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 21, 2011 | 3:01 am
#376
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Johannesburg
Programs: UA Y1K
Posts: 7
Thanks for the quick reply snod08.
I have still the IAD, CLT, LAX, KUL and possibly JFK flights for this year still to book. I am currently on 32K M+. I was going to reach 1K on M+, but now need to accrue with someone else due to the rumoured changes. It also makes sense to switch now anyway as my home airport is now JNB. Only 1 US carrier flies out of JNB which is Delta. To avoid any pain next year, I need to achieve at least *G by the end of the year with my new programme.
I am also considering SAA voyager programme. They seem to treat 100k (Platinum) very well. They do have preferential seating in Economy, if booked on eligible fare, for Silver and up. My Wife is SAA G and check-in will not give us both preferential seating as I am not SAA G. Their own international 1st class (I am not sure they have any non African route F class anymore) lounge for the use of Platinum and M&M Hon Circle at JNB.
These classes (T, V, L, W, G) only give 0 or 50%, but I would just have to manage this carefully. Unlike the UA website, it is easier to ensure that I avoid these classes, as they actually tell you how many miles you will accrue, just like Lufthansa and have the option to get higher classes.
There is one item which is better than M+ and M&M which is:
"Lifetime Platinum:
To earn this coveted status, you will be required to earn 100 000 Tier Miles on the services of SAA only or the required Sector criteria for Platinum Status for six consecutive years."
Hon Circle would be hard to achieve.
I reckon I can achieve Lifetime Platinum as all my flights for the foreseeable future will orginate from JNB, and the only non SA metal would be KUL (Singapore Airlines via SIN), and US domestic.
I have still the IAD, CLT, LAX, KUL and possibly JFK flights for this year still to book. I am currently on 32K M+. I was going to reach 1K on M+, but now need to accrue with someone else due to the rumoured changes. It also makes sense to switch now anyway as my home airport is now JNB. Only 1 US carrier flies out of JNB which is Delta. To avoid any pain next year, I need to achieve at least *G by the end of the year with my new programme.
I am also considering SAA voyager programme. They seem to treat 100k (Platinum) very well. They do have preferential seating in Economy, if booked on eligible fare, for Silver and up. My Wife is SAA G and check-in will not give us both preferential seating as I am not SAA G. Their own international 1st class (I am not sure they have any non African route F class anymore) lounge for the use of Platinum and M&M Hon Circle at JNB.
These classes (T, V, L, W, G) only give 0 or 50%, but I would just have to manage this carefully. Unlike the UA website, it is easier to ensure that I avoid these classes, as they actually tell you how many miles you will accrue, just like Lufthansa and have the option to get higher classes.
There is one item which is better than M+ and M&M which is:
"Lifetime Platinum:
To earn this coveted status, you will be required to earn 100 000 Tier Miles on the services of SAA only or the required Sector criteria for Platinum Status for six consecutive years."
Hon Circle would be hard to achieve.
I reckon I can achieve Lifetime Platinum as all my flights for the foreseeable future will orginate from JNB, and the only non SA metal would be KUL (Singapore Airlines via SIN), and US domestic.
Aug 21, 2011 | 5:41 am
#377
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: SAT / MAA / BOM
Programs: CO Plat; UA 1K; EK Gold
Posts: 5,110
Thanks for the quick reply snod08.
I have still the IAD, CLT, LAX, KUL and possibly JFK flights for this year still to book. I am currently on 32K M+. I was going to reach 1K on M+, but now need to accrue with someone else due to the rumoured changes. It also makes sense to switch now anyway as my home airport is now JNB. Only 1 US carrier flies out of JNB which is Delta. To avoid any pain next year, I need to achieve at least *G by the end of the year with my new programme.
I am also considering SAA voyager programme. They seem to treat 100k (Platinum) very well. They do have preferential seating in Economy, if booked on eligible fare, for Silver and up. My Wife is SAA G and check-in will not give us both preferential seating as I am not SAA G. Their own international 1st class (I am not sure they have any non African route F class anymore) lounge for the use of Platinum and M&M Hon Circle at JNB.
These classes (T, V, L, W, G) only give 0 or 50%, but I would just have to manage this carefully. Unlike the UA website, it is easier to ensure that I avoid these classes, as they actually tell you how many miles you will accrue, just like Lufthansa and have the option to get higher classes.
There is one item which is better than M+ and M&M which is:
"Lifetime Platinum:
To earn this coveted status, you will be required to earn 100 000 Tier Miles on the services of SAA only or the required Sector criteria for Platinum Status for six consecutive years."
