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
Aug 4, 2024 | 9:04 am
#2566
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Stockholm
Programs: SAS EuroBonus Gold, Thai Royal Orchid Plus Gold
Posts: 182
My situation is very similar to the one described by Nander previously but with a few specific differences.
(1) What is your home airport?
Stockholm, ARN
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy?
Intra-Europe Y, Transatlantic W (with point-based upgrades to J)
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year?
At least 25k-50k
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it?
SAS Eurobonus Gold (will be lifetime in April 2025, so I have lots of experience within *A, but SAS is switching to SkyTeam at the end of August)
(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.)
The #1 priority is the ability and ease of retaining fast-track security and lounge access, whether through Star Gold or other means.
Ideally, I want a scheme where I can earn status no matter which *airline I'm flying on (including no requirement that X number of flights per year are on a specific carrier).
(6) Which routes do you fly most often? (US Domestic, Transpacific, etc.)
Intra-Europe (primarily Spain, Italy, and Portugal)
Inter-continental (primarily transatlantic to USA)
(7) Preferred Airlines
I'm fairly agnostic. Because SK has historically been within *A, a significant share has been LH group and TAP (in addition to SK) for intra-Europe and UA and AS for connecting travel in North America. With SK switching to SkyTeam, I'll likely fly more Delta/KLM to PDX and European destinations as appropriate.
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? (Can you choose your airline and class of service?)
It's a pretty even split. I can choose airlines, subject to there not being a significant price differential. For business travel, I always choose fully refundable tickets and premium economy for anything > 4 hours.
(1) What is your home airport?
Stockholm, ARN
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy?
Intra-Europe Y, Transatlantic W (with point-based upgrades to J)
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year?
At least 25k-50k
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it?
SAS Eurobonus Gold (will be lifetime in April 2025, so I have lots of experience within *A, but SAS is switching to SkyTeam at the end of August)
(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.)
The #1 priority is the ability and ease of retaining fast-track security and lounge access, whether through Star Gold or other means.
Ideally, I want a scheme where I can earn status no matter which *airline I'm flying on (including no requirement that X number of flights per year are on a specific carrier).
(6) Which routes do you fly most often? (US Domestic, Transpacific, etc.)
Intra-Europe (primarily Spain, Italy, and Portugal)
Inter-continental (primarily transatlantic to USA)
(7) Preferred Airlines
I'm fairly agnostic. Because SK has historically been within *A, a significant share has been LH group and TAP (in addition to SK) for intra-Europe and UA and AS for connecting travel in North America. With SK switching to SkyTeam, I'll likely fly more Delta/KLM to PDX and European destinations as appropriate.
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? (Can you choose your airline and class of service?)
It's a pretty even split. I can choose airlines, subject to there not being a significant price differential. For business travel, I always choose fully refundable tickets and premium economy for anything > 4 hours.
Aug 12, 2024 | 2:07 pm
#2567
Join Date: Aug 2024
Posts: 1
Hi, I have been Eva Air *Gold and just got renewed for another 2 years, I wonder I should take this period to accumulate miles on a better program as it is challenging to keep 80K miles/24 months and the redemption deals from Eva is not good.
(1) What is your home airport?
SFO
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy?
Q, Y, W
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year?
25K to 50K
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it?
Eva (BR) *G
(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.)
Fast track check-in and gate access, extra luggage. I have Priority Pass, so lounge access good to have and enjoyable but not the #1 concern.
(6) Which routes do you fly most often? (US Domestic, Transpacific, etc.)
SFO to German (LH, UA)
SFO to Asia (Majority with UA and EVA, at most 1 trip per year ANA, SQ)
(7) Preferred Airlines
By choice - Eva, ANA, SQ, LH, UA
Actual usage - UA = LH > EVA > SQ > ANA
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? (Can you choose your airline and class of service?)
Mostly for work. Company policy - Economy only.
(1) What is your home airport?
SFO
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy?
Q, Y, W
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year?
25K to 50K
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it?
Eva (BR) *G
(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.)
Fast track check-in and gate access, extra luggage. I have Priority Pass, so lounge access good to have and enjoyable but not the #1 concern.
(6) Which routes do you fly most often? (US Domestic, Transpacific, etc.)
SFO to German (LH, UA)
SFO to Asia (Majority with UA and EVA, at most 1 trip per year ANA, SQ)
(7) Preferred Airlines
By choice - Eva, ANA, SQ, LH, UA
Actual usage - UA = LH > EVA > SQ > ANA
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? (Can you choose your airline and class of service?)
