Jan 20, 2016, 10:53 pm
Last edit by: jtet
A number of threads have been started with members asking for guidance on which mileage programme they should join. In order to help users I have started this thread to allow people to post their requests for information here and to allow people to offer assistance.
For members asking for information please help people to assist you, can you provide:
(1) What is your home airport? (SFO, LAX, MCO, etc.)
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? (C, F, Y, etc.)
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? (<25K, 25k-50k, >50k)
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? (UA Silver, M&M Senator etc)
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? (Frequent upgrades on travel, priority services when flying the airline, good award redemption rates, free lounge access, etc.)
(6) Which routes do you fly most often (US Domestic, Transpacific etc)
(7) Preferred Airlines
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? (Can you chooose your airlines, class of service?)
GENERAL INFORMATION:
If you fly less than 50k miles per year: it is almost guaranteed that your choice will be between Aegean Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and Asiana Airlines. Please look up these airlines' frequent flier programs, and make a decision as to which best suits your needs.
Some considerations to take into account:
Airlines tend to treat members of their own frequent flier program better than members of other frequent flier programs. If you fly one of these airlines, it is recommended that you choose that airline.
Some airlines have better earning/redemption charts for your pattern. For example, if you fly on cheap fares on a certain airline often, Turkish might give you miles for it, while Aegean might not. However, Turkish Airlines might charge much more for the redemption that you want to make than Aegean.
Asiana Airlines offers lifetime Star Alliance Gold for 500k miles over life. The other 2 airlines do not offer this benefit.
Asiana Airlines has a credit card in the USA and some other countries. If you are interested in credit cards, check to make sure that the program that you join has a credit card in your country.
If you still aren't sure which frequent flyer program is for you after looking these up, feel free to ask on this thread.
For members asking for information please help people to assist you, can you provide:
(1) What is your home airport? (SFO, LAX, MCO, etc.)
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? (C, F, Y, etc.)
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? (<25K, 25k-50k, >50k)
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? (UA Silver, M&M Senator etc)
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? (Frequent upgrades on travel, priority services when flying the airline, good award redemption rates, free lounge access, etc.)
(6) Which routes do you fly most often (US Domestic, Transpacific etc)
(7) Preferred Airlines
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? (Can you chooose your airlines, class of service?)
GENERAL INFORMATION:
If you fly less than 50k miles per year: it is almost guaranteed that your choice will be between Aegean Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and Asiana Airlines. Please look up these airlines' frequent flier programs, and make a decision as to which best suits your needs.
Some considerations to take into account:
Airlines tend to treat members of their own frequent flier program better than members of other frequent flier programs. If you fly one of these airlines, it is recommended that you choose that airline.
Some airlines have better earning/redemption charts for your pattern. For example, if you fly on cheap fares on a certain airline often, Turkish might give you miles for it, while Aegean might not. However, Turkish Airlines might charge much more for the redemption that you want to make than Aegean.
Asiana Airlines offers lifetime Star Alliance Gold for 500k miles over life. The other 2 airlines do not offer this benefit.
Asiana Airlines has a credit card in the USA and some other countries. If you are interested in credit cards, check to make sure that the program that you join has a credit card in your country.
If you still aren't sure which frequent flyer program is for you after looking these up, feel free to ask on this thread.
Need advice on which *A FF scheme to join? - please post here
Feb 29, 2016 | 3:47 pm
#1666
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: MCI
Programs: AA Gold 1MM, AS MVP, UA Silver, WN A-List, Marriott LT Titanium, HH Diamond
Posts: 53,012
I was about to leave Star Alliance behind, but I'm about to get booked on a rather lengthy J itinerary, so I should probably revisit this.
(1) Home airport: MCI
(2) My normal fares in *A have historically been discount-Y, but I'm about to embark on a journey of about 12,000 miles on UA and Avianca in a mix of J-type fares. Could include D, Z, and P.
(3) If I brought my Oneworld and non-alliance travel back to Star, it'd be 20k-25k/yr.
(4) Current status is Star Silver thanks to A3. I will have no A3 metal in my travels anytime soon, so I've pretty much given up on pursuing status with them in the future.
(5) Most important, in this case: lounge access and other minor perks on United. Since UA Silver so rarely gets upgraded, I would value partner Star Gold over native Silver.
(6) Aside from domestic U.S., more Europe than anything. Although South America (in C/J) could pop up 1x-2x per year for a while.
