Jan 20, 2016, 10:53 pm
Last edit by: jtet
A number of threads have been started with members asking for guidance on which mileage programme they should join. In order to help users I have started this thread to allow people to post their requests for information here and to allow people to offer assistance.
For members asking for information please help people to assist you, can you provide:
(1) What is your home airport? (SFO, LAX, MCO, etc.)
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? (C, F, Y, etc.)
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? (<25K, 25k-50k, >50k)
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? (UA Silver, M&M Senator etc)
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? (Frequent upgrades on travel, priority services when flying the airline, good award redemption rates, free lounge access, etc.)
(6) Which routes do you fly most often (US Domestic, Transpacific etc)
(7) Preferred Airlines
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? (Can you chooose your airlines, class of service?)
GENERAL INFORMATION:
If you fly less than 50k miles per year: it is almost guaranteed that your choice will be between Aegean Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and Asiana Airlines. Please look up these airlines' frequent flier programs, and make a decision as to which best suits your needs.
Some considerations to take into account:
Airlines tend to treat members of their own frequent flier program better than members of other frequent flier programs. If you fly one of these airlines, it is recommended that you choose that airline.
Some airlines have better earning/redemption charts for your pattern. For example, if you fly on cheap fares on a certain airline often, Turkish might give you miles for it, while Aegean might not. However, Turkish Airlines might charge much more for the redemption that you want to make than Aegean.
Asiana Airlines offers lifetime Star Alliance Gold for 500k miles over life. The other 2 airlines do not offer this benefit.
Asiana Airlines has a credit card in the USA and some other countries. If you are interested in credit cards, check to make sure that the program that you join has a credit card in your country.
If you still aren't sure which frequent flyer program is for you after looking these up, feel free to ask on this thread.
For members asking for information please help people to assist you, can you provide:
(1) What is your home airport? (SFO, LAX, MCO, etc.)
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? (C, F, Y, etc.)
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? (<25K, 25k-50k, >50k)
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? (UA Silver, M&M Senator etc)
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? (Frequent upgrades on travel, priority services when flying the airline, good award redemption rates, free lounge access, etc.)
(6) Which routes do you fly most often (US Domestic, Transpacific etc)
(7) Preferred Airlines
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? (Can you chooose your airlines, class of service?)
GENERAL INFORMATION:
If you fly less than 50k miles per year: it is almost guaranteed that your choice will be between Aegean Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and Asiana Airlines. Please look up these airlines' frequent flier programs, and make a decision as to which best suits your needs.
Some considerations to take into account:
Airlines tend to treat members of their own frequent flier program better than members of other frequent flier programs. If you fly one of these airlines, it is recommended that you choose that airline.
Some airlines have better earning/redemption charts for your pattern. For example, if you fly on cheap fares on a certain airline often, Turkish might give you miles for it, while Aegean might not. However, Turkish Airlines might charge much more for the redemption that you want to make than Aegean.
Asiana Airlines offers lifetime Star Alliance Gold for 500k miles over life. The other 2 airlines do not offer this benefit.
Asiana Airlines has a credit card in the USA and some other countries. If you are interested in credit cards, check to make sure that the program that you join has a credit card in your country.
If you still aren't sure which frequent flyer program is for you after looking these up, feel free to ask on this thread.
Need advice on which *A FF scheme to join? - please post here
Feb 10, 2012 | 10:07 pm
#841
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Finland, Malaysia
Programs: AYS, EBG, AAP, FB, CZ, AK
Posts: 40
Hello. I am not actually new to *A, but recently relocated to Asia. Used to have EBG but dropped off as not flown with them enough last year. So now I am concidering should I stick with EB as living in Malaysia or consider other Airline.
(1) What is your home airport? PEN (connects the world through HKG, BKK, KUL and SIN?)
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? Y - and deep discounted if available
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? 100-150k (actually this year will be less, I think 50-100k)
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? AA Platinum (if not always chosen the cheapest option, would be Executive Platinum)
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? Exit row seating, upgrades on long haul, award redemption rates, free lounge access (for accompanied family)
(6) Which routes do you fly most often?