Mostly for work. Company policy - Economy only.
Sep 1, 2024 | 1:24 am
#2568
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BOS/EAP
Programs: UA 1K, AS MVP Gold, MR LTT, HH Dia, IHG Dia, Amex Plat
Posts: 37,480
Hi, I have been Eva Air *Gold and just got renewed for another 2 years, I wonder I should take this period to accumulate miles on a better program as it is challenging to keep 80K miles/24 months and the redemption deals from Eva is not good.
(1) What is your home airport?
SFO
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy?
Q, Y, W
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year?
25K to 50K
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it?
Eva (BR) *G
(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.)
Fast track check-in and gate access, extra luggage. I have Priority Pass, so lounge access good to have and enjoyable but not the #1 concern.
(6) Which routes do you fly most often? (US Domestic, Transpacific, etc.)
SFO to German (LH, UA)
SFO to Asia (Majority with UA and EVA, at most 1 trip per year ANA, SQ)
(7) Preferred Airlines
By choice - Eva, ANA, SQ, LH, UA
Actual usage - UA = LH > EVA > SQ > ANA
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? (Can you choose your airline and class of service?)
Mostly for work. Company policy - Economy only.
(1) What is your home airport?
SFO
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy?
Q, Y, W
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year?
25K to 50K
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it?
Eva (BR) *G
(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.)
Fast track check-in and gate access, extra luggage. I have Priority Pass, so lounge access good to have and enjoyable but not the #1 concern.
(6) Which routes do you fly most often? (US Domestic, Transpacific, etc.)
SFO to German (LH, UA)
SFO to Asia (Majority with UA and EVA, at most 1 trip per year ANA, SQ)
(7) Preferred Airlines
By choice - Eva, ANA, SQ, LH, UA
Actual usage - UA = LH > EVA > SQ > ANA
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? (Can you choose your airline and class of service?)
Mostly for work. Company policy - Economy only.
Sep 2, 2024 | 2:54 pm
#2569
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: HKT
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, CX Gold, OW Sapphire, Travala Smart Diamond
Posts: 289
I'd like to get myself some *A status.
I'd like to get myself some *A status.
I am a flexible traveller, actively scanning the premium fare deals forum for business class fares on OW and *A. Going to reach CX Gold / OW Sapphire this year and it looks like I will manage to get some *A status as well.
I have already accumulated some business class flights on ANA and some Eco flights on SQ with blank bp, ready to retro-claim, see below:
I'm considering to retro-claim them to TK Miles & Smiles, already have an account without any activity there.
I have one family member with the exact same flights, so if the program allows combining miles to make redemption bookings, I guess it would be an advantage.
I don't know if any other programs allow this and my question is if TK would be the best program to retro-claim the past flights?
Apart from TK I also have existing accounts with LH, SQ, TG and United, only LH has some miles in it, but no status miles.
Should I sign up for any other program as well for future flights?
(1) What is your home airport? (SFO, LAX, MCO, etc.)
HKT (having TG lounge access here would be nice to have, but can always use the PP lounge otherwise)
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? (C, F, Y, etc.)
Business for flights over 4h if price is right, Economy or Business on shorter flights
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? (<25K, 25k-50k, >50k)
30-50k on *A
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? (UA Silver, M&M Senator etc)
none on *A
(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.)
lounge access, extra luggage, priority boarding group in the US
(6) Which routes do you fly most often (US Domestic, Transpacific etc)
Asia-USA return via TYO on ANA
Next year I will look for some Asia-EU deals as well
(7) Preferred Airlines
ANA
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? (Can you chooose your airlines, class of service?)
free to chose
I am a flexible traveller, actively scanning the premium fare deals forum for business class fares on OW and *A. Going to reach CX Gold / OW Sapphire this year and it looks like I will manage to get some *A status as well.
I have already accumulated some business class flights on ANA and some Eco flights on SQ with blank bp, ready to retro-claim, see below:
Spoiler
I'm considering to retro-claim them to TK Miles & Smiles, already have an account without any activity there.
I have one family member with the exact same flights, so if the program allows combining miles to make redemption bookings, I guess it would be an advantage.
I don't know if any other programs allow this and my question is if TK would be the best program to retro-claim the past flights?
Apart from TK I also have existing accounts with LH, SQ, TG and United, only LH has some miles in it, but no status miles.
