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 27, 2010, 10:59 am
#106
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Los Angeles, USA
Programs: UA Plat-2MM, Marriott Life Titanium, Hyatt something
Posts: 1,888
Hi everyone. New to the boards here although I have been a miles junkie for several years now.. lol. This place is a treasure trove of information!
As the year comes to a close, I am considering changing programs and would be interested in some feedback.
I am currently Chairman's Preferred on US and have been for several years now. I feel I know my way around their system pretty well and in general have been satisfied enough with them, especially because I live in Phoenix. The free domestic upgrades are really generous; only once in the last two years have I not gotten an upgrade on a domestic flight.
For a variety of reasons, I decided to start flying Continental and United a little more this year, and really liked what I experienced. In fact I made a mileage run on UA a couple weeks ago and have earned Premier status on them for 2011 as well. The E+ seats alone are worth it.
I'm considering changing my efforts to earn 1K before pouring the additional resources into US's program. Here are the answers to the screening questions at the beginning of the thread, and would love to hear what you have to say!
Thanks!
Jason
(1) What is your home airport?
PHX
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ?
discount economy (and wait for the free upgrade), or discount business
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year?
>50k, plus maximize my credit card usage to earn additional EQM's
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it?
UA Premier, and US Chairman's
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP?
Frequent upgrades on travel, and having upgrades confirmed at time of booking or as far in advance as possible, priority/dedicated phone numbers or call centers
(6) Which routes do you fly most often
about 40% USA domestic, 40% Europe, 20% Asia, Oceania, South America
(7) Preferred Airlines
any *A carrier is fine by me
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure?
travel almost exclusively for pleasure. I have flexibility with airlines and fares, but not with times or dates.
One other thing - I do use my mileage credit cards for just about everything. There seems to be quite the array of UA credit cards. Any advice on which one to choose? Or is there a separate forum I should post in? (Sorry if this is in the wrong place, be kind to the noob!)
Appreciate your input!
As the year comes to a close, I am considering changing programs and would be interested in some feedback.
I am currently Chairman's Preferred on US and have been for several years now. I feel I know my way around their system pretty well and in general have been satisfied enough with them, especially because I live in Phoenix. The free domestic upgrades are really generous; only once in the last two years have I not gotten an upgrade on a domestic flight.
For a variety of reasons, I decided to start flying Continental and United a little more this year, and really liked what I experienced. In fact I made a mileage run on UA a couple weeks ago and have earned Premier status on them for 2011 as well. The E+ seats alone are worth it.
I'm considering changing my efforts to earn 1K before pouring the additional resources into US's program. Here are the answers to the screening questions at the beginning of the thread, and would love to hear what you have to say!
Thanks!
Jason
(1) What is your home airport?
PHX
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ?
discount economy (and wait for the free upgrade), or discount business
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year?
>50k, plus maximize my credit card usage to earn additional EQM's
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it?
UA Premier, and US Chairman's
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP?
Frequent upgrades on travel, and having upgrades confirmed at time of booking or as far in advance as possible, priority/dedicated phone numbers or call centers
(6) Which routes do you fly most often
about 40% USA domestic, 40% Europe, 20% Asia, Oceania, South America
(7) Preferred Airlines
any *A carrier is fine by me
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure?
travel almost exclusively for pleasure. I have flexibility with airlines and fares, but not with times or dates.
One other thing - I do use my mileage credit cards for just about everything. There seems to be quite the array of UA credit cards. Any advice on which one to choose? Or is there a separate forum I should post in? (Sorry if this is in the wrong place, be kind to the noob!)
Appreciate your input!
1K will get you 6 international (SWU) upgrades and 4 domestic (CR1) upgrades. You can earn more of both by earning EQMs above 100K.
Benefits are mostly but not entirely integrated across CO and UA for 2011.
You might be able to get a UA challenge to Premier Executive (1P) if they will use your US status (that is unknown). Then you could get 1P by flying 15,000 miles on UA in 90 days (other *A carriers won't count toward the challenge) instead of waiting until you earn 50K EQM (from all sources). If you challenge before July you will still need to make the regular qualification by Dec 31 to keep the status the following year.