(7) No particular preferred airlines.
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? Both. Pleasure tends to be discount-Y or award travel though. Biz would include some medium- and medium-high coach fares within the U.S.
Thinking Asiana based on first review of the various options...
EDIT: I have booked the aforementioned trip. U.S. to Lima on United in P. LIM to EZE on Avianca in D, EZE back to the U.S. on United in Z.
(1) Home airport: MCI
(2) My normal fares in *A have historically been discount-Y, but I'm about to embark on a journey of about 12,000 miles on UA and Avianca in a mix of J-type fares. Could include D, Z, and P.
(3) If I brought my Oneworld and non-alliance travel back to Star, it'd be 20k-25k/yr.
(4) Current status is Star Silver thanks to A3. I will have no A3 metal in my travels anytime soon, so I've pretty much given up on pursuing status with them in the future.
(5) Most important, in this case: lounge access and other minor perks on United. Since UA Silver so rarely gets upgraded, I would value partner Star Gold over native Silver.
(6) Aside from domestic U.S., more Europe than anything. Although South America (in C/J) could pop up 1x-2x per year for a while.
(7) No particular preferred airlines.
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? Both. Pleasure tends to be discount-Y or award travel though. Biz would include some medium- and medium-high coach fares within the U.S.
Thinking Asiana based on first review of the various options...
EDIT: I have booked the aforementioned trip. U.S. to Lima on United in P. LIM to EZE on Avianca in D, EZE back to the U.S. on United in Z.
Last edited by pinniped; Mar 1, 2016 at 9:52 am
Mar 3, 2016 | 12:59 pm
#1667
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 2
Thanks in advance for your advice!
(1) What is your home airport? (JFK)
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? (C, D, J)
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? (>50k)
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? (Star Alliance Gold through Krisflyer Gold)
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? (good award redemption rates for premium travel)
(6) Which routes do you fly most often (Transatlantic)
(7) Preferred Airlines (Singapore Airlines)
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? (Both, but more for work)
(1) What is your home airport? (JFK)
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? (C, D, J)
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? (>50k)
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? (Star Alliance Gold through Krisflyer Gold)
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? (good award redemption rates for premium travel)
(6) Which routes do you fly most often (Transatlantic)
(7) Preferred Airlines (Singapore Airlines)
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? (Both, but more for work)
Mar 5, 2016 | 12:47 pm
#1668
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Dallas, TX
Posts: 76
I have 2 questions:
(1) What is your home airport? DFW, DAL
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? lowest
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? less than 25k usually
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? none
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? travel rewards
(6) Which routes do you fly most often (US Domestic
(7) Preferred Airlines - AA, but leaning away from them - leads to 2nd question
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? both. For work, it's mostly within texas, but occasionally outside of TX
I will be doing some large international travel in the next year, and am wondering which to join. I'm part of mileageplus already. Going to Bali and a couple SE asia countries, and am likely to book with EVA air (cheap and probably will upgrade to premium economy seats). But will be departing from IAH (wedding in Houston, leaving out of Houston). And arriving back in Houston. We also have a trip to New Zealand planned. And we will also be departing from IAH to Auckland and back [edit to add that the airline will likely be Air New Zealand]. So that's why DFW doesn't seem to matter regarding my question. So I have these 2 big trips.
For work, I can choose, but have chosen AA in the past since I fly out of DFW. But I could start choosing United for some of the work flights. Work related travel is less than 25k.
Actually have a 3rd question which was not answered by AA clearly. If I were to book on a oneworld partner like Cathy Pacific can I use my AA FF# when booking with Cathay Pacific's website? I got the impression I have to book on AA website to use AA FF#.
Same question with United MP. Can I use my MP to book a flight on EVA air? I think i can from what I read.
Thanks!
(1) What is your home airport? DFW, DAL
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? lowest
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? less than 25k usually
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? none
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? travel rewards
(6) Which routes do you fly most often (US Domestic
(7) Preferred Airlines - AA, but leaning away from them - leads to 2nd question
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? both. For work, it's mostly within texas, but occasionally outside of TX
I will be doing some large international travel in the next year, and am wondering which to join. I'm part of mileageplus already. Going to Bali and a couple SE asia countries, and am likely to book with EVA air (cheap and probably will upgrade to premium economy seats). But will be departing from IAH (wedding in Houston, leaving out of Houston). And arriving back in Houston. We also have a trip to New Zealand planned. And we will also be departing from IAH to Auckland and back [edit to add that the airline will likely be Air New Zealand]. So that's why DFW doesn't seem to matter regarding my question. So I have these 2 big trips.
