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
Dec 4, 2011 | 8:18 am
#631
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
A3, TK, OZ
Take your pick. Credit all *A flights to one of these programs. That's the highest status you can possibly get in *A.
Take your pick. Credit all *A flights to one of these programs. That's the highest status you can possibly get in *A.
Dec 4, 2011 | 9:47 am
#632
Formerly known as GothamNurse
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Toronto, Canada
Programs: Aeroplan, Mileagelus, Aadvantage, Hilton Gold, A|Club Platinum
Posts: 20
(1) What is your home airport? (SFO, LAX, MCO, etc.) YYZ
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? (C, F, Y, etc.) C for longer hauls always, or Y
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? (<25K, 25k-50k, >50k) right about 25K
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? (UA Premier, M&M Senator etc) No.
(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.) Aware redemption followed by lounge access and priority checkin.
(6) Which routes do you fly most often (US Domestic, Transpacific etc) North American followed by Transatlantic or Transpacific. That honestly depends on the year.
(7) Preferred Airlines Air Canada, United
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? (Can you chooose your airlines, class of service?) Long hauls which are infrequent, pleasure. Short hauls which are much more frequent, business.
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? (C, F, Y, etc.) C for longer hauls always, or Y
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? (<25K, 25k-50k, >50k) right about 25K
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? (UA Premier, M&M Senator etc) No.
(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.) Aware redemption followed by lounge access and priority checkin.
(6) Which routes do you fly most often (US Domestic, Transpacific etc) North American followed by Transatlantic or Transpacific. That honestly depends on the year.
(7) Preferred Airlines Air Canada, United
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? (Can you chooose your airlines, class of service?) Long hauls which are infrequent, pleasure. Short hauls which are much more frequent, business.
Dec 4, 2011 | 1:08 pm
#633
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Denver
Posts: 2,396
My usual travel patterns will undergo some radical changes for the next year or two, cutting my annual average 150k BIS by at least half. The upside is that Ill be able to focus mostly on one alliance for a change. So, Im leaning toward putting miles to UA, but would appreciate some extra eyes to look over my situation:
(1) What is your home airport?
Mostly BKK and LAX
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy?
Z/J/D/C on TPACs and intra-Asia; discount econ on domestics
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year?
About 35k-85k per year for the next 1-2 years (not sure, but probably closer to 35k)
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it?
LTG on AA (but no current year status); gold on BR (but want to do TPACs on *A or OW only); gold on EY (but no ME travel for next 1-2 yrs); and losing silver on SQ (from TG and SQ intra-Asia). Some miles in CO/UA but no status.
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP?
Award redemptions (used primarily for TPAC biz tix for ~mrs); upgrades and status benefits (primarily on personal econ bookings)
(6) Which routes do you fly most often?
Mostly TPAC, a few intra-Asia, even fewer US domestic
(7) Preferred Airlines?
I like CX but usually can't get it, so expect to do NH/UA for 3-5 TPACs per year, and UA or AA for 1-3 domestic econ trips per year (4k-13k)
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure?
Primarily for work, where I can choose any airline to the extent that the scheduling works (obviously), and TPACs must be similar price to TAs lowest available biz fare (thus my BR status
). Personal travel is generally discounted economy or award.
Thanks all.
-mr
(1) What is your home airport?
Mostly BKK and LAX
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy?
Z/J/D/C on TPACs and intra-Asia; discount econ on domestics
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year?
About 35k-85k per year for the next 1-2 years (not sure, but probably closer to 35k)
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it?
LTG on AA (but no current year status); gold on BR (but want to do TPACs on *A or OW only); gold on EY (but no ME travel for next 1-2 yrs); and losing silver on SQ (from TG and SQ intra-Asia). Some miles in CO/UA but no status.
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP?
Award redemptions (used primarily for TPAC biz tix for ~mrs); upgrades and status benefits (primarily on personal econ bookings)
(6) Which routes do you fly most often?
Mostly TPAC, a few intra-Asia, even fewer US domestic
(7) Preferred Airlines?
I like CX but usually can't get it, so expect to do NH/UA for 3-5 TPACs per year, and UA or AA for 1-3 domestic econ trips per year (4k-13k)
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure?
Primarily for work, where I can choose any airline to the extent that the scheduling works (obviously), and TPACs must be similar price to TAs lowest available biz fare (thus my BR status
). Personal travel is generally discounted economy or award.Thanks all.