I think you should start reading in the UA forum. You will learn a lot.
Dec 27, 2010, 2:53 pm
#107
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: PHX
Programs: AA PRO
Posts: 352
Thanks so much for the feedback, LAX... I am still pondering everything and noticed the ins and outs of the different credit cards. I was not aware of the potential demise of E+... I would be heartbroken. I am 6'4 and it was the first time in years I have flown in coach without my knees being bruised by the tray table supports.
All else being equal, I may give UA a try this year, especially because you can just buy status on US for a relatively small amount of money.
I will absolutely start reading the UA forums. They are a bit overwhelming to a newbie... Just wading through all the new abbreviations in a different frequent flyer system is homework for a few days!
Once again I appreciate the input. Will keep you posted!
All else being equal, I may give UA a try this year, especially because you can just buy status on US for a relatively small amount of money.
I will absolutely start reading the UA forums. They are a bit overwhelming to a newbie... Just wading through all the new abbreviations in a different frequent flyer system is homework for a few days!
Once again I appreciate the input. Will keep you posted!
Dec 28, 2010, 3:05 pm
#108
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: DTW
Programs: DL DM, SPG Gold
Posts: 19
I'd say UA or CO (which will be combined probably in 2012).
Based on UA: If you get the right Chase UA card you'll earn elite qualifying miles for your ticket purchases (I think on either UA or CO's site) and probably extra miles for all *A tickets. Or if you spend over $35K per year, you can earn 5-10K EQMs on the high priced credit cards (which give either economy plus access or lounge access). All of those cards also offer the option to redeem miles to increase your EQM count from 1-5K additional. So it is possible you can make Premier status by using these boosts even with travel in the 15K miles range.
SPG does not transfer 1:1 to UA or CO (to encourage you to get a Chase card) so that is not a good way to build up miles in either program. You are better off using those to redeem in a program that is 1:1, even if you just use it for redemptions (e.g., US).
CO has a high priced credit that earns even more (flex) EQMs and includes lounge access and other perks (kind of elite lite).
Based on UA: If you get the right Chase UA card you'll earn elite qualifying miles for your ticket purchases (I think on either UA or CO's site) and probably extra miles for all *A tickets. Or if you spend over $35K per year, you can earn 5-10K EQMs on the high priced credit cards (which give either economy plus access or lounge access). All of those cards also offer the option to redeem miles to increase your EQM count from 1-5K additional. So it is possible you can make Premier status by using these boosts even with travel in the 15K miles range.
SPG does not transfer 1:1 to UA or CO (to encourage you to get a Chase card) so that is not a good way to build up miles in either program. You are better off using those to redeem in a program that is 1:1, even if you just use it for redemptions (e.g., US).
CO has a high priced credit that earns even more (flex) EQMs and includes lounge access and other perks (kind of elite lite).
W
Dec 30, 2010, 4:46 pm
#109
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: UA 1K, AA 2MM, Bonvoy LT Plt, Mets fan
Posts: 5,073
Looking for input from the *A gurus. I'm wondering about suggestions to (a) assure myself of being at least 1P in 2012, and (b) figuring out how to maximize the chance of ending up at the 75k level.
I'm thinking about getting the Presidential Plus card, and running about $50k or so of spend there (I usually do $10k/month on all my cards combined, most of that now is on SPG Amex) to get 10,000 flex EQMs.
I'm looking for advice about whether it matters if I credit my CO-UA flying to one or the other -- and if it helps to credit it to UA, how much do I lose out by not booking as CO PLT.
My answers are below...
(1) What is your home airport? LAX.
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy? Starting 1/1/11, I can buy discount C for westbound transcon flights (6 hour block time or longer, so really only JFK, EWR or BOS to LAX), as long as my r/t is no more than $1,500 r/t. Otherwise, the lowest price economy fare (but that will sometimes be within 7 days of travel).
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? 50-75k - see below.