Constantly: PEN-China (PEK, PVG, WEF, CAN, SZX, HKG)
Sometimes: PEN-HEL(-LHR)-(GRU)
(7) Preferred Airlines? None
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? Both, but in private business so any extra costs is out from my personal salary...
(1) What is your home airport? PEN (connects the world through HKG, BKK, KUL and SIN?)
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? Y - and deep discounted if available
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? 100-150k (actually this year will be less, I think 50-100k)
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? AA Platinum (if not always chosen the cheapest option, would be Executive Platinum)
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? Exit row seating, upgrades on long haul, award redemption rates, free lounge access (for accompanied family)
(6) Which routes do you fly most often?
Constantly: PEN-China (PEK, PVG, WEF, CAN, SZX, HKG)
Sometimes: PEN-HEL(-LHR)-(GRU)
(7) Preferred Airlines? None
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? Both, but in private business so any extra costs is out from my personal salary...
Last edited by vpk; Feb 11, 2012 at 12:59 am Reason: change miles..
Feb 11, 2012 | 6:41 am
#842
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: SAT / MAA / BOM
Programs: CO Plat; UA 1K; EK Gold
Posts: 5,110
Hello. I am not actually new to *A, but recently relocated to Asia. Used to have EBG but dropped off as not flown with them enough last year. So now I am concidering should I stick with EB as living in Malaysia or consider other Airline.
(1) What is your home airport? PEN (connects the world through HKG, BKK, KUL and SIN?)
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? Y - and deep discounted if available
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? 100-150k (actually this year will be less, I think 50-100k)
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? AA Platinum (if not always chosen the cheapest option, would be Executive Platinum)
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? Exit row seating, upgrades on long haul, award redemption rates, free lounge access (for accompanied family)
(6) Which routes do you fly most often?
Constantly: PEN-China (PEK, PVG, WEF, CAN, SZX, HKG)
Sometimes: PEN-HEL(-LHR)-(GRU)
(7) Preferred Airlines? None
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? Both, but in private business so any extra costs is out from my personal salary...
(1) What is your home airport? PEN (connects the world through HKG, BKK, KUL and SIN?)
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? Y - and deep discounted if available
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? 100-150k (actually this year will be less, I think 50-100k)
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? AA Platinum (if not always chosen the cheapest option, would be Executive Platinum)
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? Exit row seating, upgrades on long haul, award redemption rates, free lounge access (for accompanied family)
(6) Which routes do you fly most often?
Constantly: PEN-China (PEK, PVG, WEF, CAN, SZX, HKG)
Sometimes: PEN-HEL(-LHR)-(GRU)
(7) Preferred Airlines? None
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? Both, but in private business so any extra costs is out from my personal salary...
Feb 11, 2012 | 12:43 pm
#843
Join Date: Feb 2012
Programs: MA Gold, SPG Gold, A3 Gold
Posts: 8
Hi Markie,
I was a Gold Member of Malev Duna Club, and now trying to find a new program to enjoy.
(1) What is your home airport? BUD
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? Economy, sometimes business.
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? 25-30k, lots of short trips most to Eastern Europe, SOF, BEG, IST, ATH, PRG
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? MALEV Gold
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? Priority check in and priority security line, lounge access, get best seats, upgrade possibility.
(6) Which routes do you fly most often? Intra Europe, 1 overseas per year
(7) Preferred Airlines? None
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? (Can you chooose your airlines, class of service?) Both, most work.
Please help me. Thanks.
I was a Gold Member of Malev Duna Club, and now trying to find a new program to enjoy.
(1) What is your home airport? BUD
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? Economy, sometimes business.
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? 25-30k, lots of short trips most to Eastern Europe, SOF, BEG, IST, ATH, PRG
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? MALEV Gold
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? Priority check in and priority security line, lounge access, get best seats, upgrade possibility.
(6) Which routes do you fly most often? Intra Europe, 1 overseas per year
(7) Preferred Airlines? None
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? (Can you chooose your airlines, class of service?) Both, most work.