-mr
Dec 4, 2011 | 1:55 pm
#634
Join Date: Aug 2008
Programs: BAEC Gold, EI Elite, A3 Gold
Posts: 96
(1) What is your home airport? BHD/BFS
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? mostly C some Y
(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? BD*G
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? upgrades and redemptions to USA
(6) Which routes do you fly most often - Mostly intra Europe - 2 TATL pa
(7) Preferred Airlines LX, CO
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? mostly work - fully flexible to select any airline
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? mostly C some Y
(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? BD*G
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? upgrades and redemptions to USA
(6) Which routes do you fly most often - Mostly intra Europe - 2 TATL pa
(7) Preferred Airlines LX, CO
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? mostly work - fully flexible to select any airline
Dec 4, 2011 | 1:58 pm
#635
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Auckland
Programs: NZ Elite Gold
Posts: 45
Hi, thanks for the quick answer. So that's Aegean, Turkish and Asiana, correct?
Why those three programs, are they the easiest to get *G (I'm new to these forums but I think *G means *A Gold status?) ...?
Are there any drawbacks to those programs? I.e. they're the easiest to get *G, but human nature tells me there must be a downside somewhere :-)
Can you maybe direct me to somewhere on the site where I can read up on posts to compare them?
Why those three programs, are they the easiest to get *G (I'm new to these forums but I think *G means *A Gold status?) ...?
Are there any drawbacks to those programs? I.e. they're the easiest to get *G, but human nature tells me there must be a downside somewhere :-)
Can you maybe direct me to somewhere on the site where I can read up on posts to compare them?
Dec 4, 2011 | 2:10 pm
#636
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Auckland
Programs: NZ Elite Gold
Posts: 45
Ohh another question about A3... I just checked my LHR LAX flight and it says "S-ECONOMY" ... on this Aegean page it suggests S won't accrue any miles:
http://en.aegeanair.com/milesandbonu...arn-miles/#AIR NEW ZEALAND
My other flight (LAX-AKL) is H, which will accrue OK. Am I reading that right? Presumably I want to check this carefully on all three programs, and be careful in future which fare codes my agent is trying to book me... The S fare was pretty damn cheap - half the 'retail' price shown on Kayak. I guess it's possible to actually instruct your travel agent to book a certain fare code, if you're willing to pay the extra? Too late to change those two flights now I guess but something to remember for future. Sorry, I don't wish to go off topic... <ducks to avoid thrown objects from other forum members> :-p
http://en.aegeanair.com/milesandbonu...arn-miles/#AIR NEW ZEALAND
My other flight (LAX-AKL) is H, which will accrue OK. Am I reading that right? Presumably I want to check this carefully on all three programs, and be careful in future which fare codes my agent is trying to book me... The S fare was pretty damn cheap - half the 'retail' price shown on Kayak. I guess it's possible to actually instruct your travel agent to book a certain fare code, if you're willing to pay the extra? Too late to change those two flights now I guess but something to remember for future. Sorry, I don't wish to go off topic... <ducks to avoid thrown objects from other forum members> :-p
Dec 4, 2011 | 2:11 pm
#637
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: SAT / MAA / BOM
Programs: CO Plat; UA 1K; EK Gold
Posts: 5,110
Hi, thanks for the quick answer. So that's Aegean, Turkish and Asiana, correct?
Why those three programs, are they the easiest to get *G (I'm new to these forums but I think *G means *A Gold status?) ...?
Are there any drawbacks to those programs? I.e. they're the easiest to get *G, but human nature tells me there must be a downside somewhere :-)
Can you maybe direct me to somewhere on the site where I can read up on posts to compare them?
Why those three programs, are they the easiest to get *G (I'm new to these forums but I think *G means *A Gold status?) ...?
Are there any drawbacks to those programs? I.e. they're the easiest to get *G, but human nature tells me there must be a downside somewhere :-)
Can you maybe direct me to somewhere on the site where I can read up on posts to compare them?
correct on star gold
Drawbacks ...Each program has its own quirks.
I suggest you browse the last several pages of this thread. You will see some discussion.
Aegean is generally a very good program for low mileage flyers.
Dec 4, 2011 | 2:48 pm
#638
Moderator, Finnair
Join Date: May 2011
Location: MMX (CPH)
Programs: EB Diamond, AY+ Gold, A3*G, Strawberry Lifetime Platinum, GHA Discovery Titanium, SJ Prio Black
Posts: 15,201
(1) What is your home airport? CPH (or MMX)
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? C
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year?>50k miles
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it?