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? In addition to being EXP (ending 2/28/11) and lifetime PLT on the dAArk side, I status matched to CO PLT in order to take advantage of the UA+CO merger.
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? Upgrades, priority seating/boarding.
(6) Which routes do you fly most often? LAX-JFK 6-10x/year (more if things are busy), and occasional trips around the west coast, plus 1 or 2/year to PHL/DC.
(7) Preferred Airlines Friends don't let friends fly Delta. I like E+, but not as much as AA F.
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? Mostly for work. See #2. I'll do pleasure travel about 10k/year if fares are good.
I'm thinking about getting the Presidential Plus card, and running about $50k or so of spend there (I usually do $10k/month on all my cards combined, most of that now is on SPG Amex) to get 10,000 flex EQMs.
I'm looking for advice about whether it matters if I credit my CO-UA flying to one or the other -- and if it helps to credit it to UA, how much do I lose out by not booking as CO PLT.
My answers are below...
(1) What is your home airport? LAX.
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy? Starting 1/1/11, I can buy discount C for westbound transcon flights (6 hour block time or longer, so really only JFK, EWR or BOS to LAX), as long as my r/t is no more than $1,500 r/t. Otherwise, the lowest price economy fare (but that will sometimes be within 7 days of travel).
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? 50-75k - see below.
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? In addition to being EXP (ending 2/28/11) and lifetime PLT on the dAArk side, I status matched to CO PLT in order to take advantage of the UA+CO merger.
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? Upgrades, priority seating/boarding.
(6) Which routes do you fly most often? LAX-JFK 6-10x/year (more if things are busy), and occasional trips around the west coast, plus 1 or 2/year to PHL/DC.
(7) Preferred Airlines Friends don't let friends fly Delta. I like E+, but not as much as AA F.
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? Mostly for work. See #2. I'll do pleasure travel about 10k/year if fares are good.
Jan 1, 2011, 8:49 am
#110
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Italy
Programs: LH Sen, AZ, AA, EK, IG
Posts: 4
This entire thread has been timely, helpful, and informative! My *A gold status is expiring in 2 months and I need to an alternative plan for 2011 and beyond since I won’t be able to reach the LH threshold any longer.
Thanks to all your advice and ideas, it seems my best options would be OZ or A3. I just joined both programs yesterday, but my first 2011 flight is in 3 weeks so I have a few days still to decide which to go with.
I have 2 RT tickets to ADD and 3 RT tickets to the US coming up in the next 8 months, so I would qualify for *A Gold with A3 by Feb/Mar and with OZ by summer 2011.
I’m currently leaning toward OZ since (if I understand correctly based on my reference day of 31 Dec 2010) my *A gold status wouldn’t expire until Dec 2014. That seems pretty appealing even considering the possible downsides of that program.
Do any of you have any specific insights based on my location/situation? Does OZ seem like a wise choice? I appreciate your help!
_______________________
(1) Home Airport –.Torino (TRN) or Milano (MXP)
(2) Usual Fare Type –.Y
(3) Annual Miles –.25k–50k
(4) Status –.LH Sen/*A Gold
(5) Most Important Features of a FFP
••1st Priority.–.Free Lounge Access
••2nd Priority –.Low Threshold for reaching/maintaining Elite Status
••3rd Priority – Availability of Award Tickets
(6) Most common routes
••1. Intra-Europe
••2. Transatlantic
(7) Preferred Airlines
••No preference - whatever qualifies me for elite status
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure?
••Most often for work, occasionally for pleasure
••Yes, I can choose my airlines - but always Y tickets
Thanks to all your advice and ideas, it seems my best options would be OZ or A3. I just joined both programs yesterday, but my first 2011 flight is in 3 weeks so I have a few days still to decide which to go with.
I have 2 RT tickets to ADD and 3 RT tickets to the US coming up in the next 8 months, so I would qualify for *A Gold with A3 by Feb/Mar and with OZ by summer 2011.
