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
Jan 13, 2012 | 11:58 pm
#781
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? Singapore
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy? Cheapest economy I can find. If I can splurge, then business sometimes.
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? Currently, I don't fly much. This year I have 2 trips to Europe - might fly SIN-BCN and SIN-FRA. I fly at least twice a year regionally - like SIN-BKK, SIN-HKG.
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? I do have LH's FrequentFlyer, which is *S I guess. This is quite a funny story actually. I didn't fly anything to get that. It came as a form of gift/award from LH. I only have 2,000 award miles on it.
Then I have SQ's Krisflyer with 17,000 miles at the lowest tier.
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? Access to lounges, luggage and upgrade options would be nice.
(6) Which routes do you fly most often? Singapore to Bangkok, Hong Kong usually. I "try" to visit Europe, US once a year.
(7) Preferred Airlines SQ, TG, LH.
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? Pleasure
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy? Cheapest economy I can find. If I can splurge, then business sometimes.
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? Currently, I don't fly much. This year I have 2 trips to Europe - might fly SIN-BCN and SIN-FRA. I fly at least twice a year regionally - like SIN-BKK, SIN-HKG.
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? I do have LH's FrequentFlyer, which is *S I guess. This is quite a funny story actually. I didn't fly anything to get that. It came as a form of gift/award from LH. I only have 2,000 award miles on it.
Then I have SQ's Krisflyer with 17,000 miles at the lowest tier.
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? Access to lounges, luggage and upgrade options would be nice.
(6) Which routes do you fly most often? Singapore to Bangkok, Hong Kong usually. I "try" to visit Europe, US once a year.
(7) Preferred Airlines SQ, TG, LH.
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? Pleasure
Aegean
Turkish
Asiana
Look at the pros and cons of each airline as it applies to you personally and take your pick.
Jan 14, 2012 | 12:02 am
#782
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 2
Jan 14, 2012 | 3:37 am
#783
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 10
I've just looked them up and I'm astonished how easy it is to get gold star status for Star alliance. I used to think those lounges were untouchable but thanks to this site I've been shown the light.
Thank you!
Thank you!
Jan 14, 2012 | 3:50 am
#784
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
Markie - if you don't mind, can you please edit the first post on this thread to add:
I just looked through the last few pages, and this is pretty much what is being repeated over and over and over again:
And sometimes, it gets switched up to:
Either way, it makes the thread monotonous, and takes away from the posters who actually require more than a canned response.
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:
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 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.
Aegean, Asiana, Turkish. Take your pick.
Aegean
Asiana
Turkish
Take your pick.
Asiana
Turkish
Take your pick.
Last edited by PVDtoDEL; Jan 14, 2012 at 4:00 am
Jan 14, 2012 | 1:41 pm
#785
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: DEN
Programs: WN A-List Preferred, UA 2P, HH Diamond, MR Platinum
Posts: 18
(1) What is your home airport? DEN
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? Economy
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? 100k+
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? Premier status on UA, A-list preferred on WN (lol)
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? Upgrades, Redemption Mileage Accrual
(6) Which routes do you fly most often: Mostly between DEN and California (DEN-SMF, DEN-SFO, DEN-OAK, DEN-SNA, etc.) occasionally outside of CA, but almost exclusively domestic.
(7) Preferred Airlines: No preference
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? Almost exclusively travel for work
Basically, I am trying to decide between UA and US. I thought these were equal, until I asked about an upgrade on a US flight for *Silver and the lady at the counter just kind of laughed at me ("Which airline do you have status? United? Definitely not."). Is the reverse true (status upgrades on UA with US status)? Maybe it's different for *Gold? Company policy is to book the cheapest fare, which can be either on any given week (though seems to favor US if I take a stop to build more segments/miles).
What of mileage redemption? Am I crazy or does it take less miles to redeem awards on partner airlines through US? Would I earn enough "bonus" miles on UA to make up this difference to make it a wash? Are there even "bonus" miles to earn through UA (speaking strictly about the airline program itself, not hotel, CC deals, etc.)? I would like to be able to take an intercontinental vacation now and again (maybe once per year, destination undecided).