Should I sign up for any other program as well for future flights?
(1) What is your home airport? (SFO, LAX, MCO, etc.)
HKT (having TG lounge access here would be nice to have, but can always use the PP lounge otherwise)
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? (C, F, Y, etc.)
Business for flights over 4h if price is right, Economy or Business on shorter flights
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? (<25K, 25k-50k, >50k)
30-50k on *A
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? (UA Silver, M&M Senator etc)
none on *A
(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.)
lounge access, extra luggage, priority boarding group in the US
(6) Which routes do you fly most often (US Domestic, Transpacific etc)
Asia-USA return via TYO on ANA
Next year I will look for some Asia-EU deals as well
(7) Preferred Airlines
ANA
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? (Can you chooose your airlines, class of service?)
free to chose
Last edited by goodgirl; Sep 4, 2024 at 10:48 pm
Sep 3, 2024 | 5:21 am
#2570
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: DXB
Programs: AA EXP, A3 *G, LH SEN, SK EBG, Marriott Titanium, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, etc. etc....
Posts: 3,359
I usually fly SK/LH in Europe, in economy. Top airports are ARN, OSL, BER. I would have something like 30-40 flights split quite eavenly between the airlines. Also a couple of A3 flights, mostly for status renewal.
I have had *A status through A3 for years, requalifying has always been easy, at least with the 4 A3 flights thrown in.
But now that SK has left *A, I don't really know what to do.
I have been matched to LH SEN, which is nice.
But I don't know if I should try to keep *A status with A3, switch to M&M or move to a different program.
Long haul, I only fly business class, but mostly Oneworld and/or on points.
I'm not a fan of LH's long haul product, and I don't want to spend thousands or euros/dollars, just so I can have lounge access for those 15 or so LH short haul economy flights per year.
So I don't really want to fly five such trips, for example: https://www.premium-flights.com/mile...ifying-points/
Then again, I have really gotten used to the status, so I don't want to lose it either.
I fly to Europe-DXB (or vice versa) a couple times per year, so maybe I could buy a cheap F ticket once per year if that helps with the status.
I have access to US credit cards as well, but it seems like you can't easily spend your way to *A status, neither with AC nor UA.
Any suggestions?
I have had *A status through A3 for years, requalifying has always been easy, at least with the 4 A3 flights thrown in.
But now that SK has left *A, I don't really know what to do.
I have been matched to LH SEN, which is nice.
But I don't know if I should try to keep *A status with A3, switch to M&M or move to a different program.
Long haul, I only fly business class, but mostly Oneworld and/or on points.
I'm not a fan of LH's long haul product, and I don't want to spend thousands or euros/dollars, just so I can have lounge access for those 15 or so LH short haul economy flights per year.
So I don't really want to fly five such trips, for example: https://www.premium-flights.com/mile...ifying-points/
Then again, I have really gotten used to the status, so I don't want to lose it either.
I fly to Europe-DXB (or vice versa) a couple times per year, so maybe I could buy a cheap F ticket once per year if that helps with the status.
I have access to US credit cards as well, but it seems like you can't easily spend your way to *A status, neither with AC nor UA.
Any suggestions?
Sep 3, 2024 | 9:56 am
#2571
Join Date: Sep 2024
Posts: 1
Hi, with my recent move, reduced traveling post-Covid and a decline in CX's service levels, I am looking to get a status match or perhaps start from scratch (or which level I can get into) with another program. Any thoughts would be appreciated!
(1) What is your home airport?
MAN/LHR
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy?
C, I for UK-Asia; O, Q, K for Intra-Europe
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year?
35K to 50K
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it?
CX Diamond (OW Emerald)
(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.)
Priority Service (e.g. extra luggage), lounge access
(6) Which routes do you fly most often? (US Domestic, Transpacific, etc.)
UK to Asia (HKG still main, though may also do NRT or ICN)
UK to Europe (e.g. FRA, CPH)
(7) Preferred Airlines
OW still seems to be best, but am wondering if I should go for *A being in Europe; otherwise, no strong preference other than to move away from CX. I assume status match/challenge with another OW program will not be possible though.
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? (Can you choose your airline and class of service?)
Mixed - full control over airline/class of service
(1) What is your home airport?
MAN/LHR
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy?
C, I for UK-Asia; O, Q, K for Intra-Europe
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year?
35K to 50K
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it?
CX Diamond (OW Emerald)
(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.)