I’m currently leaning toward OZ since (if I understand correctly based on my reference day of 31 Dec 2010) my *A gold status wouldn’t expire until Dec 2014. That seems pretty appealing even considering the possible downsides of that program.
Do any of you have any specific insights based on my location/situation? Does OZ seem like a wise choice? I appreciate your help!
_______________________
(1) Home Airport –.Torino (TRN) or Milano (MXP)
(2) Usual Fare Type –.Y
(3) Annual Miles –.25k–50k
(4) Status –.LH Sen/*A Gold
(5) Most Important Features of a FFP
••1st Priority.–.Free Lounge Access
••2nd Priority –.Low Threshold for reaching/maintaining Elite Status
••3rd Priority – Availability of Award Tickets
(6) Most common routes
••1. Intra-Europe
••2. Transatlantic
(7) Preferred Airlines
••No preference - whatever qualifies me for elite status
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure?
••Most often for work, occasionally for pleasure
••Yes, I can choose my airlines - but always Y tickets
Last edited by bipbip; Jan 1, 2011 at 8:52 am Reason: Just a couple minor corrections
Jan 1, 2011, 10:58 am
#111
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: GRR, USA
Posts: 3,298
This entire thread has been timely, helpful, and informative! My *A gold status is expiring in 2 months and I need to an alternative plan for 2011 and beyond since I won’t be able to reach the LH threshold any longer.
Thanks to all your advice and ideas, it seems my best options would be OZ or A3. I just joined both programs yesterday, but my first 2011 flight is in 3 weeks so I have a few days still to decide which to go with.
I have 2 RT tickets to ADD and 3 RT tickets to the US coming up in the next 8 months, so I would qualify for *A Gold with A3 by Feb/Mar and with OZ by summer 2011.
I’m currently leaning toward OZ since (if I understand correctly based on my reference day of 31 Dec 2010) my *A gold status wouldn’t expire until Dec 2014. That seems pretty appealing even considering the possible downsides of that program.
Do any of you have any specific insights based on my location/situation? Does OZ seem like a wise choice? I appreciate your help!
_______________________
(1) Home Airport –.Torino (TRN) or Milano (MXP)
(2) Usual Fare Type –.Y
(3) Annual Miles –.25k–50k
(4) Status –.LH Sen/*A Gold
(5) Most Important Features of a FFP
••1st Priority.–.Free Lounge Access
••2nd Priority –.Low Threshold for reaching/maintaining Elite Status
••3rd Priority – Availability of Award Tickets
(6) Most common routes
••1. Intra-Europe
••2. Transatlantic
(7) Preferred Airlines
••No preference - whatever qualifies me for elite status
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure?
••Most often for work, occasionally for pleasure
••Yes, I can choose my airlines - but always Y tickets
Thanks to all your advice and ideas, it seems my best options would be OZ or A3. I just joined both programs yesterday, but my first 2011 flight is in 3 weeks so I have a few days still to decide which to go with.
I have 2 RT tickets to ADD and 3 RT tickets to the US coming up in the next 8 months, so I would qualify for *A Gold with A3 by Feb/Mar and with OZ by summer 2011.
I’m currently leaning toward OZ since (if I understand correctly based on my reference day of 31 Dec 2010) my *A gold status wouldn’t expire until Dec 2014. That seems pretty appealing even considering the possible downsides of that program.
Do any of you have any specific insights based on my location/situation? Does OZ seem like a wise choice? I appreciate your help!
_______________________
(1) Home Airport –.Torino (TRN) or Milano (MXP)
(2) Usual Fare Type –.Y
(3) Annual Miles –.25k–50k
(4) Status –.LH Sen/*A Gold
(5) Most Important Features of a FFP
••1st Priority.–.Free Lounge Access
••2nd Priority –.Low Threshold for reaching/maintaining Elite Status
••3rd Priority – Availability of Award Tickets
(6) Most common routes
••1. Intra-Europe
••2. Transatlantic
(7) Preferred Airlines
••No preference - whatever qualifies me for elite status
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure?