Thanks for your help in working through this!
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? Economy
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? 100k+
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? Premier status on UA, A-list preferred on WN (lol)
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? Upgrades, Redemption Mileage Accrual
(6) Which routes do you fly most often: Mostly between DEN and California (DEN-SMF, DEN-SFO, DEN-OAK, DEN-SNA, etc.) occasionally outside of CA, but almost exclusively domestic.
(7) Preferred Airlines: No preference
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? Almost exclusively travel for work
Basically, I am trying to decide between UA and US. I thought these were equal, until I asked about an upgrade on a US flight for *Silver and the lady at the counter just kind of laughed at me ("Which airline do you have status? United? Definitely not."). Is the reverse true (status upgrades on UA with US status)? Maybe it's different for *Gold? Company policy is to book the cheapest fare, which can be either on any given week (though seems to favor US if I take a stop to build more segments/miles).
What of mileage redemption? Am I crazy or does it take less miles to redeem awards on partner airlines through US? Would I earn enough "bonus" miles on UA to make up this difference to make it a wash? Are there even "bonus" miles to earn through UA (speaking strictly about the airline program itself, not hotel, CC deals, etc.)? I would like to be able to take an intercontinental vacation now and again (maybe once per year, destination undecided).
Thanks for your help in working through this!
Jan 16, 2012 | 9:14 pm
#786
Join Date: Jan 2012
Programs: AC E50K, MM, BA, Delta, PriorityClub Platinum, Marriott Gold.
Posts: 471
My first post... cool forum!
Just wondering which program is best? Aeroplan or M&M?
(1) What is your home airport? YVR
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? (Economy - S/Y/B/Q)
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? 15k-35K
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? (None - used to be LH Silver)
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? (Frequent upgrades on travel)
(6) Which routes do you fly most often (Canada-US 70%, TATL 30%)
(7) Preferred Airlines AC - LH
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? (Work, I can choose airline/class if within budget)
More info:
- Flying Star Alliances mostly, AC/United for CND/US flights, and mostly booking LH for DE flights
- 80% book cheaper Eco seats (company policy)
- Max I think I'd reach 35K, mostly likely 25K at end of the year
- Used to be M&M Silver before and that helped getting upgrades in TATL flights (twice in 2 yrs), as well as bag upgrades, FRA lounge
- I HAVE 180K miles with BA!!! This was through my Visa card transfer of miles. I don't fly to London much, and don't fly American... so not sure if BA is another option... but their points are totally usesless anyways it seems. Can't book any flights when needed!
I am MOSTLY INTERESTED to get *Free Business upgrades* on TATL flights, as I am 6'2 and literally don't fit into Econ seats on TATL flights.
Thanks!
Just wondering which program is best? Aeroplan or M&M?
(1) What is your home airport? YVR
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? (Economy - S/Y/B/Q)
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? 15k-35K
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? (None - used to be LH Silver)
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? (Frequent upgrades on travel)
(6) Which routes do you fly most often (Canada-US 70%, TATL 30%)
(7) Preferred Airlines AC - LH
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? (Work, I can choose airline/class if within budget)
More info:
- Flying Star Alliances mostly, AC/United for CND/US flights, and mostly booking LH for DE flights
- 80% book cheaper Eco seats (company policy)
- Max I think I'd reach 35K, mostly likely 25K at end of the year
- Used to be M&M Silver before and that helped getting upgrades in TATL flights (twice in 2 yrs), as well as bag upgrades, FRA lounge
- I HAVE 180K miles with BA!!! This was through my Visa card transfer of miles. I don't fly to London much, and don't fly American... so not sure if BA is another option... but their points are totally usesless anyways it seems. Can't book any flights when needed!