Priority Service (e.g. extra luggage), lounge access
(6) Which routes do you fly most often? (US Domestic, Transpacific, etc.)
UK to Asia (HKG still main, though may also do NRT or ICN)
UK to Europe (e.g. FRA, CPH)
(7) Preferred Airlines
OW still seems to be best, but am wondering if I should go for *A being in Europe; otherwise, no strong preference other than to move away from CX. I assume status match/challenge with another OW program will not be possible though.
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? (Can you choose your airline and class of service?)
Mixed - full control over airline/class of service
Sep 4, 2024 | 8:20 pm
#2572
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Not here; there!
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 35,054
Hi, with my recent move, reduced traveling post-Covid and a decline in CX's service levels, I am looking to get a status match or perhaps start from scratch (or which level I can get into) with another program. Any thoughts would be appreciated!
(1) What is your home airport?
MAN/LHR
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy?
C, I for UK-Asia; O, Q, K for Intra-Europe
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year?
35K to 50K
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it?
CX Diamond (OW Emerald)
(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.)
Priority Service (e.g. extra luggage), lounge access
(6) Which routes do you fly most often? (US Domestic, Transpacific, etc.)
UK to Asia (HKG still main, though may also do NRT or ICN)
UK to Europe (e.g. FRA, CPH)
(7) Preferred Airlines
OW still seems to be best, but am wondering if I should go for *A being in Europe; otherwise, no strong preference other than to move away from CX. I assume status match/challenge with another OW program will not be possible though.
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? (Can you choose your airline and class of service?)
Mixed - full control over airline/class of service
(1) What is your home airport?
MAN/LHR
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy?
C, I for UK-Asia; O, Q, K for Intra-Europe
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year?
35K to 50K
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it?
CX Diamond (OW Emerald)
(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.)
Priority Service (e.g. extra luggage), lounge access
(6) Which routes do you fly most often? (US Domestic, Transpacific, etc.)
UK to Asia (HKG still main, though may also do NRT or ICN)
UK to Europe (e.g. FRA, CPH)
(7) Preferred Airlines
OW still seems to be best, but am wondering if I should go for *A being in Europe; otherwise, no strong preference other than to move away from CX. I assume status match/challenge with another OW program will not be possible though.
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? (Can you choose your airline and class of service?)
Mixed - full control over airline/class of service
Otherwise, LHR-HKG-LHR nonstop would earn you just 1,000 Elite Points in the Iberia Plus program.
Edited to add: If you were to connect in DOH and credited to BAEC, you would earn 560 BAEC Tier Points. To reach BAEC Silver (oneworld Sapphire), you would need a total of 600 Tier Points, plus 4 "qualifying segments" in any class of service. If you were to fly BA MAN-LHR-FRA-LHR-MAN, that would get you the four qualifying segments (and 20 Tier Points, if flown in Economy).
Last edited by guv1976; Sep 4, 2024 at 8:29 pm
Sep 6, 2024 | 10:40 pm
#2573
Join Date: Mar 2019
Programs: FB Gold, Accor Gold, IHG One Rewards Platinum, SNCF Grand Voyager le club, Hertz 5* Gold,
Posts: 579
I have an upcoming work trip to Japan in J on LH metal ticketed through ANA. Based in France *A services don't really work well for me and normally use either AFKL or LCCs for all my work trips
Consequently, i have no *A program and realistically it's quite unlikely i'll start using *A with any increased frequently in the future. However, i don't want to waste the opportunity to earn, especially with good potential on these business flights just in case i can use it in the future.
Any suggestions of a program i could join to credit this too?
(1) What is your home airport? NTE/BOD, CDG if i have to
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? Economy, which ever class my company books and pays for
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? probably 15 returns in EU a year
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? none (in *A)
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? priority airport services (boarding, security, passport control), Lounge access
(6) Which routes do you fly most often shorter 4-5 days trips within the EU
(7) Preferred Airlines none in particular
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? work generally, company specify economy only Schedule and connections don't make it very easy to use *A
Consequently, i have no *A program and realistically it's quite unlikely i'll start using *A with any increased frequently in the future. However, i don't want to waste the opportunity to earn, especially with good potential on these business flights just in case i can use it in the future.
Any suggestions of a program i could join to credit this too?