For work, I can choose, but have chosen AA in the past since I fly out of DFW. But I could start choosing United for some of the work flights. Work related travel is less than 25k.
Actually have a 3rd question which was not answered by AA clearly. If I were to book on a oneworld partner like Cathy Pacific can I use my AA FF# when booking with Cathay Pacific's website? I got the impression I have to book on AA website to use AA FF#.
Same question with United MP. Can I use my MP to book a flight on EVA air? I think i can from what I read.
Thanks!
Mar 5, 2016 | 12:54 pm
#1669
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MEL CHC
Posts: 22,926
pilsn3r Welcome to FT
When you make a reservation on any Oneworld Alliance airline you add your AA ff number to the reservation (at the time or later)
When you make a reservation on any Star Alliance airline you add your UA ff number to the reservation (at the time or later).
You do not need to book a flight on the AA/UA web site to earn ff miles when flying other airlines.
Some flights earn low or even nil ff miles, depending in the fare booking class.
Cathay (to AA ffp) & Air NZ (to UA ffp) are notorious for earning nil miles on low-mid cost fares.
But buy on schedule and cost and treat ff miles, if any, as a bonus.
Subject to availability, you can get an award flight on a Oneworld Alliance airline (or other AA partner airline) with your AA miles
Subject to availability, you can get an award flight on a Star Alliance airline (or other UA partner airline) with your UA miles
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/infor...help-here.html
Edit
Both UA & AA are starting new USA-NZ services mid year.
I would expect some aggressive pricing from all 3 carriers on this USA-NZ route (NZ, UA & AA), especially from NZ.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/air-n...july-16-a.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...solidated.html
...I'm part of mileageplus already. Going to Bali and a couple SE asia countries, and am likely to book with EVA air (cheap and probably will upgrade to premium economy seats). But will be departing from IAH (wedding in Houston, leaving out of Houston). And arriving back in Houston. We also have a trip to New Zealand planned. And we will also be departing from IAH to Auckland and back [edit to add that the airline will likely be Air New Zealand].
<snip>
If I were to book on a oneworld partner like Cathy Pacific can I use my AA FF# when booking with Cathay Pacific's website? I got the impression I have to book on AA website to use AA FF#.
Same question with United MP. Can I use my MP to book a flight on EVA air? I think I can from what I read.
<snip>
If I were to book on a oneworld partner like Cathy Pacific can I use my AA FF# when booking with Cathay Pacific's website? I got the impression I have to book on AA website to use AA FF#.
Same question with United MP. Can I use my MP to book a flight on EVA air? I think I can from what I read.
When you make a reservation on any Star Alliance airline you add your UA ff number to the reservation (at the time or later).
You do not need to book a flight on the AA/UA web site to earn ff miles when flying other airlines.
Some flights earn low or even nil ff miles, depending in the fare booking class.
Cathay (to AA ffp) & Air NZ (to UA ffp) are notorious for earning nil miles on low-mid cost fares.
But buy on schedule and cost and treat ff miles, if any, as a bonus.
Subject to availability, you can get an award flight on a Oneworld Alliance airline (or other AA partner airline) with your AA miles
Subject to availability, you can get an award flight on a Star Alliance airline (or other UA partner airline) with your UA miles
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/infor...help-here.html
Edit
Both UA & AA are starting new USA-NZ services mid year.
I would expect some aggressive pricing from all 3 carriers on this USA-NZ route (NZ, UA & AA), especially from NZ.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/air-n...july-16-a.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...solidated.html
Last edited by Mwenenzi; Mar 5, 2016 at 2:06 pm Reason: added USA AKL links
Mar 6, 2016 | 1:31 pm
#1670
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 28
Germany -> Canada
Hi Folks,
I'll relocate from Germany to Canada. I will most certainly give up my LH Silver, but I am wondering if I should continue to retain A3 Gold or start a North American based program such as AC oder UA. Please advise.
