carefully check fare classes that award miles. Some partners give low, or no miles for some fare classes.
DL would not be my first choice for crediting miles given their horrid online interface, and difficulty in redeeming awards at low levels. I have hundreds of thousands of miles in DL that I'm still trying to burn through. I hardly ever find a low level award.
DL would not be my first choice for crediting miles given their horrid online interface, and difficulty in redeeming awards at low levels. I have hundreds of thousands of miles in DL that I'm still trying to burn through. I hardly ever find a low level award.