Hon Circle would be hard to achieve.
I reckon I can achieve Lifetime Platinum as all my flights for the foreseeable future will orginate from JNB, and the only non SA metal would be KUL (Singapore Airlines via SIN), and US domestic.
I have still the IAD, CLT, LAX, KUL and possibly JFK flights for this year still to book. I am currently on 32K M+. I was going to reach 1K on M+, but now need to accrue with someone else due to the rumoured changes. It also makes sense to switch now anyway as my home airport is now JNB. Only 1 US carrier flies out of JNB which is Delta. To avoid any pain next year, I need to achieve at least *G by the end of the year with my new programme.
I am also considering SAA voyager programme. They seem to treat 100k (Platinum) very well. They do have preferential seating in Economy, if booked on eligible fare, for Silver and up. My Wife is SAA G and check-in will not give us both preferential seating as I am not SAA G. Their own international 1st class (I am not sure they have any non African route F class anymore) lounge for the use of Platinum and M&M Hon Circle at JNB.
These classes (T, V, L, W, G) only give 0 or 50%, but I would just have to manage this carefully. Unlike the UA website, it is easier to ensure that I avoid these classes, as they actually tell you how many miles you will accrue, just like Lufthansa and have the option to get higher classes.
There is one item which is better than M+ and M&M which is:
"Lifetime Platinum:
To earn this coveted status, you will be required to earn 100 000 Tier Miles on the services of SAA only or the required Sector criteria for Platinum Status for six consecutive years."
Hon Circle would be hard to achieve.
I reckon I can achieve Lifetime Platinum as all my flights for the foreseeable future will orginate from JNB, and the only non SA metal would be KUL (Singapore Airlines via SIN), and US domestic.
But, that Lifetime Plat status is well within your reach if you continue at the rate you are doing. So, just go for it.
HON Circle on M&M is indeed very difficult. It mandates flying full F/C fares on a continuous basis!
Also with UA M+, we cant really do anything about those rumors and if and when they come true. So best to not worry about it. Just enjoy your life!!
I am shifting to EK (since most of my International travel is US-India). EK has plenty of connecting flights from DXB, and they fly to the rest of the world too. Their op-ups and stuff are definitely decreasing. But, the on-board economy product is pretty comparable to many carriers.
I will probably think of getting an A3 or TK or other Star Gold for next year. So, I can get priority boarding, free luggage, etc inside the US.
Aug 21, 2011 | 6:43 am
#378
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Johannesburg
Programs: UA Y1K
Posts: 7
yes, very good idea!! I did not know much about SAA's program (and did not think of suggesting it even!!)
But, that Lifetime Plat status is well within your reach if you continue at the rate you are doing. So, just go for it.
HON Circle on M&M is indeed very difficult. It mandates flying full F/C fares on a continuous basis!
Also with UA M+, we cant really do anything about those rumors and if and when they come true. So best to not worry about it. Just enjoy your life!!
I am shifting to EK (since most of my International travel is US-India). EK has plenty of connecting flights from DXB, and they fly to the rest of the world too. Their op-ups and stuff are definitely decreasing. But, the on-board economy product is pretty comparable to many carriers.
I will probably think of getting an A3 or TK or other Star Gold for next year. So, I can get priority boarding, free luggage, etc inside the US.
But, that Lifetime Plat status is well within your reach if you continue at the rate you are doing. So, just go for it.
HON Circle on M&M is indeed very difficult. It mandates flying full F/C fares on a continuous basis!
Also with UA M+, we cant really do anything about those rumors and if and when they come true. So best to not worry about it. Just enjoy your life!!
I am shifting to EK (since most of my International travel is US-India). EK has plenty of connecting flights from DXB, and they fly to the rest of the world too. Their op-ups and stuff are definitely decreasing. But, the on-board economy product is pretty comparable to many carriers.
I will probably think of getting an A3 or TK or other Star Gold for next year. So, I can get priority boarding, free luggage, etc inside the US.
I am going to have to forget the SWUs and book all flights via SAA or LH. The flights are a bit more expensive as they are direct to IAD or JFK. Trying to get the full miles on SAA metal via UA website is impossible.
Aug 22, 2011 | 9:31 pm
#379
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Singapore
Programs: *G, QR Silver
Posts: 52
Hi all,
Seeking advice from the FlyerTalk experts around...
(1) What is your home airport?
SIN
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy?
Y and occasionally Y+
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year?
>25k, usually hovers around 30k
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it?