I am MOSTLY INTERESTED to get *Free Business upgrades* on TATL flights, as I am 6'2 and literally don't fit into Econ seats on TATL flights.
Thanks!
Jan 17, 2012 | 12:39 am
#787
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 3
Switch M&M to Krisflyer?
(1) What is your home airport? PEN
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? H
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? 35K, this year possibly up to 60K
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? M&M Silver
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP?
I have 100K+ miles on M&M and plan to use them for 2 special-offer-return-tickets FRA SIN for relatives of mine.
Personally, I would like to get to a point where I can do at least one-way upgrade SIN-SFO or SIN-FRA once a year. Also important is luggage allowance.
(6) Which routes do you fly most often? Transpacific, Asia, Asia-Europe
(7) Preferred Airlines? only SQ
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? (Can you chooose your airlines, class of service?) work, I stay home for pleasure
Remark: What annoys me is that M&M silver is extremely useless with SQ (no 125% miles, zero miles on PEN SIN, no extra luggage allowance, no lounges in SIN, no early boarding, etc.). So now I thought of leaving the 100K+ miles in the M&M and start over new in Krisflyer.
Trade-off seems to be that Kris has lower silver status miles (and therefore earlier 125%), but awards are a lot more expensive than M&M.
So, should I stay or should I go?
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? H
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? 35K, this year possibly up to 60K
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? M&M Silver
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP?
I have 100K+ miles on M&M and plan to use them for 2 special-offer-return-tickets FRA SIN for relatives of mine.
Personally, I would like to get to a point where I can do at least one-way upgrade SIN-SFO or SIN-FRA once a year. Also important is luggage allowance.
(6) Which routes do you fly most often? Transpacific, Asia, Asia-Europe
(7) Preferred Airlines? only SQ
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? (Can you chooose your airlines, class of service?) work, I stay home for pleasure
Remark: What annoys me is that M&M silver is extremely useless with SQ (no 125% miles, zero miles on PEN SIN, no extra luggage allowance, no lounges in SIN, no early boarding, etc.). So now I thought of leaving the 100K+ miles in the M&M and start over new in Krisflyer.
Trade-off seems to be that Kris has lower silver status miles (and therefore earlier 125%), but awards are a lot more expensive than M&M.
So, should I stay or should I go?
Jan 21, 2012 | 12:14 pm
#788
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: NYC
Programs: Delta, AA, JetBlue, Hilton
Posts: 2
PLEASE HELP: Newbie to FFP/Travel CC Rewards
Hi there, FT, and thank you SO much for any input you might offer. Here are my stats:
(1) What is your home airport? NYC - any, but prefer EWR
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy? Economy
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? > 25K
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? No Status, just using whatever offers cheapest fares - Delta, AA, Continental, etc.
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? Priority Check-in, Upgrades, Free Bags, Redemption Mileage - least often expiration
(6) Which routes do you fly most often: NYC (LGA, JFK, EWR) to FL (FLL, PBI MIA) or to ATL, almost exclusively domestic.
(7) Preferred Airlines: Delta, JetBlue, AA?
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? A mix of both but starting to travel more for work
Looking for the best suited FFP and to pair that with the best option for CC Rewards (ie. Delta/Amex). Any tips or suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated. Thank you!
Best,
Shanee
FFP Newbie
(1) What is your home airport? NYC - any, but prefer EWR
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy? Economy
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? > 25K
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? No Status, just using whatever offers cheapest fares - Delta, AA, Continental, etc.
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? Priority Check-in, Upgrades, Free Bags, Redemption Mileage - least often expiration
(6) Which routes do you fly most often: NYC (LGA, JFK, EWR) to FL (FLL, PBI MIA) or to ATL, almost exclusively domestic.
(7) Preferred Airlines: Delta, JetBlue, AA?
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? A mix of both but starting to travel more for work
Looking for the best suited FFP and to pair that with the best option for CC Rewards (ie. Delta/Amex). Any tips or suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated. Thank you!