(1) What is your home airport? YYZ
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? 80% Y(+), 20% C
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? approx. 50k
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? A3 Gold, LH Silver, Delta Silver
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? Lounge access
(6) Which routes do you fly most often? 80% Canada/US; 20% Canada -> Germany
(7) Preferred Airlines: Any Star Alliance
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? mostly Y
I'll relocate from Germany to Canada. I will most certainly give up my LH Silver, but I am wondering if I should continue to retain A3 Gold or start a North American based program such as AC oder UA. Please advise.
(1) What is your home airport? YYZ
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? 80% Y(+), 20% C
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? approx. 50k
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? A3 Gold, LH Silver, Delta Silver
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? Lounge access
(6) Which routes do you fly most often? 80% Canada/US; 20% Canada -> Germany
(7) Preferred Airlines: Any Star Alliance
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? mostly Y
Mar 17, 2016 | 9:53 am
#1671
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: SYD
Programs: UA 1K; VA Gold; QF Gold; HHonors Gold; Marriott Gold; National ExecElite
Posts: 419
Moving from US to Australia - recommendations on *A status?
I'm hoping this forum can help me with this question. My search turned up some information, but nothing that really offered a complete answer.
I will be moving this year from the U.S. to Sydney, Australia. I've been a long-time *A flyer under UA Mileage Plus, 4 of the past 5 years at 1K. While UA isn't the greatest sometimes, I do like the airlines in *A and agree that it's the best alliance available.
I've answered the forum questions based on my new situation after the move:
(1) What is your home airport? SYD
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? Y within Australia-New Zealand, J elsewhere
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? ~75k BIS miles
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? UA 1K
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? priority services and rebooking assistance
(6) Which routes do you fly most often SYD-AKL, SYD-SIN, SYD-NRT/HND, SYD-SFO-ORD
(7) Preferred Airlines UA and AC for now, but SQ and NZ for better service
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? 80% travel for work and can choose airlines when UA not available
The problem is that there is no *A carrier based in Australia. My new situation will include 1-2 trips back to the US, flights to New Zealand once per quarter or so, and probably 2x per year to Singapore, one to Japan. All of those would be in J. Clearly those flights can all be on *A carriers - NZ, SQ, NH (or for that matter connections on TG, CA, OZ, BR, ZH). The key question is - should I continue to accrue my mileage with UA, or should I switch to one of the other *A carriers? Or perhaps I should try a status match to Qantas and go over to OneWorld (gasp!)?
Please advise, thanks!
I will be moving this year from the U.S. to Sydney, Australia. I've been a long-time *A flyer under UA Mileage Plus, 4 of the past 5 years at 1K. While UA isn't the greatest sometimes, I do like the airlines in *A and agree that it's the best alliance available.
I've answered the forum questions based on my new situation after the move:
(1) What is your home airport? SYD
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? Y within Australia-New Zealand, J elsewhere
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? ~75k BIS miles
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? UA 1K
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? priority services and rebooking assistance
(6) Which routes do you fly most often SYD-AKL, SYD-SIN, SYD-NRT/HND, SYD-SFO-ORD
(7) Preferred Airlines UA and AC for now, but SQ and NZ for better service
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? 80% travel for work and can choose airlines when UA not available
The problem is that there is no *A carrier based in Australia. My new situation will include 1-2 trips back to the US, flights to New Zealand once per quarter or so, and probably 2x per year to Singapore, one to Japan. All of those would be in J. Clearly those flights can all be on *A carriers - NZ, SQ, NH (or for that matter connections on TG, CA, OZ, BR, ZH). The key question is - should I continue to accrue my mileage with UA, or should I switch to one of the other *A carriers? Or perhaps I should try a status match to Qantas and go over to OneWorld (gasp!)?
Please advise, thanks!
Mar 17, 2016 | 10:27 am
#1672
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: AMS/RTM
Posts: 2,848
However, trans-tasman NZ flights only accrue 75% in Y, and then only in relatively high booking classes. Make sure you upfare to Q when you buy such a ticket by selecting the "flexi" option in the extras.
The advantage of switching to SQ could be the PPS program, and access to redemptions in SQ suites. But if your move is temporary you might not manage to obtain enough miles anyway.
Mar 17, 2016 | 12:54 pm
#1673
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MEL CHC
Posts: 22,926
QF is a poor ffp. Look at OW ffp post 330. QF will not status match. AA (or AS) may be better for you, more so if you are in Oz for a short time.