KrisFlyer Gold
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP?
- Comfortable seats onboard
- Lounge access and upgrades are nice bonuses
(6) Which routes do you fly most often
Asia mainly, with Asia or Europe once or twice a year
(7) Preferred Airlines
SIA - ex-SIN as home-base
TG - for long-haul to LAX
ANA - for long-haul to East Coast USA
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? (Can you chooose your airlines, class of service?)
Mainly travel for leisure, but make own travel decisions most of the time even for business.
Thanks!
Seeking advice from the FlyerTalk experts around...
(1) What is your home airport?
SIN
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy?
Y and occasionally Y+
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year?
>25k, usually hovers around 30k
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it?
KrisFlyer Gold
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP?
- Comfortable seats onboard
- Lounge access and upgrades are nice bonuses
(6) Which routes do you fly most often
Asia mainly, with Asia or Europe once or twice a year
(7) Preferred Airlines
SIA - ex-SIN as home-base
TG - for long-haul to LAX
ANA - for long-haul to East Coast USA
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? (Can you chooose your airlines, class of service?)
Mainly travel for leisure, but make own travel decisions most of the time even for business.
Thanks!
Aug 22, 2011 | 10:36 pm
#380
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: SAT / MAA / BOM
Programs: CO Plat; UA 1K; EK Gold
Posts: 5,110
Hi all,
Seeking advice from the FlyerTalk experts around...
(1) What is your home airport?
SIN
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy?
Y and occasionally Y+
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year?
>25k, usually hovers around 30k
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it?
KrisFlyer Gold
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP?
- Comfortable seats onboard
- Lounge access and upgrades are nice bonuses
(6) Which routes do you fly most often
Asia mainly, with Asia or Europe once or twice a year
(7) Preferred Airlines
SIA - ex-SIN as home-base
TG - for long-haul to LAX
ANA - for long-haul to East Coast USA
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? (Can you chooose your airlines, class of service?)
Mainly travel for leisure, but make own travel decisions most of the time even for business.
Thanks!
Seeking advice from the FlyerTalk experts around...
(1) What is your home airport?
SIN
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy?
Y and occasionally Y+
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year?
>25k, usually hovers around 30k
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it?
KrisFlyer Gold
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP?
- Comfortable seats onboard
- Lounge access and upgrades are nice bonuses
(6) Which routes do you fly most often
Asia mainly, with Asia or Europe once or twice a year
(7) Preferred Airlines
SIA - ex-SIN as home-base
TG - for long-haul to LAX
ANA - for long-haul to East Coast USA
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? (Can you chooose your airlines, class of service?)
Mainly travel for leisure, but make own travel decisions most of the time even for business.
Thanks!
If you doubt you will make 50K miles, then A3 (aegean) needs only about 19K miles to get to Star Gold. That will get you lounge access through the system, but not get you better seats / upgrades, etc.
SQ's Kris Flyer program is traditionally not a great program for low volume flyers. It favors high dollar / high volume flyers. So, I suggest you put your miles elsewhere other than SQ.
Aug 23, 2011 | 6:31 am
#381
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: SEA/ORD/ADB
Programs: TK ELPL (*G), AS 100K (OWE), BA Gold (OWE), Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Plat, IHG Plat
Posts: 7,774
Motivation:
For the status I am looking for the *G program where I can still have SOME use of the miles instead of throwing them away (e.g. intra-European awards or an overpriced shop like LH's worldshop).
I can't obtain EBG right now or maintain LH SEN so I'm looking for alternatives. I will however keep my LH/SK CCs and continue collecting extra/award miles with LH and SK, maybe even some flights after (re-)qualification. They both have more or less reasonable intra-European awards (prices and availability).
For the status I am thinking about going for Asiana Diamond. I am quite certain that I can maintain the status as 40K in two years seems quite manageable. I'd hit Diamond within a year if I choose my re-qualification period wisely. Advantages: 40K miles closer to lifetime *G, about three years of status. Can miss one (or more) year(s) on my way to lifetime status. Reliable program, no drastic changes expected. Allows uneven distribution of flights amongst two years (e.g. crediting 30k one year, 10k the other).
Disadvantages could be: I will most likely not fly Asiana in the near future. Cheap LH fares earn nothing, but can be avoided, so the latter is not a big reason.
Open questions: I don't know anything about intra-European awards (availability, earn/burn rate, taxes) and couldn't yet find out about it (can't be seen without enough miles in the account or I am blind). I will most likely not fly Asiana in the near future. Cheap LH fares earn nothing, but can be avoided, so the latter is not a big reason.