I need some advice as I've moved closer to a *A hub and now have many more options than before. As AY still serves me well at my new airport, I think I will keep flying most miles here. But as I now have more options I feel I should evaluate, both FF programme and preferred airline. Any ideas about the direction I should look in?
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? C
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year?>50k miles
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it?
AY platinum (OW emerald), MA platinum (redundant and soon expiring), A3*G
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? First class lounge access
Free upgrades or UFP with very high availability (I do not want to travel Y if the upgrade doesn't go through)
Points that don't expire quickly (as I don't know what to do with them:-) or an easy way to burn them for good value
Status recognition, ie small perks or gestures (like CX does)
(6) Which routes do you fly most often Free upgrades or UFP with very high availability (I do not want to travel Y if the upgrade doesn't go through)
Points that don't expire quickly (as I don't know what to do with them:-) or an easy way to burn them for good value
Status recognition, ie small perks or gestures (like CX does)
Europe-Asia and Europe-Oceania, typical HKG, CAN, TYO, AKL, MEL. I plan for some south america travel but nothing to NA.
(7) Preferred Airlines As of now AY, do like CX too. Have little experience of others, but having a hub at an airport with frequent delays will seriously turn me off. You could say I look for great smoothness for decent money.
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? Pleasure, I can choose but I do care about money and time spent in the air.
I need some advice as I've moved closer to a *A hub and now have many more options than before. As AY still serves me well at my new airport, I think I will keep flying most miles here. But as I now have more options I feel I should evaluate, both FF programme and preferred airline. Any ideas about the direction I should look in?
Dec 7, 2011 | 1:55 am
#639
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Middle East
Programs: BA & THY Gold
Posts: 36
My "home" carrier has been BMI since '98, but I guess TK is next best unless we get an option for LH from the takeover. I'll keep burning miles for now and decide later in the year when options may be clearer.
Dec 8, 2011 | 9:52 am
#640
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: PHL
Programs: AA Plat, Hyatt Platinum, Hertz #1 Gold
Posts: 286
(1) What is your home airport?
PBI/FLL
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? (C, F, Y, etc.)
Cheap-Economy
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? (<25K, 25k-50k, >50k)
25k or under.
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? (UA Premier, M&M Senator etc)
Only AA Plat
(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.)
good reward redemption rates
(6) Which routes do you fly most often (US Domestic, Transpacific etc)
US Domestic to PHL or NYC , Rewards would be International most likely.
(7) Preferred Airlines
AA
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? (Can you chooose your airlines, class of service?)
work, I can choose airline, not class of service
PBI/FLL
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? (C, F, Y, etc.)
Cheap-Economy
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? (<25K, 25k-50k, >50k)
25k or under.
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? (UA Premier, M&M Senator etc)
Only AA Plat
(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.)
good reward redemption rates
(6) Which routes do you fly most often (US Domestic, Transpacific etc)
US Domestic to PHL or NYC , Rewards would be International most likely.
(7) Preferred Airlines
AA
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? (Can you chooose your airlines, class of service?)
work, I can choose airline, not class of service
Last edited by Joe Butch; Dec 8, 2011 at 9:59 am
Dec 8, 2011 | 10:34 am
#641
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: SAT / MAA / BOM
Programs: CO Plat; UA 1K; EK Gold
Posts: 5,110
(1) What is your home airport?
PBI/FLL
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? (C, F, Y, etc.)
Cheap-Economy
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? (<25K, 25k-50k, >50k)
25k or under.
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? (UA Premier, M&M Senator etc)
Only AA Plat
(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.)
good reward redemption rates
(6) Which routes do you fly most often (US Domestic, Transpacific etc)
US Domestic to PHL or NYC , Rewards would be International most likely.
(7) Preferred Airlines
AA
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? (Can you chooose your airlines, class of service?)
work, I can choose airline, not class of service
PBI/FLL
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? (C, F, Y, etc.)
Cheap-Economy
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? (<25K, 25k-50k, >50k)
25k or under.
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? (UA Premier, M&M Senator etc)
Only AA Plat
(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.)
good reward redemption rates
(6) Which routes do you fly most often (US Domestic, Transpacific etc)
US Domestic to PHL or NYC , Rewards would be International most likely.
(7) Preferred Airlines
AA
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? (Can you chooose your airlines, class of service?)
work, I can choose airline, not class of service
Are you moving from the AAirline due to the bAAnkruptcy?