(1) What is your home airport? NTE/BOD, CDG if i have to
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? Economy, which ever class my company books and pays for
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? probably 15 returns in EU a year
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? none (in *A)
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? priority airport services (boarding, security, passport control), Lounge access
(6) Which routes do you fly most often shorter 4-5 days trips within the EU
(7) Preferred Airlines none in particular
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? work generally, company specify economy only Schedule and connections don't make it very easy to use *A
Sep 24, 2024 | 8:20 am
#2574
Join Date: May 2024
Location: Canada
Programs: UA Gold, AC 35K, FlyingBlue Gold, RJ Silver
Posts: 44
Hello all, I don't have a preference for *A given my recent experiences with UA and AC, but looking at my 2025 strategy as a whole. Considering if I were to remain in *A to credit to TK or A3 as I do a fair amount of EU travel. Please comment and let me know 
(1) What is your home airport?
YOW, though can start in YUL
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy?
Economy 60%, Premium Eco 30%, 10% Business
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year?
40-60K
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it?
UA MileagePlus Gold
(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.)
Priority boarding/checkin, lounge access
(6) Which routes do you fly most often? (US Domestic, Transpacific, etc.)
Canada to US (AC or UA)
US/Canada to EU (LH, LX, UA, AC)
once a year US/Canada to Asia (NH, BR, SQ)
(7) Preferred Airlines
I like the lounges for LH group and same for economy comfort. With UA I do get Economy Plus.
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? (Can you choose your airline and class of service?)
I can choose my airline but not my class of service, unless there is a sale.
(1) What is your home airport?
YOW, though can start in YUL
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy?
Economy 60%, Premium Eco 30%, 10% Business
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year?
40-60K
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it?
UA MileagePlus Gold
(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.)
Priority boarding/checkin, lounge access
(6) Which routes do you fly most often? (US Domestic, Transpacific, etc.)
Canada to US (AC or UA)
US/Canada to EU (LH, LX, UA, AC)
once a year US/Canada to Asia (NH, BR, SQ)
(7) Preferred Airlines
I like the lounges for LH group and same for economy comfort. With UA I do get Economy Plus.
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? (Can you choose your airline and class of service?)
I can choose my airline but not my class of service, unless there is a sale.
Sep 24, 2024 | 5:48 pm
#2575
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BOS/EAP
Programs: UA 1K, AS MVP Gold, MR LTT, HH Dia, IHG Dia, Amex Plat
Posts: 37,480
Hello all, I don't have a preference for *A given my recent experiences with UA and AC, but looking at my 2025 strategy as a whole. Considering if I were to remain in *A to credit to TK or A3 as I do a fair amount of EU travel. Please comment and let me know
(1) What is your home airport?
YOW, though can start in YUL
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy?
Economy 60%, Premium Eco 30%, 10% Business
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year?
40-60K
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it?
UA MileagePlus Gold
(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.)
Priority boarding/checkin, lounge access
(6) Which routes do you fly most often? (US Domestic, Transpacific, etc.)
Canada to US (AC or UA)
US/Canada to EU (LH, LX, UA, AC)
once a year US/Canada to Asia (NH, BR, SQ)
(7) Preferred Airlines
I like the lounges for LH group and same for economy comfort. With UA I do get Economy Plus.
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? (Can you choose your airline and class of service?)
I can choose my airline but not my class of service, unless there is a sale.
(1) What is your home airport?
YOW, though can start in YUL
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy?
Economy 60%, Premium Eco 30%, 10% Business
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year?
40-60K
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it?
UA MileagePlus Gold
(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.)
Priority boarding/checkin, lounge access
(6) Which routes do you fly most often? (US Domestic, Transpacific, etc.)
Canada to US (AC or UA)
US/Canada to EU (LH, LX, UA, AC)
once a year US/Canada to Asia (NH, BR, SQ)
(7) Preferred Airlines
I like the lounges for LH group and same for economy comfort. With UA I do get Economy Plus.
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? (Can you choose your airline and class of service?)
I can choose my airline but not my class of service, unless there is a sale.
Oct 13, 2024 | 9:55 pm
#2576
Join Date: Jan 2024
Posts: 13
Hi all,
Here's my situation. At this point in time I really have no preference for which airline. Appreciate your assessment on what my best options might be.