Please help me. Thanks.
Feb 11, 2012 | 7:34 pm
#844
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 Markie,
I was a Gold Member of Malev Duna Club, and now trying to find a new program to enjoy.
(1) What is your home airport? BUD
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? Economy, sometimes business.
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? 25-30k, lots of short trips most to Eastern Europe, SOF, BEG, IST, ATH, PRG
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? MALEV Gold
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? Priority check in and priority security line, lounge access, get best seats, upgrade possibility.
(6) Which routes do you fly most often? Intra Europe, 1 overseas per year
(7) Preferred Airlines? None
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? (Can you chooose your airlines, class of service?) Both, most work.
Please help me. Thanks.
I was a Gold Member of Malev Duna Club, and now trying to find a new program to enjoy.
(1) What is your home airport? BUD
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? Economy, sometimes business.
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? 25-30k, lots of short trips most to Eastern Europe, SOF, BEG, IST, ATH, PRG
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? MALEV Gold
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? Priority check in and priority security line, lounge access, get best seats, upgrade possibility.
(6) Which routes do you fly most often? Intra Europe, 1 overseas per year
(7) Preferred Airlines? None
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? (Can you chooose your airlines, class of service?) Both, most work.
Please help me. Thanks.
However, most trips using any alliance will require a connection in an out-of-the-way place, so it'll be annoying indeed.
On the bright side, more miles
Feb 12, 2012 | 7:14 am
#845
Join Date: Feb 2012
Programs: MA Gold, SPG Gold, A3 Gold
Posts: 8
Thank You,
I have checked A3 Miles and Bonus and sounds interesting. How is it possible that I need to fly only 20k miles to get Gold Status with their program, while need 100k miles to fly to get the same status with Miles and More?
What about Turkish Airlines?
Is that possible that one of the Star Alliance airlines offer status match with my DunaClub gold?
Thanks again.
I have checked A3 Miles and Bonus and sounds interesting. How is it possible that I need to fly only 20k miles to get Gold Status with their program, while need 100k miles to fly to get the same status with Miles and More?
What about Turkish Airlines?
Is that possible that one of the Star Alliance airlines offer status match with my DunaClub gold?
Thanks again.
Feb 12, 2012 | 7:21 am
#846
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,
I have checked A3 Miles and Bonus and sounds interesting. How is it possible that I need to fly only 20k miles to get Gold Status with their program, while need 100k miles to fly to get the same status with Miles and More?
What about Turkish Airlines?
Is that possible that one of the Star Alliance airlines offer status match with my DunaClub gold?
Thanks again.
I have checked A3 Miles and Bonus and sounds interesting. How is it possible that I need to fly only 20k miles to get Gold Status with their program, while need 100k miles to fly to get the same status with Miles and More?
What about Turkish Airlines?
Is that possible that one of the Star Alliance airlines offer status match with my DunaClub gold?
Thanks again.
TK also has a decent program, if you fly them often and they fit into your flying pattern.
A3 is easier to qualify and requalify for of course.
Feb 12, 2012 | 8:04 am
#847
Join Date: Feb 2012
Programs: MA Gold, SPG Gold, A3 Gold
Posts: 8
Great. Thank you. I am flying to IST and ATH about 3-6 times per year. I will choose A3, and will see. Maybe I will drop them an e-mail and ask them about status match possibility.
Once I have registered I will go to Turkish and buying the first tix to IST...
I really appreciate your swift reply.
Once I have registered I will go to Turkish and buying the first tix to IST...
I really appreciate your swift reply.
Feb 12, 2012 | 11:50 am
#848
Join Date: May 2011
Location: OSL
Programs: SK*G, TK*G, AB Silver (OW Ruby), SPG Gold, Club Carlson Gold
Posts: 95
Thank You,
I have checked A3 Miles and Bonus and sounds interesting. How is it possible that I need to fly only 20k miles to get Gold Status with their program, while need 100k miles to fly to get the same status with Miles and More?
What about Turkish Airlines?
Is that possible that one of the Star Alliance airlines offer status match with my DunaClub gold?