In which case you have to start using UA / US for your domestic flying. Until you get to Star Gold, you will pay bag fees on these airlines.
Some things to think about.
Dec 8, 2011 | 11:18 am
#642
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: PHL
Programs: AA Plat, Hyatt Platinum, Hertz #1 Gold
Posts: 286
Aegean (A3) will be the only one which can give you Star Gold based on your annual mileage.
Are you moving from the AAirline due to the bAAnkruptcy?
In which case you have to start using UA / US for your domestic flying. Until you get to Star Gold, you will pay bag fees on these airlines.
Some things to think about.
Are you moving from the AAirline due to the bAAnkruptcy?
In which case you have to start using UA / US for your domestic flying. Until you get to Star Gold, you will pay bag fees on these airlines.
Some things to think about.
I assume as far as Mile Redemption. It doesn't matter which airline i join in the alliance?
Dec 8, 2011 | 11:34 am
#643
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
I'd go and choose between A3 and TK based on which gives better redemption for the routes you are looking at. A3 offers 1 way awards, not sure about TK. Something to keep in mind.
Dec 12, 2011 | 7:23 am
#644
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: London
Posts: 200
(1) What is your home airport?
LON
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ?
Y
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year?
<25k
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present?
DC Silver (with DC going started posting miles in TP)
(6) Which routes do you fly most often
Europe and US
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure?
both, but when for work usually have "forced" to take BA
With DC probably being closed in a near future, I decided to look around for another FF to put my miles. I am a TP Victoria member, since I travel to Portugal a bit, where I put my TP flights for fares that DC doesnt give miles and for which I have been now been putting all my miles.
Since I dont fly that much, I want a FF with the longest expiry date so that I can acumulate as much as possible and be able to use those miles for longer flights or C fares. Currently have to redeem them in flights to Portugal not to lose the miles.
Thanks in advance
Bruno
LON
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ?
Y
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year?
<25k
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present?
DC Silver (with DC going started posting miles in TP)
(6) Which routes do you fly most often
Europe and US
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure?
both, but when for work usually have "forced" to take BA
With DC probably being closed in a near future, I decided to look around for another FF to put my miles. I am a TP Victoria member, since I travel to Portugal a bit, where I put my TP flights for fares that DC doesnt give miles and for which I have been now been putting all my miles.
Since I dont fly that much, I want a FF with the longest expiry date so that I can acumulate as much as possible and be able to use those miles for longer flights or C fares. Currently have to redeem them in flights to Portugal not to lose the miles.
Thanks in advance
Bruno
Dec 12, 2011 | 8:16 am
#645
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 2
Should I join Continental , UA , Swiss or Air China
My home base is Tel Aviv. I have been platinum with EL AL for 4 years, lifetime platinum with AA ,and two years with AA as executive platinum. I will start ramping up my travel again to JFK , the US west coast (reno or saltlake area ) and places like Zurich in Europe. I also invest in a gold mine near Shanghai, therefore I travel to Hong Kong ,Shanghai. I want to start banking in Singapore !
Is Star Alliance as good as OneWorld ? I had years where I bought 4 business class round the wolrd flights, and made Ex Platinum on AA with all the bonuses. Cost me $25 - $30 k. If I fly that much again ,who should I join ?
Continetal is good Tel Aviv-Newark, but how much do I need to fly to get sytemwide upgrades? If I join Air CHina for example, but use them less and their partners more, will I get system wide upgrades to use on a round the world coach trip on flghts? I have been a member of AA since 1984 ! and after 3 million miles, I am confused as to join Star Alliance at all (seems to have much more choice) as the most important thing to me is upgrades to busienss ,then ease of use of awards. American's round the world desk is excellent,easy to use,as I always change routings .
Is Star Alliance as good as OneWorld ? I had years where I bought 4 business class round the wolrd flights, and made Ex Platinum on AA with all the bonuses. Cost me $25 - $30 k. If I fly that much again ,who should I join ?
Continetal is good Tel Aviv-Newark, but how much do I need to fly to get sytemwide upgrades? If I join Air CHina for example, but use them less and their partners more, will I get system wide upgrades to use on a round the world coach trip on flghts? I have been a member of AA since 1984 ! and after 3 million miles, I am confused as to join Star Alliance at all (seems to have much more choice) as the most important thing to me is upgrades to busienss ,then ease of use of awards. American's round the world desk is excellent,easy to use,as I always change routings .