••Most often for work, occasionally for pleasure
••Yes, I can choose my airlines - but always Y tickets
Look at BMI Diamond club. Theres a potential that Miles/More will acquire the plan perhaps mid year, but if you can snag BMI gold prior to the conversion (no definite plans announced, but they did confirm they have the "roadmap" in place, Miles and More SHOULD transfer you over to them as a Senator for 2 years. A few things have to fall into place for you, but BMI has a very good accumulation scheme and excellent redemptions. NO blocking on their award seats so you can use virtually any *A airline through BMI unlike united's mileage plus that blocks you from seats on certain carriers (LH for one).
Last edited by LufthansaFlyer; Jan 1, 2011 at 12:21 pm
Jan 2, 2011, 9:44 am
#112
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 32
(1) What is your home airport? FRA
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? discounted Y
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? ~25-35k
(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? Upgrades, C-Class Awards TATL, Lounge access
(6) Which routes do you fly most often? Intra European on business, 1-2/y FRA-YHZ (leisure)
(7) Preferred Airlines? *A so far
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? mostly work, occasionally leisure.
Can book my own travel for business, up to 20% over cheapest fare
Is it worth sticking with *A/M&M or might AF/KLM be a better bet?
Thanks for your advice
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? discounted Y
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? ~25-35k
(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? Upgrades, C-Class Awards TATL, Lounge access
(6) Which routes do you fly most often? Intra European on business, 1-2/y FRA-YHZ (leisure)
(7) Preferred Airlines? *A so far
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? mostly work, occasionally leisure.
Can book my own travel for business, up to 20% over cheapest fare
Is it worth sticking with *A/M&M or might AF/KLM be a better bet?
Thanks for your advice
Jan 2, 2011, 2:01 pm
#113
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: GRR, USA
Posts: 3,298
(1) What is your home airport? FRA
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? discounted Y
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? ~25-35k
(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? Upgrades, C-Class Awards TATL, Lounge access
(6) Which routes do you fly most often? Intra European on business, 1-2/y FRA-YHZ (leisure)
(7) Preferred Airlines? *A so far
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? mostly work, occasionally leisure.
Can book my own travel for business, up to 20% over cheapest fare
Is it worth sticking with *A/M&M or might AF/KLM be a better bet?
Thanks for your advice
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? discounted Y
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? ~25-35k
(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? Upgrades, C-Class Awards TATL, Lounge access
(6) Which routes do you fly most often? Intra European on business, 1-2/y FRA-YHZ (leisure)
(7) Preferred Airlines? *A so far
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? mostly work, occasionally leisure.
Can book my own travel for business, up to 20% over cheapest fare
Is it worth sticking with *A/M&M or might AF/KLM be a better bet?
Thanks for your advice
Jan 2, 2011, 6:35 pm
#114
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 1
(1) What is your home airport? PVG
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? Y
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? 50k Economy, 30k Business (Although some on other programs)
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? Air China Gold
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? Good award redemption rates
(6) Which routes do you fly most often? Singapore4-6 times a year (economy), Europe, mainly Stuttgart, 2-3 times a year (business), US, mainly LAX, 1-2 times a year (economy - personal trips so may not be Y), China many times (Economy), Rest of Asia (Economy)
(7) Preferred Airlines - Singapore airlines
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? Mainly for work. US and some Asia trips are for personal
Any quick reply would be great! I am flying today to Singapore already and will probably not use CA anymore if possible.
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? Y
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? 50k Economy, 30k Business (Although some on other programs)
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? Air China Gold
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? Good award redemption rates
(6) Which routes do you fly most often? Singapore4-6 times a year (economy), Europe, mainly Stuttgart, 2-3 times a year (business), US, mainly LAX, 1-2 times a year (economy - personal trips so may not be Y), China many times (Economy), Rest of Asia (Economy)
(7) Preferred Airlines - Singapore airlines
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? Mainly for work. US and some Asia trips are for personal
Any quick reply would be great! I am flying today to Singapore already and will probably not use CA anymore if possible.