Best,
Shanee
FFP Newbie
Jan 21, 2012 | 10:37 pm
#789
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
Hi there, FT, and thank you SO much for any input you might offer. Here are my stats:
(1) What is your home airport? NYC - any, but prefer EWR
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy? Economy
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? > 25K
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? No Status, just using whatever offers cheapest fares - Delta, AA, Continental, etc.
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? Priority Check-in, Upgrades, Free Bags, Redemption Mileage - least often expiration
(6) Which routes do you fly most often: NYC (LGA, JFK, EWR) to FL (FLL, PBI MIA) or to ATL, almost exclusively domestic.
(7) Preferred Airlines: Delta, JetBlue, AA?
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? A mix of both but starting to travel more for work
Looking for the best suited FFP and to pair that with the best option for CC Rewards (ie. Delta/Amex). Any tips or suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated. Thank you!
Best,
Shanee
FFP Newbie
(1) What is your home airport? NYC - any, but prefer EWR
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy? Economy
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? > 25K
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? No Status, just using whatever offers cheapest fares - Delta, AA, Continental, etc.
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? Priority Check-in, Upgrades, Free Bags, Redemption Mileage - least often expiration
(6) Which routes do you fly most often: NYC (LGA, JFK, EWR) to FL (FLL, PBI MIA) or to ATL, almost exclusively domestic.
(7) Preferred Airlines: Delta, JetBlue, AA?
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? A mix of both but starting to travel more for work
Looking for the best suited FFP and to pair that with the best option for CC Rewards (ie. Delta/Amex). Any tips or suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated. Thank you!
Best,
Shanee
FFP Newbie
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 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.
Jan 22, 2012 | 4:52 am
#790
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: WAW
Programs: FTL in M&M
Posts: 23
HI
Let me ask you as well:
(1) What is your home airport? : WAW
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? : Y, B, M , T . My travel office picks it for me (company policy)
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? : 25k-50K; closer to 50k.
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? : M&M FTL
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? : FastTrack, Lunge Access, good award redemption rates
(6) Which routes do you fly most often : inside Europe.
(7) Preferred Airlines : Star Alliance members. Mostly I fly with LOT.
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? : For work. By company policy the cheapest economic fare is allowed (with possible, but paid changes). I can chose the route, which I , usually, do (on kayak.com with filter set to Star Alliance)
I've looked into Turkish, Aegan and Asian. Aegan seems to be the best option to be *G, because they don't have a miles minimum for LOT. But maybe I'm wrong :-)
Thank you in advance and kind regards
Let me ask you as well:
(1) What is your home airport? : WAW
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? : Y, B, M , T . My travel office picks it for me (company policy)
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? : 25k-50K; closer to 50k.
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? : M&M FTL
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? : FastTrack, Lunge Access, good award redemption rates
(6) Which routes do you fly most often : inside Europe.
(7) Preferred Airlines : Star Alliance members. Mostly I fly with LOT.
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? : For work. By company policy the cheapest economic fare is allowed (with possible, but paid changes). I can chose the route, which I , usually, do (on kayak.com with filter set to Star Alliance)
I've looked into Turkish, Aegan and Asian. Aegan seems to be the best option to be *G, because they don't have a miles minimum for LOT. But maybe I'm wrong :-)
Thank you in advance and kind regards
Jan 22, 2012 | 6:33 am
#791
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: SAT / MAA / BOM
Programs: CO Plat; UA 1K; EK Gold
Posts: 5,110
HI
Let me ask you as well:
(1) What is your home airport? : WAW
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? : Y, B, M , T . My travel office picks it for me (company policy)
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? : 25k-50K; closer to 50k.
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? : M&M FTL
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? : FastTrack, Lunge Access, good award redemption rates
(6) Which routes do you fly most often : inside Europe.
(7) Preferred Airlines : Star Alliance members. Mostly I fly with LOT.
