Jan 20, 2016, 10:53 pm
Last edit by: jtet
A number of threads have been started with members asking for guidance on which mileage programme they should join. In order to help users I have started this thread to allow people to post their requests for information here and to allow people to offer assistance.
For members asking for information please help people to assist you, can you provide:
(1) What is your home airport? (SFO, LAX, MCO, etc.)
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? (C, F, Y, etc.)
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? (<25K, 25k-50k, >50k)
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? (UA Silver, M&M Senator etc)
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? (Frequent upgrades on travel, priority services when flying the airline, good award redemption rates, free lounge access, etc.)
(6) Which routes do you fly most often (US Domestic, Transpacific etc)
(7) Preferred Airlines
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? (Can you chooose your airlines, class of service?)
GENERAL INFORMATION:
If you fly less than 50k miles per year: it is almost guaranteed that your choice will be between Aegean Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and Asiana Airlines. Please look up these airlines' frequent flier programs, and make a decision as to which best suits your needs.
Some considerations to take into account:
Airlines tend to treat members of their own frequent flier program better than members of other frequent flier programs. If you fly one of these airlines, it is recommended that you choose that airline.
Some airlines have better earning/redemption charts for your pattern. For example, if you fly on cheap fares on a certain airline often, Turkish might give you miles for it, while Aegean might not. However, Turkish Airlines might charge much more for the redemption that you want to make than Aegean.
Asiana Airlines offers lifetime Star Alliance Gold for 500k miles over life. The other 2 airlines do not offer this benefit.
Asiana Airlines has a credit card in the USA and some other countries. If you are interested in credit cards, check to make sure that the program that you join has a credit card in your country.
If you still aren't sure which frequent flyer program is for you after looking these up, feel free to ask on this thread.
For members asking for information please help people to assist you, can you provide:
(1) What is your home airport? (SFO, LAX, MCO, etc.)
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? (C, F, Y, etc.)
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? (<25K, 25k-50k, >50k)
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? (UA Silver, M&M Senator etc)
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? (Frequent upgrades on travel, priority services when flying the airline, good award redemption rates, free lounge access, etc.)
(6) Which routes do you fly most often (US Domestic, Transpacific etc)
(7) Preferred Airlines
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? (Can you chooose your airlines, class of service?)
GENERAL INFORMATION:
If you fly less than 50k miles per year: it is almost guaranteed that your choice will be between Aegean Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and Asiana Airlines. Please look up these airlines' frequent flier programs, and make a decision as to which best suits your needs.
Some considerations to take into account:
Airlines tend to treat members of their own frequent flier program better than members of other frequent flier programs. If you fly one of these airlines, it is recommended that you choose that airline.
Some airlines have better earning/redemption charts for your pattern. For example, if you fly on cheap fares on a certain airline often, Turkish might give you miles for it, while Aegean might not. However, Turkish Airlines might charge much more for the redemption that you want to make than Aegean.
Asiana Airlines offers lifetime Star Alliance Gold for 500k miles over life. The other 2 airlines do not offer this benefit.
Asiana Airlines has a credit card in the USA and some other countries. If you are interested in credit cards, check to make sure that the program that you join has a credit card in your country.
If you still aren't sure which frequent flyer program is for you after looking these up, feel free to ask on this thread.
Need advice on which *A FF scheme to join? - please post here
Aug 31, 2013 | 6:36 pm
#1216
Join Date: May 2010
Location: CPH
Posts: 10
Choosing the right FFP
Original Post:
I'm currently trying to decide which FFP I should follow for my *A flights.
The choice is currently between EuroBonus and Miles&More (unless someone has any other suggestions?).
Currently I have a little more than 30K miles in EB from previous years. So my status is 0 with any of the programs.
I currently have the following tickets booked:
CPH-VIE in K and VIE-CPH in Q with Austrian Airlines
CPH-CDG (SK in U)
CDG-GRU (JJ in V)
GRU-FRA (JJ in H)
FRA-CPH (SK in U)
Those are trips I will expect to somewhat repeat a few times (around 3 times) within the next few months. More trips to other destinations may be added.
However, I'm in a situation where I'm in no control over which alliances or airlines I fly with, hence I'm trying to establish myself with one program in the 3 major alliances. This obviously is for the *A.
The way I see it, there's a decent chance I could hit Gold with EB, where on M&M it seems I should only expect hitting FT and SEN would probably not happen?
Or maybe I'm calculating things wrong?
Flying the long flight CDG-GRU and GRU-FRA on TAM - does that pay better in miles with the M&M than on EB?