Last edited by ko_leos; Jan 2, 2011 at 6:40 pm
Jan 3, 2011, 5:50 am
#115
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 32
Hi Cougar,
I haven't looked closely at AF yet, I just see them coming up as alternative on my corporate travel site all the time and they seem to attack LH on price ex Fra.
Maybe I just need to learn how to optimize M&M for my needs, so far I just couldn't get anything out of it, that's why I was posting here to check for alternatives. The start of the year just looked like the best time to do so
Thanks
I haven't looked closely at AF yet, I just see them coming up as alternative on my corporate travel site all the time and they seem to attack LH on price ex Fra.
Maybe I just need to learn how to optimize M&M for my needs, so far I just couldn't get anything out of it, that's why I was posting here to check for alternatives. The start of the year just looked like the best time to do so
Thanks
Jan 3, 2011, 5:29 pm
#116
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: GRR, USA
Posts: 3,298
Hi Cougar,
I haven't looked closely at AF yet, I just see them coming up as alternative on my corporate travel site all the time and they seem to attack LH on price ex Fra.
Maybe I just need to learn how to optimize M&M for my needs, so far I just couldn't get anything out of it, that's why I was posting here to check for alternatives. The start of the year just looked like the best time to do so
Thanks
I haven't looked closely at AF yet, I just see them coming up as alternative on my corporate travel site all the time and they seem to attack LH on price ex Fra.
Maybe I just need to learn how to optimize M&M for my needs, so far I just couldn't get anything out of it, that's why I was posting here to check for alternatives. The start of the year just looked like the best time to do so
Thanks
I'm partial to the *A because my EU travels from the states almost always takes me to slovakia and the czech republic, its because of LH's reach into eastern europe that I use *A. Not to mention that MUC is my most favorite airport in the world to transit. At the end of the day, I'm probably guilty of the skewing that I'm referring to!!
Last edited by LufthansaFlyer; Jan 3, 2011 at 5:35 pm
Jan 4, 2011, 3:52 am
#117
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Italy
Programs: LH Sen, AZ, AA, EK, IG
Posts: 4
Look at BMI Diamond club. Theres a potential that Miles/More will acquire the plan perhaps mid year, but if you can snag BMI gold prior to the conversion (no definite plans announced, but they did confirm they have the "roadmap" in place, Miles and More SHOULD transfer you over to them as a Senator for 2 years. A few things have to fall into place for you, but BMI has a very good accumulation scheme and excellent redemptions. NO blocking on their award seats so you can use virtually any *A airline through BMI unlike united's mileage plus that blocks you from seats on certain carriers (LH for one).
But, I hear your advice, and I'm still weighing all the possibilities. Thanks again! Anyone else have any input?
Jan 4, 2011, 10:24 am
#118
Join Date: Jan 2010
Programs: US Airways Gold
Posts: 7
(1) What is your home airport? PHL now, but moving to ORD in JUNE
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? cheapest
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? 30k-40k now, but probably 20-25k once I move to Chicago
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? US GOLD
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? Upgrades, Access to Exit Row seating (i'm 6'5" so leg room is crucial), free bags
(6) Which routes do you fly most often? PHL-ORD now
(7) Preferred Airlines? *A but open for suggestions
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? about even right now but it will be mostly pleasure once I move back
Home is Chicago but I have been living in Philly for work for almost 4 years...finally getting transfered back in June. My flying will definitely decrease but I am assuming that I will be using the money I spent flying back home to see family on pleasure trips once I am back home for good.
It looks like my options are UA/AA out of ORD or I could just say screw it and go with Southwest.....doubt that though.
Any help is appreciated!
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? cheapest
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? 30k-40k now, but probably 20-25k once I move to Chicago
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? US GOLD
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? Upgrades, Access to Exit Row seating (i'm 6'5" so leg room is crucial), free bags
(6) Which routes do you fly most often? PHL-ORD now
(7) Preferred Airlines? *A but open for suggestions
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? about even right now but it will be mostly pleasure once I move back
Home is Chicago but I have been living in Philly for work for almost 4 years...finally getting transfered back in June. My flying will definitely decrease but I am assuming that I will be using the money I spent flying back home to see family on pleasure trips once I am back home for good.