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? : For work. By company policy the cheapest economic fare is allowed (with possible, but paid changes). I can chose the route, which I , usually, do (on kayak.com with filter set to Star Alliance)
I've looked into Turkish, Aegan and Asian. Aegan seems to be the best option to be *G, because they don't have a miles minimum for LOT. But maybe I'm wrong :-)
Thank you in advance and kind regards
Let me ask you as well:
(1) What is your home airport? : WAW
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? : Y, B, M , T . My travel office picks it for me (company policy)
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? : 25k-50K; closer to 50k.
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? : M&M FTL
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? : FastTrack, Lunge Access, good award redemption rates
(6) Which routes do you fly most often : inside Europe.
(7) Preferred Airlines : Star Alliance members. Mostly I fly with LOT.
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? : For work. By company policy the cheapest economic fare is allowed (with possible, but paid changes). I can chose the route, which I , usually, do (on kayak.com with filter set to Star Alliance)
I've looked into Turkish, Aegan and Asian. Aegan seems to be the best option to be *G, because they don't have a miles minimum for LOT. But maybe I'm wrong :-)
Thank you in advance and kind regards
Jan 22, 2012 | 6:35 am
#792
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: SAT / MAA / BOM
Programs: CO Plat; UA 1K; EK Gold
Posts: 5,110
(1) What is your home airport? PEN
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? H
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? 35K, this year possibly up to 60K
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? M&M Silver
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP?
I have 100K+ miles on M&M and plan to use them for 2 special-offer-return-tickets FRA SIN for relatives of mine.
Personally, I would like to get to a point where I can do at least one-way upgrade SIN-SFO or SIN-FRA once a year. Also important is luggage allowance.
(6) Which routes do you fly most often? Transpacific, Asia, Asia-Europe
(7) Preferred Airlines? only SQ
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? (Can you chooose your airlines, class of service?) work, I stay home for pleasure
Remark: What annoys me is that M&M silver is extremely useless with SQ (no 125% miles, zero miles on PEN SIN, no extra luggage allowance, no lounges in SIN, no early boarding, etc.). So now I thought of leaving the 100K+ miles in the M&M and start over new in Krisflyer.
Trade-off seems to be that Kris has lower silver status miles (and therefore earlier 125%), but awards are a lot more expensive than M&M.
So, should I stay or should I go?
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? H
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? 35K, this year possibly up to 60K
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? M&M Silver
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP?
I have 100K+ miles on M&M and plan to use them for 2 special-offer-return-tickets FRA SIN for relatives of mine.
Personally, I would like to get to a point where I can do at least one-way upgrade SIN-SFO or SIN-FRA once a year. Also important is luggage allowance.
(6) Which routes do you fly most often? Transpacific, Asia, Asia-Europe
(7) Preferred Airlines? only SQ
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? (Can you chooose your airlines, class of service?) work, I stay home for pleasure
Remark: What annoys me is that M&M silver is extremely useless with SQ (no 125% miles, zero miles on PEN SIN, no extra luggage allowance, no lounges in SIN, no early boarding, etc.). So now I thought of leaving the 100K+ miles in the M&M and start over new in Krisflyer.
Trade-off seems to be that Kris has lower silver status miles (and therefore earlier 125%), but awards are a lot more expensive than M&M.
So, should I stay or should I go?
THey dont care what status you have. They only care how many $$$ you spend.
Consider Turkish / Asiana or Thai for collecting your miles.
M&M is not a good program for those that fly under 100K miles (in economy class).
Jan 22, 2012 | 6:38 am
#793
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: SAT / MAA / BOM
Programs: CO Plat; UA 1K; EK Gold
Posts: 5,110
My first post... cool forum!
Just wondering which program is best? Aeroplan or M&M?