Alternatives could be Aegean Gold, it looks like three years of status right now as well. However program changes are rather likely in the near future (e.g. due to different thresholds, merger with Olympic, one year status period instead of the current three years good-will). Not possible to credit JK flights (big No Go in *A). Most SK classes earn nothing, but can be avoided.
Open questions: YQ/taxes amount for intra-European awards, availability, not sure what to think of earn/burn rate.
Last but not least the new JK program gives Gold based on > 30 *A segments per year.
Advantage: 1 year closer to lifetime *G (requires ten consecutive years). Probably easiest criteria ever for intra-European flying.
Disadvantage: Very unreliable carrier. Customer service quasi non-existent. Earn/burn rates dreadful, hence pretty much losing whatever I credit there. However could only credit the intra-European segments and put the intercontinental ones on LH or SK.
Opinions are highly appreciated! Also if someone can help with the open questions regarding awards on A3 miles and Asiana I'd be greatful. Thank you in advance.
For the status I am looking for the *G program where I can still have SOME use of the miles instead of throwing them away (e.g. intra-European awards or an overpriced shop like LH's worldshop).
I can't obtain EBG right now or maintain LH SEN so I'm looking for alternatives. I will however keep my LH/SK CCs and continue collecting extra/award miles with LH and SK, maybe even some flights after (re-)qualification. They both have more or less reasonable intra-European awards (prices and availability).
For the status I am thinking about going for Asiana Diamond. I am quite certain that I can maintain the status as 40K in two years seems quite manageable. I'd hit Diamond within a year if I choose my re-qualification period wisely. Advantages: 40K miles closer to lifetime *G, about three years of status. Can miss one (or more) year(s) on my way to lifetime status. Reliable program, no drastic changes expected. Allows uneven distribution of flights amongst two years (e.g. crediting 30k one year, 10k the other).
Disadvantages could be: I will most likely not fly Asiana in the near future. Cheap LH fares earn nothing, but can be avoided, so the latter is not a big reason.
Open questions: I don't know anything about intra-European awards (availability, earn/burn rate, taxes) and couldn't yet find out about it (can't be seen without enough miles in the account or I am blind). I will most likely not fly Asiana in the near future. Cheap LH fares earn nothing, but can be avoided, so the latter is not a big reason.
Alternatives could be Aegean Gold, it looks like three years of status right now as well. However program changes are rather likely in the near future (e.g. due to different thresholds, merger with Olympic, one year status period instead of the current three years good-will). Not possible to credit JK flights (big No Go in *A). Most SK classes earn nothing, but can be avoided.
Open questions: YQ/taxes amount for intra-European awards, availability, not sure what to think of earn/burn rate.
Last but not least the new JK program gives Gold based on > 30 *A segments per year.
Advantage: 1 year closer to lifetime *G (requires ten consecutive years). Probably easiest criteria ever for intra-European flying.
Disadvantage: Very unreliable carrier. Customer service quasi non-existent. Earn/burn rates dreadful, hence pretty much losing whatever I credit there. However could only credit the intra-European segments and put the intercontinental ones on LH or SK.
Opinions are highly appreciated! Also if someone can help with the open questions regarding awards on A3 miles and Asiana I'd be greatful. Thank you in advance.
So far, A3 customer service has been incredible, I highly recommend them
Aug 23, 2011 | 6:36 am
#382
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: SEA/ORD/ADB
Programs: TK ELPL (*G), AS 100K (OWE), BA Gold (OWE), Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Plat, IHG Plat
Posts: 7,774
(1) What is your home airport? JNB
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy? Y
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? 70k-120k
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? UA 1K
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP?
Preferred seating, International upgrades (when with Wife) and lounge access
(6) Which routes do you fly most often?
JNB -> IAD (*1),
JNB -> LAX (*1)
JNB -> Other US airport (*1),
JNB -> LHR (*1),
JNB -> KUL (at least *2),
JNB -> HKG (*1)
(7) Preferred Airlines? *A due to airports flown to.
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? Pleasure
The only reason I am in the MP programme as I was living in the UK for 45 years, and only moved to SA 6 years ago.
With the proposed changes in the MP programme, I reckon that I may not meet the revenue requirements for the proposed new UACO programme if it is for UACO segment only?
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy? Y
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? 70k-120k
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? UA 1K
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP?
Preferred seating, International upgrades (when with Wife) and lounge access
(6) Which routes do you fly most often?