It looks like my options are UA/AA out of ORD or I could just say screw it and go with Southwest.....doubt that though.
Any help is appreciated!
Jan 5, 2011, 8:41 am
#119
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Los Angeles, USA
Programs: UA Plat-2MM, Marriott Life Titanium, Hyatt something
Posts: 1,888
(1) What is your home airport? PHL now, but moving to ORD in JUNE
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? cheapest
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? 30k-40k now, but probably 20-25k once I move to Chicago
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? US GOLD
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? Upgrades, Access to Exit Row seating (i'm 6'5" so leg room is crucial), free bags
(6) Which routes do you fly most often? PHL-ORD now
(7) Preferred Airlines? *A but open for suggestions
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? about even right now but it will be mostly pleasure once I move back
Home is Chicago but I have been living in Philly for work for almost 4 years...finally getting transfered back in June. My flying will definitely decrease but I am assuming that I will be using the money I spent flying back home to see family on pleasure trips once I am back home for good.
It looks like my options are UA/AA out of ORD or I could just say screw it and go with Southwest.....doubt that though.
Any help is appreciated!
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? cheapest
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? 30k-40k now, but probably 20-25k once I move to Chicago
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? US GOLD
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? Upgrades, Access to Exit Row seating (i'm 6'5" so leg room is crucial), free bags
(6) Which routes do you fly most often? PHL-ORD now
(7) Preferred Airlines? *A but open for suggestions
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? about even right now but it will be mostly pleasure once I move back
Home is Chicago but I have been living in Philly for work for almost 4 years...finally getting transfered back in June. My flying will definitely decrease but I am assuming that I will be using the money I spent flying back home to see family on pleasure trips once I am back home for good.
It looks like my options are UA/AA out of ORD or I could just say screw it and go with Southwest.....doubt that though.
Any help is appreciated!
You will also get free bags and might get some upgrades, although not on popular routes from ORD.
UA and CO are combining and have not announced if E+ is staying or not, but for now it's on all UA mainline and a lot of express.
UA doesn't normally match status from another *A carrier but given your move you should ask them to do a challenge, in which you fly a certain amount of miles on UA metal in 90 days and get the status for the year. If you match before July 1, you'll have to make the normal qualification by year end to keep the status next year (otherwise you get it for the next year). Challenges might be suspended for a few weeks at the beginning of the year but it looks like they are taking requests. You get the status during the 90 day period.
http://www.united.com/statusmatch
Since you are Gold, I think you have to match to 1P, which means a lot of flying during the challenge. But then you'd have 1P for up to a year and a half, with exit row booking and better upgrade priority.
Jan 8, 2011, 4:03 am
#120
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: OSL
Programs: EBG
Posts: 123
I currently have EBG status (that will last until April 2012) but thinking about joining MM this year. Mainly in order to recieve upgradevouchers:
(1) What is your home airport? OSL, but leaving to SAN from August 2011 until July 2012
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? Z
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? 115k this year
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? EBG
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? Frequent upgrades on travel, priority services when flying the airline, free lounge access.
(6) Which routes do you fly most often? OSL-PVG, OSL-SAN, and SAN-PVG
(7) Preferred Airlines? LH and SAS, as they are the most familiar ones.
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? Mostly work, but I can choose airline myself as long as the price is within certain limits (i.e. typically restriced business)
(1) What is your home airport? OSL, but leaving to SAN from August 2011 until July 2012
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? Z
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? 115k this year
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? EBG
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? Frequent upgrades on travel, priority services when flying the airline, free lounge access.
(6) Which routes do you fly most often? OSL-PVG, OSL-SAN, and SAN-PVG
(7) Preferred Airlines? LH and SAS, as they are the most familiar ones.
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? Mostly work, but I can choose airline myself as long as the price is within certain limits (i.e. typically restriced business)