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? (C, F, Y, etc.) J (Business Class) and Premium Economy
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? (<25K, 25k-50k, >50k) About 30K - 60K estimated
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? (UA Premier, M&M Senator etc) None
(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.) Upgrade from Business to First Class, Upgrade my children's flight from Economy to Business
(6) Which routes do you fly most often (US Domestic, Transpacific etc) Singapore to Japan, Singapore to Europe, Singapore to Australia/New Zealand
(7) Preferred Airlines No preference
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? (Can you choose your airlines, class of service?) Mainly pleasure; Yes, I have liberty to choose airlines & class of service.
Thanks.
Here's my situation. At this point in time I really have no preference for which airline. Appreciate your assessment on what my best options might be.
- Was trying to get to million miler on UA Mileage Plus; but that looks hopeless now given UA do not even fly Singapore to Japan. So I am giving up.
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? (C, F, Y, etc.) J (Business Class) and Premium Economy
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? (<25K, 25k-50k, >50k) About 30K - 60K estimated
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? (UA Premier, M&M Senator etc) None
(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.) Upgrade from Business to First Class, Upgrade my children's flight from Economy to Business
(6) Which routes do you fly most often (US Domestic, Transpacific etc) Singapore to Japan, Singapore to Europe, Singapore to Australia/New Zealand
(7) Preferred Airlines No preference
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? (Can you choose your airlines, class of service?) Mainly pleasure; Yes, I have liberty to choose airlines & class of service.
Thanks.
Oct 14, 2024 | 5:40 pm
#2577
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BOS/EAP
Programs: UA 1K, AS MVP Gold, MR LTT, HH Dia, IHG Dia, Amex Plat
Posts: 37,480
Hi all,
Here's my situation. At this point in time I really have no preference for which airline. Appreciate your assessment on what my best options might be.
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? (C, F, Y, etc.) J (Business Class) and Premium Economy
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? (<25K, 25k-50k, >50k) About 30K - 60K estimated
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? (UA Premier, M&M Senator etc) None
(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.) Upgrade from Business to First Class, Upgrade my children's flight from Economy to Business
(6) Which routes do you fly most often (US Domestic, Transpacific etc) Singapore to Japan, Singapore to Europe, Singapore to Australia/New Zealand
(7) Preferred Airlines No preference
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? (Can you choose your airlines, class of service?) Mainly pleasure; Yes, I have liberty to choose airlines & class of service.
Thanks.
Here's my situation. At this point in time I really have no preference for which airline. Appreciate your assessment on what my best options might be.
- Was trying to get to million miler on UA Mileage Plus; but that looks hopeless now given UA do not even fly Singapore to Japan. So I am giving up.
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? (C, F, Y, etc.) J (Business Class) and Premium Economy
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? (<25K, 25k-50k, >50k) About 30K - 60K estimated
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? (UA Premier, M&M Senator etc) None
(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.) Upgrade from Business to First Class, Upgrade my children's flight from Economy to Business
(6) Which routes do you fly most often (US Domestic, Transpacific etc) Singapore to Japan, Singapore to Europe, Singapore to Australia/New Zealand
(7) Preferred Airlines No preference
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? (Can you choose your airlines, class of service?) Mainly pleasure; Yes, I have liberty to choose airlines & class of service.
Thanks.
I'd say it really depends on how often you need SIN-OZ since there really only SQ is in the game (from a J --> F perspective). Upgrading other than from SQ directly I think is only reasonable with LH (and that I wouldn't recommend - status too difficult to get)
Honestly, being SIN-based, I would go with SQ KF - not terrible earning. Based on your flying pattern you should earn Gold easily
Oct 14, 2024 | 8:56 pm
#2578
Join Date: Jan 2024
Posts: 13
Thanks for the advice.
I have some follow up questions.
I have some follow up questions.
- You asked "does NH run 773s to SIN these days?". Not sure what is a 773. I know NH runs mostly 787 between SIN and HND.
- You wrote "UA will allow you to upgrade from C to F on NH to Japan".
- What are the steps I need to do upgrade an NH flight using miles in my UA MileagePlus account? Can you provide some pointers? I have not figure that out.
- Do I need to be mileage member of both NH and UA?
- Do I need to attend certain status on NH and/or UA? ... Right now I have very little chance of reaching even Silver status on UA because I seldom fly on UA operated flights.
- You wrote "being SIN-based, I would go with SQ KF". I presume that means Singapore Airlines and Air Belgium? ... Sorry, after posting I just realized SQ KF means SQ KrisFlyer.
- I am exploring a trip from SIN - AMS - MIA - SIN. Based on what I see so far taking SQ would cost me SGD 18K (involving some segments with Virgin Air) and I cannot find anything using KF; in comparison TK gives me something costing only SGD 9K. Given this seems TK is a better choice.