JNB -> IAD (*1),
JNB -> LAX (*1)
JNB -> Other US airport (*1),
JNB -> LHR (*1),
JNB -> KUL (at least *2),
JNB -> HKG (*1)
(7) Preferred Airlines? *A due to airports flown to.
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? Pleasure
The only reason I am in the MP programme as I was living in the UK for 45 years, and only moved to SA 6 years ago.
With the proposed changes in the MP programme, I reckon that I may not meet the revenue requirements for the proposed new UACO programme if it is for UACO segment only?
Aug 23, 2011 | 6:38 am
#383
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Copenhagen
Programs: TK*G, Delta Gold
Posts: 384
Don't go anywhere near JK. They won't credit to A3, UA, CO, or US. Therefore, it seems reasonable to think that A3, UA, CO, and US will all not credit to JK, and that's not even counting the airlines I haven't tried to credit JK flights to...
So far, A3 customer service has been incredible, I highly recommend them
So far, A3 customer service has been incredible, I highly recommend them
Aug 23, 2011 | 11:22 am
#384
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: SEA/ORD/ADB
Programs: TK ELPL (*G), AS 100K (OWE), BA Gold (OWE), Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Plat, IHG Plat
Posts: 7,774
Thank you for reconfirming my impression about JK. I decided for now to go for A3*G as too much was missing anyways and I had quite a number of flights booked already. Then I will simply find out about the awards by trying to book one! Next year I can still decide to change to OZ if I don't like my experience (will report back, although it will take quite some time until I do).
Award availability is good, but the cancellation penalty is rather harsh
Aug 23, 2011 | 1:42 pm
#385
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: GRZ
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 218
(1) What is your home airport?
GRZ
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ?
Y
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year?
>50k
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it?
LH SEN, A3 Gold
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP?
Award Flights to US with no ridiculous taxes and surcharges.
(6) Which routes do you fly most often:
cheapo european cross border, cheapo TATL, two asia RT
(7) Preferred Airlines
OS,LH but I fly a lot UA
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure?
both
GRZ
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ?
Y
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year?
>50k
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it?
LH SEN, A3 Gold
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP?
Award Flights to US with no ridiculous taxes and surcharges.
(6) Which routes do you fly most often:
cheapo european cross border, cheapo TATL, two asia RT
(7) Preferred Airlines
OS,LH but I fly a lot UA
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure?
both
Aug 24, 2011 | 1:46 am
#386
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Berkshire, UK
Posts: 444
OK, would appreciate some advice.
(1) What is your home airport?
SYD
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ?
Usually Economy, but moving more towards premium economy where available.
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year?
Two or three trips back to London, so min approx 50,000 miles.
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it?
UA Premier but will finish year under 25K so will drop down to General.
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP?
Reasonable redemption rates and fairly attainable *A Gold status
(6) Which routes do you fly most often:
Australia - UK
(7) Preferred Airlines
Ideally would move to an airline that would get be both to LA and to LON from here (not necessarily on the same trip), so TG, NZ, UA, OZ & SQ.
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure?
Pleasure only at the moment, though that may change. Could be trans-tasman.
At over 6ft 3in, UA's Economy Plus was a big reason for me staying with Mileage Plus for the last 6 years (along with keen earn/burn rates), but given how they are moving to allow all to buy exits / economy plus, and that their SYD-LAX-LHR prices are often way above other SYD-XXX-LHR rates, and also that my status is dropping to zero, I thought now was the time to get some advice and consider whether there may be better options out there.
Mark
(1) What is your home airport?
SYD
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ?
Usually Economy, but moving more towards premium economy where available.
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year?
Two or three trips back to London, so min approx 50,000 miles.
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it?
UA Premier but will finish year under 25K so will drop down to General.
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP?
Reasonable redemption rates and fairly attainable *A Gold status
(6) Which routes do you fly most often:
Australia - UK
(7) Preferred Airlines
Ideally would move to an airline that would get be both to LA and to LON from here (not necessarily on the same trip), so TG, NZ, UA, OZ & SQ.
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure?
Pleasure only at the moment, though that may change. Could be trans-tasman.
At over 6ft 3in, UA's Economy Plus was a big reason for me staying with Mileage Plus for the last 6 years (along with keen earn/burn rates), but given how they are moving to allow all to buy exits / economy plus, and that their SYD-LAX-LHR prices are often way above other SYD-XXX-LHR rates, and also that my status is dropping to zero, I thought now was the time to get some advice and consider whether there may be better options out there.