(1) What is your home airport? YVR
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? (Economy - S/Y/B/Q)
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? 15k-35K
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? (None - used to be LH Silver)
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? (Frequent upgrades on travel)
(6) Which routes do you fly most often (Canada-US 70%, TATL 30%)
(7) Preferred Airlines AC - LH
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? (Work, I can choose airline/class if within budget)
More info:
- Flying Star Alliances mostly, AC/United for CND/US flights, and mostly booking LH for DE flights
- 80% book cheaper Eco seats (company policy)
- Max I think I'd reach 35K, mostly likely 25K at end of the year
- Used to be M&M Silver before and that helped getting upgrades in TATL flights (twice in 2 yrs), as well as bag upgrades, FRA lounge
- I HAVE 180K miles with BA!!! This was through my Visa card transfer of miles. I don't fly to London much, and don't fly American... so not sure if BA is another option... but their points are totally usesless anyways it seems. Can't book any flights when needed!
I am MOSTLY INTERESTED to get *Free Business upgrades* on TATL flights, as I am 6'2 and literally don't fit into Econ seats on TATL flights.
Thanks!
Just wondering which program is best? Aeroplan or M&M?
(1) What is your home airport? YVR
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? (Economy - S/Y/B/Q)
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? 15k-35K
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? (None - used to be LH Silver)
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? (Frequent upgrades on travel)
(6) Which routes do you fly most often (Canada-US 70%, TATL 30%)
(7) Preferred Airlines AC - LH
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? (Work, I can choose airline/class if within budget)
More info:
- Flying Star Alliances mostly, AC/United for CND/US flights, and mostly booking LH for DE flights
- 80% book cheaper Eco seats (company policy)
- Max I think I'd reach 35K, mostly likely 25K at end of the year
- Used to be M&M Silver before and that helped getting upgrades in TATL flights (twice in 2 yrs), as well as bag upgrades, FRA lounge
- I HAVE 180K miles with BA!!! This was through my Visa card transfer of miles. I don't fly to London much, and don't fly American... so not sure if BA is another option... but their points are totally usesless anyways it seems. Can't book any flights when needed!
I am MOSTLY INTERESTED to get *Free Business upgrades* on TATL flights, as I am 6'2 and literally don't fit into Econ seats on TATL flights.
Thanks!
That said, you fly max about 35K miles per year.
Aegean is probably your best bet now.
AirCanada has devalued their program.
M&M will not get you too far either.
Jan 22, 2012 | 6:41 am
#794
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: SAT / MAA / BOM
Programs: CO Plat; UA 1K; EK Gold
Posts: 5,110
(1) What is your home airport? DEN
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? Economy
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? 100k+
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? Premier status on UA, A-list preferred on WN (lol)
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? Upgrades, Redemption Mileage Accrual
(6) Which routes do you fly most often: Mostly between DEN and California (DEN-SMF, DEN-SFO, DEN-OAK, DEN-SNA, etc.) occasionally outside of CA, but almost exclusively domestic.
(7) Preferred Airlines: No preference
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? Almost exclusively travel for work
Basically, I am trying to decide between UA and US. I thought these were equal, until I asked about an upgrade on a US flight for *Silver and the lady at the counter just kind of laughed at me ("Which airline do you have status? United? Definitely not."). Is the reverse true (status upgrades on UA with US status)? Maybe it's different for *Gold? Company policy is to book the cheapest fare, which can be either on any given week (though seems to favor US if I take a stop to build more segments/miles).
What of mileage redemption? Am I crazy or does it take less miles to redeem awards on partner airlines through US? Would I earn enough "bonus" miles on UA to make up this difference to make it a wash? Are there even "bonus" miles to earn through UA (speaking strictly about the airline program itself, not hotel, CC deals, etc.)? I would like to be able to take an intercontinental vacation now and again (maybe once per year, destination undecided).
Thanks for your help in working through this!
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? Economy
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? 100k+
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? Premier status on UA, A-list preferred on WN (lol)
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? Upgrades, Redemption Mileage Accrual
(6) Which routes do you fly most often: Mostly between DEN and California (DEN-SMF, DEN-SFO, DEN-OAK, DEN-SNA, etc.) occasionally outside of CA, but almost exclusively domestic.