- Or are you saying to sign up with SQ KrisFlyer and then fly TK to deposit miles in SQ? ... To go up the status ladder in SQ do I need to actually fly some SQ operated flights? I know that for UA to go up to Silver status I will need at least fly 4 segments on UA operated flights.
- Just curious ... If I fly TK would I get more miles (or other) benefits depositing my miles into TK or SQ?
- You wrote about upgrading from C to F on SQ, LH or NH ... Can I do that with miles in SQ or TK? Any pointers on how to do this?
- Following from the above discussion is it better for me to be SQ KF member and then fly SQ, TK, NH (depending on where I am going to) and deposit miles into SQ KF? Instead of having membership in all SQ, TK and NH?
You want C --> F upgrades - that just limits your options quite a bit TBH. UA will allow you to do that on NH to Japan (do they run 773s to SIN these days?). You can also upgrade LH easily with UA for SIN-FRA
I'd say it really depends on how often you need SIN-OZ since there really only SQ is in the game (from a J --> F perspective). Upgrading other than from SQ directly I think is only reasonable with LH (and that I wouldn't recommend - status too difficult to get)
Honestly, being SIN-based, I would go with SQ KF - not terrible earning. Based on your flying pattern you should earn Gold easily
I'd say it really depends on how often you need SIN-OZ since there really only SQ is in the game (from a J --> F perspective). Upgrading other than from SQ directly I think is only reasonable with LH (and that I wouldn't recommend - status too difficult to get)
Honestly, being SIN-based, I would go with SQ KF - not terrible earning. Based on your flying pattern you should earn Gold easily
Last edited by plim8888; Oct 14, 2024 at 9:11 pm Reason: Add more question
Oct 15, 2024 | 5:40 pm
#2579
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BOS/EAP
Programs: UA 1K, AS MVP Gold, MR LTT, HH Dia, IHG Dia, Amex Plat
Posts: 37,480
Thanks for the advice.
I have some follow up questions.
I have some follow up questions.
- You asked "does NH run 773s to SIN these days?". Not sure what is a 773. I know NH runs mostly 787 between SIN and HND.
- You wrote "UA will allow you to upgrade from C to F on NH to Japan".
- What are the steps I need to do upgrade an NH flight using miles in my UA MileagePlus account? Can you provide some pointers? I have not figure that out.
- Do I need to be mileage member of both NH and UA?
- Do I need to attend certain status on NH and/or UA? ... Right now I have very little chance of reaching even Silver status on UA because I seldom fly on UA operated flights.
- You wrote "being SIN-based, I would go with SQ KF". I presume that means Singapore Airlines and Air Belgium? ... Sorry, after posting I just realized SQ KF means SQ KrisFlyer.
- I am exploring a trip from SIN - AMS - MIA - SIN. Based on what I see so far taking SQ would cost me SGD 18K (involving some segments with Virgin Air) and I cannot find anything using KF; in comparison TK gives me something costing only SGD 9K. Given this seems TK is a better choice.
- Or are you saying to sign up with SQ KrisFlyer and then fly TK to deposit miles in SQ? ... To go up the status ladder in SQ do I need to actually fly some SQ operated flights? I know that for UA to go up to Silver status I will need at least fly 4 segments on UA operated flights.
- Just curious ... If I fly TK would I get more miles (or other) benefits depositing my miles into TK or SQ?
- You wrote about upgrading from C to F on SQ, LH or NH ... Can I do that with miles in SQ or TK? Any pointers on how to do this?
- Following from the above discussion is it better for me to be SQ KF member and then fly SQ, TK, NH (depending on where I am going to) and deposit miles into SQ KF? Instead of having membership in all SQ, TK and NH?
I am suggesting that if your goal is upgrades to First and you are SIN based, then the SQ program is likely best for you. You can fly TK and earn with SQ, that's not a problem. https://www.wheretocredit.com/turkish-airlines/k
Not every airline is participating in *A upgrades and even if they offer it, SQ for example won't allow C --> F upgrades with partner miles (except for LH). So 2 things need to be true, the airline you are earning with must participate in that program and the airline you want to upgrade on must allow C --> F upgrades through that program.
Very few people list 'C --> F' upgrades as their highest priority - I think your options will be limited with that.