Thanks again.
I have checked A3 Miles and Bonus and sounds interesting. How is it possible that I need to fly only 20k miles to get Gold Status with their program, while need 100k miles to fly to get the same status with Miles and More?
What about Turkish Airlines?
Is that possible that one of the Star Alliance airlines offer status match with my DunaClub gold?
Thanks again.
When it comes to choosing your FFP, I agree with PVDtoDEL's recommendation, A3 or TK are your best choices. I suggest you write to both of them about the status match request and let us know the result
Here are your *A choices for the destinations mentioned:
SOF: OS via VIE (+W6 & FB-Bulgaria Air)
VIE: OS (or car)
BEG: OS via VIE (or car)
IST: TK (and enjoy the best *A lounge in the world!
)ATH: A3 (4x a week) or TK via IST or OS via VIE
PRG: OS via VIE or LH via MUC (+obviously OK)
PS. For now, the only official status match offer is that of Air Berlin (a future member of OW): www.airberlin.com/dunaclub. This one will not help you out, though, the only flight they have ex-BUD is BER :S
Feb 13, 2012 | 2:27 am
#849
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Finland, Malaysia
Programs: AYS, EBG, AAP, FB, CZ, AK
Posts: 40
Thanks. How about Thai? Anybody here with experience in seat selection and possible OpUps for Gold members?
Feb 13, 2012 | 5:32 pm
#850
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: UK
Programs: LH Silver, BD Silver
Posts: 6
1. BHX or EMA
2.Cheapest available
3. 25k-40k
4. Miles n more Silver, BD Silver (soon to be Gold), BAEC Blue, Continental one pass (old unused mileage) AC AP ( old unused mileage).
5. Lounge access, above average earning/redemption rates
6. European short-haul, including BHX/EMA to FRA each week
7. BMI, LH, LX
8 Both work and pleasure. Yes, can choose airline.
Started to look at alternatives to BD, but A3, TK and Asiana all seem to offer little or no miles for deep discounted cheap fares..
Programs that offer status based on number of flights taken (MM Frequent Flyer Silver for 30 flights) suit my travel profile, but not so easy to earn *A Gold this way.
What would you advise is my best option to replace BD Diamond Club?
2.Cheapest available
3. 25k-40k
4. Miles n more Silver, BD Silver (soon to be Gold), BAEC Blue, Continental one pass (old unused mileage) AC AP ( old unused mileage).
5. Lounge access, above average earning/redemption rates
6. European short-haul, including BHX/EMA to FRA each week
7. BMI, LH, LX
8 Both work and pleasure. Yes, can choose airline.
Started to look at alternatives to BD, but A3, TK and Asiana all seem to offer little or no miles for deep discounted cheap fares..
Programs that offer status based on number of flights taken (MM Frequent Flyer Silver for 30 flights) suit my travel profile, but not so easy to earn *A Gold this way.
What would you advise is my best option to replace BD Diamond Club?
Feb 14, 2012 | 4:54 pm
#851
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: New Zealand
Programs: Asiana Silver (2012), AirNZ Jade
Posts: 316
1. BHX or EMA
2.Cheapest available
3. 25k-40k
4. Miles n more Silver, BD Silver (soon to be Gold), BAEC Blue, Continental one pass (old unused mileage) AC AP ( old unused mileage).
5. Lounge access, above average earning/redemption rates
6. European short-haul, including BHX/EMA to FRA each week
7. BMI, LH, LX
8 Both work and pleasure. Yes, can choose airline.
Started to look at alternatives to BD, but A3, TK and Asiana all seem to offer little or no miles for deep discounted cheap fares..
Programs that offer status based on number of flights taken (MM Frequent Flyer Silver for 30 flights) suit my travel profile, but not so easy to earn *A Gold this way.
What would you advise is my best option to replace BD Diamond Club?
2.Cheapest available
3. 25k-40k
4. Miles n more Silver, BD Silver (soon to be Gold), BAEC Blue, Continental one pass (old unused mileage) AC AP ( old unused mileage).