Hard to know why you expect with "'priority services and rebooking assistance". Status does have benefits. Rebooking due to weather is very very infrequent. Other wise will be just be as your flight ticket t&c's. Ticket t&c's are very simple in Aust & NZ. Everything is a sold as a one way, with simple restrictions on baggage allowances & rebooking to a later/earlier flight. A return is just 2 one ways in a single PNR.
You will not get upgrades in this part of the world like you do with USA airlines
Edit
Questions by a person moving from USA to Australia has been asked before
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/qanta...tas-vs-aa.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/qanta...-stick-aa.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/onewo...help-here.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/infor...help-here.html
Last edited by Mwenenzi; Mar 18, 2016 at 9:45 pm Reason: Added OW post 330 link
Mar 18, 2016 | 7:50 pm
#1674
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 1
I'm hoping you guys can help me choose the right FF program. The redemption rate on TG is bad and SQ award availability is not great either.
(1) What is your home airport? BKK
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? J for 70-80% of my flights (incl. short and long hauls)
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? ~70K
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? SQ Gold, TG Gold
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? Mileage redemption
(6) Which routes do you fly most often BKK-SIN, BKK-LON, BKK-SFO
(7) Preferred Airlines - TG and SQ
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? 80% travel for work
Thanks!!
(1) What is your home airport? BKK
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? J for 70-80% of my flights (incl. short and long hauls)
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? ~70K
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? SQ Gold, TG Gold
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? Mileage redemption
(6) Which routes do you fly most often BKK-SIN, BKK-LON, BKK-SFO
(7) Preferred Airlines - TG and SQ
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? 80% travel for work
Thanks!!
Mar 18, 2016 | 9:53 pm
#1675
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MEL CHC
Posts: 22,926
pboriwat Welcome to FT
Why do you have status with 2 Star Alliance ffp's? Usually better to stick with one, unless a very good reason for 2.
SQ award availability will be no better if you are looking awards on SQ flights with miles/points from another Star Alliance ffp, like TG
Some award cost here
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trave...demptions.html
http://www.awardace.com/redemptions/search (commercial site?)
But ff miles/points are not equal to earn or use.
Be careful about expiry http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/miles...nt-expire.html
The grass in not always greener on the other side
SQ award availability will be no better if you are looking awards on SQ flights with miles/points from another Star Alliance ffp, like TG
Some award cost here
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trave...demptions.html
http://www.awardace.com/redemptions/search (commercial site?)
But ff miles/points are not equal to earn or use.
Be careful about expiry http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/miles...nt-expire.html
The grass in not always greener on the other side
Mar 21, 2016 | 1:57 pm
#1676
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: SEA
Programs: Hilton/Marriott Gold, Accor Silver
Posts: 2,036
What is your home airport?
Currently PDX, although that's likely changing within a couple of years--most likely to PIT, but possibly MCI, CLT, or RDU.
What types of fares do you usually buy?
Economy (and usually discount at that).
How many miles do you usually fly each year?
35k-50k total last year and projected for the next couple, but that's mostly on airlines I can credit to AS.
Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it?
AS MVP, and AS remains my preferred domestic carrier as long as I live in Portland.
What is most important to you in a FFP?
I don't anticipate flying *A enough to get (or at least consistently maintain) status, at least as far as the the 25k-for-base-tier standard goes, so mainly earning and redemption rates across partners. Easy status acquisition would be nice, but it's not a big concern since I anticipate mostly taking international *A flights where I'm going to get a free checked bag anyway.
Which routes do you fly most often
Domestically I avoid UA, so this would mostly be for one-way flights overseas for now (I have an LH KBP-FRA segment later this year and probably a one-way TG flight in 2017); it might even include one or two transatlantic or even transpacific round trips in coming years after I move away from PDX.
Preferred Airlines
Within *A? Anything but UA.
Do you travel for work or pleasure?
Almost entirely for leisure.
Currently PDX, although that's likely changing within a couple of years--most likely to PIT, but possibly MCI, CLT, or RDU.
What types of fares do you usually buy?
Economy (and usually discount at that).
How many miles do you usually fly each year?
35k-50k total last year and projected for the next couple, but that's mostly on airlines I can credit to AS.
Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it?
AS MVP, and AS remains my preferred domestic carrier as long as I live in Portland.
What is most important to you in a FFP?