Mark
Aug 24, 2011 | 3:36 am
#387
Join Date: May 2009
Location: SIN (with a bit of ZRH sprinkled in)
Programs: KrisFlyer Gold
Posts: 9,606
mjgodden, I would switch to flying with SQ for your trips to Europe/US, but putting miles into A3. With *G, you're almost always guaranteed an exit row seat, at least I've scored 9/10.
And Exit Row in Y is definitely at least as good as Premium Economy space-wise.
I assume you don't buy the cheapest fares, so you should be able to get 100% when flying SQ on S, Y, B, E, M, H, W, U, L, K when crediting to A3.
This will grant you lounge access everywhere, a good (very good) chance for exit row seats on SQ as much I know, quite good redemption rates with A3, and still the opportunity to switch to TG or any other *A should SQ try some weird changes once more..
And Exit Row in Y is definitely at least as good as Premium Economy space-wise.
I assume you don't buy the cheapest fares, so you should be able to get 100% when flying SQ on S, Y, B, E, M, H, W, U, L, K when crediting to A3.
This will grant you lounge access everywhere, a good (very good) chance for exit row seats on SQ as much I know, quite good redemption rates with A3, and still the opportunity to switch to TG or any other *A should SQ try some weird changes once more..
Aug 24, 2011 | 4:19 am
#388
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: SEA/ORD/ADB
Programs: TK ELPL (*G), AS 100K (OWE), BA Gold (OWE), Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Plat, IHG Plat
Posts: 7,774
Also consider OZ, since the operating carrier always gives advantage to their own frequent fliers. Since OZ's *G is very attainable and easy to maintain, and you have the option to fly SYD-ICN-LHR, it might be a good option for you.
Aug 24, 2011 | 9:13 am
#389
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 2
(1) What is your home airport? (SFO, LAX, MCO, etc.)
IAD/DCA, Sometimes BWI
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? (C, F, Y, etc.)
Y
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? (<25K, 25k-50k, >50k)
<25K right now, may change in the future. See question 6
(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.)
Frequent upgrades on Travel / Good award redemption Rates
(6) Which routes do you fly most often (US Domestic, Transpacific etc)
US Domestic. maybe a lot of flights to Brazil in the future depending on how things work out with the GF (she is from Brazil).
(7) Preferred Airlines
I mainly fly UA, have 55k miles with them right now but willing to switch if necessary.
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? (Can you chooose your airlines, class of service?)
Pleasure
IAD/DCA, Sometimes BWI
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? (C, F, Y, etc.)
Y
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? (<25K, 25k-50k, >50k)
<25K right now, may change in the future. See question 6
(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.)
Frequent upgrades on Travel / Good award redemption Rates
(6) Which routes do you fly most often (US Domestic, Transpacific etc)
US Domestic. maybe a lot of flights to Brazil in the future depending on how things work out with the GF (she is from Brazil).
(7) Preferred Airlines
I mainly fly UA, have 55k miles with them right now but willing to switch if necessary.
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? (Can you chooose your airlines, class of service?)
Pleasure
Aug 24, 2011 | 10:02 am
#390
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: SEA/ORD/ADB
Programs: TK ELPL (*G), AS 100K (OWE), BA Gold (OWE), Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Plat, IHG Plat
Posts: 7,774
(1) What is your home airport? (SFO, LAX, MCO, etc.)
IAD/DCA, Sometimes BWI
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? (C, F, Y, etc.)
Y
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? (<25K, 25k-50k, >50k)
<25K right now, may change in the future. See question 6
(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.)
Frequent upgrades on Travel / Good award redemption Rates
(6) Which routes do you fly most often (US Domestic, Transpacific etc)
US Domestic. maybe a lot of flights to Brazil in the future depending on how things work out with the GF (she is from Brazil).
(7) Preferred Airlines
I mainly fly UA, have 55k miles with them right now but willing to switch if necessary.
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? (Can you chooose your airlines, class of service?)
Pleasure
IAD/DCA, Sometimes BWI
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? (C, F, Y, etc.)
Y
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? (<25K, 25k-50k, >50k)
<25K right now, may change in the future. See question 6
(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.)
Frequent upgrades on Travel / Good award redemption Rates
(6) Which routes do you fly most often (US Domestic, Transpacific etc)
US Domestic. maybe a lot of flights to Brazil in the future depending on how things work out with the GF (she is from Brazil).
(7) Preferred Airlines
I mainly fly UA, have 55k miles with them right now but willing to switch if necessary.
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? (Can you chooose your airlines, class of service?)
Pleasure
only real option for <25k fliers