Oct 15, 2024 | 6:56 pm
#2580
Join Date: Jan 2024
Posts: 13
Thanks very much for helping.
Excellent pointers on how to upgrade NH Z-class or higher using UA miles. Will try that in my next flight coming up soon.
Thanks for the Where to credit table. Very useful.
It seems if my TK ticket is in K class it shows I get 125%; but if it is in J class I get only 100%. Seems like the business class tickets I booked tend end up being J and D class and NOT K class. So it seems most likely I will end up with 100% depositing TK miles into SQ.
This seems weird; I look up "airline fare codes list" and see the following from Wikipedia which seems to show K class is the lowest Discounted Economy Class Tickets.
Then why is TK J class earning less miles on SQ? Is the fare code table below universally applicable to all airlines?
One important clarification question, for SQ KrisFlyer is there a requirement to fly some SQ operated flight segments before I can up my SQ KrisFlyer status? ... I only know that UA has this requirement.
Regarding my focus on 'C --> F' upgrades, basically I am near retirement and probably have at most another 15 - 20 years of flying life left; so no point torturing myself flying long haul economy class. So I expect to fly mostly C; given this the only meaningful use of mileage would be the upgrade to F (I won't need to use mileage status for lounge access too). So really only 'C --> F' upgrades is useful to me
+ perhaps use my miles to upgrade my children's flights.
Excellent pointers on how to upgrade NH Z-class or higher using UA miles. Will try that in my next flight coming up soon.
- BTW, can I use UA miles to upgrade from NH Economy class to NH Business class?
Thanks for the Where to credit table. Very useful.
It seems if my TK ticket is in K class it shows I get 125%; but if it is in J class I get only 100%. Seems like the business class tickets I booked tend end up being J and D class and NOT K class. So it seems most likely I will end up with 100% depositing TK miles into SQ.
This seems weird; I look up "airline fare codes list" and see the following from Wikipedia which seems to show K class is the lowest Discounted Economy Class Tickets.
Then why is TK J class earning less miles on SQ? Is the fare code table below universally applicable to all airlines?- Discounted Economy Class Tickets: K, L, Q, V, W, U, T, X, N, O, S.
- Full-Fare Economy Tickets: Y, B, M, H.
- Premium Economy Fares: W, E.
- Discounted Business Class Tickets: D, I, Z.
- Full-Fare Business Tickets: J, C, D.
- Full-Fare First-Class Passengers: A, F.
One important clarification question, for SQ KrisFlyer is there a requirement to fly some SQ operated flight segments before I can up my SQ KrisFlyer status? ... I only know that UA has this requirement.
Regarding my focus on 'C --> F' upgrades, basically I am near retirement and probably have at most another 15 - 20 years of flying life left; so no point torturing myself flying long haul economy class. So I expect to fly mostly C; given this the only meaningful use of mileage would be the upgrade to F (I won't need to use mileage status for lounge access too). So really only 'C --> F' upgrades is useful to me
+ perhaps use my miles to upgrade my children's flights.o.k., lots of questions here. You can use UA miles to upgrade NH Z-class or higher to First (only P cannot be upgraded). You can even waitlist that upgrade. You can also use United PlusPoints if you have that, but let's skip that for now. You need to be a UA MP member, nothing else - the online tool is here: https://www.united.com/loyalty/partn.../ui/en/us/saua No status needed here ...
I am suggesting that if your goal is upgrades to First and you are SIN based, then the SQ program is likely best for you. You can fly TK and earn with SQ, that's not a problem. https://www.wheretocredit.com/turkish-airlines/k
Not every airline is participating in *A upgrades and even if they offer it, SQ for example won't allow C --> F upgrades with partner miles (except for LH). So 2 things need to be true, the airline you are earning with must participate in that program and the airline you want to upgrade on must allow C --> F upgrades through that program.
Very few people list 'C --> F' upgrades as their highest priority - I think your options will be limited with that.
I am suggesting that if your goal is upgrades to First and you are SIN based, then the SQ program is likely best for you. You can fly TK and earn with SQ, that's not a problem. https://www.wheretocredit.com/turkish-airlines/k
Not every airline is participating in *A upgrades and even if they offer it, SQ for example won't allow C --> F upgrades with partner miles (except for LH). So 2 things need to be true, the airline you are earning with must participate in that program and the airline you want to upgrade on must allow C --> F upgrades through that program.
Very few people list 'C --> F' upgrades as their highest priority - I think your options will be limited with that.