I don't anticipate flying *A enough to get (or at least consistently maintain) status, at least as far as the the 25k-for-base-tier standard goes, so mainly earning and redemption rates across partners. Easy status acquisition would be nice, but it's not a big concern since I anticipate mostly taking international *A flights where I'm going to get a free checked bag anyway.
Which routes do you fly most often
Domestically I avoid UA, so this would mostly be for one-way flights overseas for now (I have an LH KBP-FRA segment later this year and probably a one-way TG flight in 2017); it might even include one or two transatlantic or even transpacific round trips in coming years after I move away from PDX.
Preferred Airlines
Within *A? Anything but UA.
Do you travel for work or pleasure?
Almost entirely for leisure.
Mar 21, 2016 | 2:00 pm
#1677
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MEL CHC
Posts: 22,926
The airline you fly & the airline ffp you credit those flights to does not need to be same.
Freq flyer miles are not equal to earn or burn.
USA based airline ffp's tend to be more generous (status benefits/earn/burn/upgrades/award cost/award cash surcharges/expiry/affiliated credit cards/promotions) compared to non USA based airline ffps (even after the recently announced changes to some USA ffps)
Freq flyer miles are not equal to earn or burn.
USA based airline ffp's tend to be more generous (status benefits/earn/burn/upgrades/award cost/award cash surcharges/expiry/affiliated credit cards/promotions) compared to non USA based airline ffps (even after the recently announced changes to some USA ffps)
Mar 21, 2016 | 2:02 pm
#1678
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: SEA
Programs: Hilton/Marriott Gold, Accor Silver
Posts: 2,036
The airline you fly & the airline ffp you credit those flights to does not need to be same.
Freq flyer miles are not equal to earn or burn.
USA based airline ffp's tend to be more generous (status benefits/earn/burn/upgrades/award cost/award cash surcharges/expiry/affiliated credit cards/promotions) compared to non USA based airline ffps (even after the recently announced changes to some USA ffps)
Freq flyer miles are not equal to earn or burn.
USA based airline ffp's tend to be more generous (status benefits/earn/burn/upgrades/award cost/award cash surcharges/expiry/affiliated credit cards/promotions) compared to non USA based airline ffps (even after the recently announced changes to some USA ffps)
Mar 28, 2016 | 7:18 am
#1679
Join Date: Mar 2013
Programs: BA GGL, CC and gold for life, Hilton diamond, most of the others steadily getting downgraded
Posts: 16
Hi folks. Please can you help me decide what to do and when re my Star Alliance memberships? I've got LH, no status, but a few hundred k miles left. I've got Singapore, Silver, based on one first class LHR-SIN in January, and one EDI-SFO business return on United. In my new job it looks like I will be doing United EDI-SFO and EDI-EWR returns quite frequently (6-8 times per year at a guess) - because United is the only direct flight to EWR, and the EWR connection to SFO works quite well. So the questions I have are (1) whether it is worth consolidating my Star Alliance memberships into one, and if so to whom, when (e.g. when I hit gold on Singapore), and how? And (2) if consolidation is not an option, isothere any merit in me abandoning current memberships and joining United?
thanks
thanks
Mar 28, 2016 | 8:21 am
#1680
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: MCI
Programs: AA Gold 1MM, AS MVP, UA Silver, WN A-List, Marriott LT Titanium, HH Diamond
Posts: 53,012
With that much United metal, it seems like you'd be best off crediting to United and earning UA status. Assuming a lot of your travels are J/P/Z type fares, you wouldn't need any shortcuts to faster *G status...
There's no real way to "consolidate" anything (short of converting miles and losing a ton of value). But you could certainly hold off on redeeming your other *A miles until you have United Gold, which you would pretty quickly after a couple of your EDI-SFO R/T's.
Airlines don't usually status-match within the alliance, but if all of your UA is in some sort of business class fare this isn't really an issue.
I don't know Singapore's program *real* well. If someone has a case for earning there since that's where the existing status is, I'd be interested in hearing it.
There's no real way to "consolidate" anything (short of converting miles and losing a ton of value). But you could certainly hold off on redeeming your other *A miles until you have United Gold, which you would pretty quickly after a couple of your EDI-SFO R/T's.
Airlines don't usually status-match within the alliance, but if all of your UA is in some sort of business class fare this isn't really an issue.
I don't know Singapore's program *real* well. If someone has a case for earning there since that's where the existing status is, I'd be interested in hearing it.