5. Lounge access, above average earning/redemption rates
6. European short-haul, including BHX/EMA to FRA each week
7. BMI, LH, LX
8 Both work and pleasure. Yes, can choose airline.
Started to look at alternatives to BD, but A3, TK and Asiana all seem to offer little or no miles for deep discounted cheap fares..
Programs that offer status based on number of flights taken (MM Frequent Flyer Silver for 30 flights) suit my travel profile, but not so easy to earn *A Gold this way.
What would you advise is my best option to replace BD Diamond Club?
Feb 16, 2012 | 8:04 pm
#852
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Family RTW
Programs: Amex Plat, Chase Sapphire, A3 Gold, Alaska Air, UA, Virgin Atlantic, SPG, Hyatt
Posts: 186
If I go with A3 or OZ, are the benefits enough to justify the orphaned miles? I have Amex MR and Chase UR miles I can transfer to UA, but not to A3 or OZ so would not be able to add to the miles from this trip to earn a C award.
Feb 16, 2012 | 9:58 pm
#853
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
Just to follow up on this.... The trip is for me, my wife and two boys for 28,000 miles in C for $. Presumably we'll get a bonus for C, if its a 50% bonus it would be 42,000 miles.
If I go with A3 or OZ, are the benefits enough to justify the orphaned miles? I have Amex MR and Chase UR miles I can transfer to UA, but not to A3 or OZ so would not be able to add to the miles from this trip to earn a C award.
If I go with A3 or OZ, are the benefits enough to justify the orphaned miles? I have Amex MR and Chase UR miles I can transfer to UA, but not to A3 or OZ so would not be able to add to the miles from this trip to earn a C award.
I guess the question is whether status or redemption is more important to you - A3 status lasts 3 years, so it'll make your *A flying easier for the next 3 years. However, redemption will be harder.
The best airline for redemption in *A is US Airways.
Feb 17, 2012 | 12:31 am
#854
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Family RTW
Programs: Amex Plat, Chase Sapphire, A3 Gold, Alaska Air, UA, Virgin Atlantic, SPG, Hyatt
Posts: 186
For A3, you will earn 200% of miles flown in C for many airlines. I'm not sure what UA's policy is.
I guess the question is whether status or redemption is more important to you - A3 status lasts 3 years, so it'll make your *A flying easier for the next 3 years. However, redemption will be harder.
The best airline for redemption in *A is US Airways.
I guess the question is whether status or redemption is more important to you - A3 status lasts 3 years, so it'll make your *A flying easier for the next 3 years. However, redemption will be harder.
The best airline for redemption in *A is US Airways.
Two questions:
1) After 20k miles (and I assume that includes the bonus for C class travel) should I then stop putting miles into that account since redemption will be difficult?
2) The program is only for passengers over the age of 12. Neither of my kids will be 12 - and since they always travel with me, they don't need their own *G perks, I assume, so should we just deposit the miles in an account that has good redemption, like US?
Feb 17, 2012 | 12:49 am
#855
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 took a look at the T&C and it does seem like A3's offer of 36 months of *A Gold for only 20k miles is a good one.
Two questions:
1) After 20k miles (and I assume that includes the bonus for C class travel) should I then stop putting miles into that account since redemption will be difficult?
2) The program is only for passengers over the age of 12. Neither of my kids will be 12 - and since they always travel with me, they don't need their own *G perks, I assume, so should we just deposit the miles in an account that has good redemption, like US?
Two questions:
1) After 20k miles (and I assume that includes the bonus for C class travel) should I then stop putting miles into that account since redemption will be difficult?
2) The program is only for passengers over the age of 12. Neither of my kids will be 12 - and since they always travel with me, they don't need their own *G perks, I assume, so should we just deposit the miles in an account that has good redemption, like US?
As for using the 20k miles and then stopping, you would essentially be deciding not to use those miles - if you are gonna use A3, you might as well credit all your miles so that they will accumulate and you can get a good award... Also, using the *G benifits from A3 and crediting to a different program creates all kinds of IT issues with the airlines' systems.