(7) Preferred Airlines: No preference
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? Almost exclusively travel for work
Basically, I am trying to decide between UA and US. I thought these were equal, until I asked about an upgrade on a US flight for *Silver and the lady at the counter just kind of laughed at me ("Which airline do you have status? United? Definitely not."). Is the reverse true (status upgrades on UA with US status)? Maybe it's different for *Gold? Company policy is to book the cheapest fare, which can be either on any given week (though seems to favor US if I take a stop to build more segments/miles).
What of mileage redemption? Am I crazy or does it take less miles to redeem awards on partner airlines through US? Would I earn enough "bonus" miles on UA to make up this difference to make it a wash? Are there even "bonus" miles to earn through UA (speaking strictly about the airline program itself, not hotel, CC deals, etc.)? I would like to be able to take an intercontinental vacation now and again (maybe once per year, destination undecided).
Thanks for your help in working through this!
Pick UA or US based on which airline you will fly the most..since almost all your flying is domestic. That will increase your upgrade chances.
US miles-redemptions seems to be better / easier according to several people that write in this forum. (compared to UA).
Go ahead and Pick your poison
Jan 22, 2012 | 6:55 am
#795
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: USA
Programs: AA EXP, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 565
[QUOTE=Chickenpants;17813756](1) What is your home airport? DEN
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? Economy
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? 100k+
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? Premier status on UA, A-list preferred on WN (lol)
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? Upgrades, Redemption Mileage Accrual
(6) Which routes do you fly most often: Mostly between DEN and California (DEN-SMF, DEN-SFO, DEN-OAK, DEN-SNA, etc.) occasionally outside of CA, but almost exclusively domestic.
(7) Preferred Airlines: No preference
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? Almost exclusively travel for work
I would go with both actually. Get the US trial preferred for instant silver and try to put as much on US as possible (you should get to chairman with 30k US miles in 90 days). That also gets you *Silver on united for slightly better treatment. I'd either pay out for the E+ option on united, or credit 25k miles to get E+ for the times you're on united.
UA will have more choices, but that doesn't help you if you get stuck on US due to company policy. Upgrades on short flights are very easy on US, and would be much more difficult on UA given the hub status of DEN.
Downside of US is that you need to walk to the end of the B concourse in DEN. US also has longer flight times for meals, which means you may get a soup/salad on UA and a snack basket on US.
No reciprical upgrades, which is why it's good to have status on both.
The mileage bonuses are the same for US/UA. US has more promos (read the Grand Slam section). US also has better redemptions to Asia. UA has one way awards, US does not. Availability is similar although UA did starnet block in the past (restrict partner availability).
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? Economy
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? 100k+
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? Premier status on UA, A-list preferred on WN (lol)
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? Upgrades, Redemption Mileage Accrual
(6) Which routes do you fly most often: Mostly between DEN and California (DEN-SMF, DEN-SFO, DEN-OAK, DEN-SNA, etc.) occasionally outside of CA, but almost exclusively domestic.
(7) Preferred Airlines: No preference
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? Almost exclusively travel for work
I would go with both actually. Get the US trial preferred for instant silver and try to put as much on US as possible (you should get to chairman with 30k US miles in 90 days). That also gets you *Silver on united for slightly better treatment. I'd either pay out for the E+ option on united, or credit 25k miles to get E+ for the times you're on united.
UA will have more choices, but that doesn't help you if you get stuck on US due to company policy. Upgrades on short flights are very easy on US, and would be much more difficult on UA given the hub status of DEN.
Downside of US is that you need to walk to the end of the B concourse in DEN. US also has longer flight times for meals, which means you may get a soup/salad on UA and a snack basket on US.
No reciprical upgrades, which is why it's good to have status on both.
The mileage bonuses are the same for US/UA. US has more promos (read the Grand Slam section). US also has better redemptions to Asia. UA has one way awards, US does not. Availability is similar although UA did starnet block in the past (restrict partner availability).