From what I can tell, EB gives a very low amount of miles to you when flying on anything else than SK metal. Is the M&M better in this regards, giving more miles than EB when not flying LH metal?
As previously mentioned I'm trying to establish myself with one program in each of the three big alliances, hence I'm also looking to gain status with whatever program that gives me a better chance of applying for a status match in one of the other alliances programs.
Any advice to a new frequent flyer - trying to navigate the interesting world of miles and bonuses, would be much appreciated.
Thank you!
Additions:
(1) What is your home airport? (SFO, LAX, MCO, etc.)
CPH
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? (C, F, Y, etc.)
Y or discounted economy
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? (<25K, 25k-50k, >50k)
>50K
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? (UA Premier, M&M Senator etc)
No
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? (Frequent upgrades on travel, priority services when flying the airline, good award redemption rates, free lounge access, etc.)
#1 Upgrades
#2 Redemption
#3 Lounge access
(6) Which routes do you fly most often (US Domestic, Transpacific etc)
It is really a big mix. At the moment transatlantic (South America) and European
(7) Preferred Airlines
No
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? (Can you chooose your airlines, class of service?)
Work. Influence on airline, but not final decision.
I'm currently trying to decide which FFP I should follow for my *A flights.
The choice is currently between EuroBonus and Miles&More (unless someone has any other suggestions?).
Currently I have a little more than 30K miles in EB from previous years. So my status is 0 with any of the programs.
I currently have the following tickets booked:
CPH-VIE in K and VIE-CPH in Q with Austrian Airlines
CPH-CDG (SK in U)
CDG-GRU (JJ in V)
GRU-FRA (JJ in H)
FRA-CPH (SK in U)
Those are trips I will expect to somewhat repeat a few times (around 3 times) within the next few months. More trips to other destinations may be added.
However, I'm in a situation where I'm in no control over which alliances or airlines I fly with, hence I'm trying to establish myself with one program in the 3 major alliances. This obviously is for the *A.
The way I see it, there's a decent chance I could hit Gold with EB, where on M&M it seems I should only expect hitting FT and SEN would probably not happen?
Or maybe I'm calculating things wrong?
Flying the long flight CDG-GRU and GRU-FRA on TAM - does that pay better in miles with the M&M than on EB?
From what I can tell, EB gives a very low amount of miles to you when flying on anything else than SK metal. Is the M&M better in this regards, giving more miles than EB when not flying LH metal?
As previously mentioned I'm trying to establish myself with one program in each of the three big alliances, hence I'm also looking to gain status with whatever program that gives me a better chance of applying for a status match in one of the other alliances programs.
Any advice to a new frequent flyer - trying to navigate the interesting world of miles and bonuses, would be much appreciated.
Thank you!
Additions:
(1) What is your home airport? (SFO, LAX, MCO, etc.)
CPH
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? (C, F, Y, etc.)
Y or discounted economy
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? (<25K, 25k-50k, >50k)
>50K
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? (UA Premier, M&M Senator etc)
No
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? (Frequent upgrades on travel, priority services when flying the airline, good award redemption rates, free lounge access, etc.)
#1 Upgrades
#2 Redemption
#3 Lounge access
(6) Which routes do you fly most often (US Domestic, Transpacific etc)
It is really a big mix. At the moment transatlantic (South America) and European
(7) Preferred Airlines
No
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? (Can you chooose your airlines, class of service?)
Work. Influence on airline, but not final decision.
Last edited by klausk; Sep 1, 2013 at 1:39 pm Reason: Additions
Sep 1, 2013 | 11:51 am
#1217
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: mostly London
Programs: BA Gold - so flying too much again... plus AA, LX, VS and too many hotel programmes to mention
Posts: 596
LX vs LH?
I am looking for a *A FFP to replace BD's now defunct Diamond Club
(1) What is your home airport?
LHR
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ?
Discounted business - i.e. D class or equivalent
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year?
This varies a lot - typically 50-100k EQM
I have a LOT of travel booked for this year... inc probably a RTW.
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it?
BA Silver
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP?
1. Ability to earn miles via credit card (I can put a lot of business expenses through the card)
2. Good redemption availability in J or F
Status is not so important as I will be in business classs for longhaul travel anyway - and have Priority Pass for lounge access when flying Y.
(6) Which routes do you fly most often
Transatlantic mostly but quite often to Asia.
Other places less frequently but it does happen from time to time.
(7) Preferred Airlines
Don't mind.
In *A I like LH and LX as their fares are often quite decent.
Like SQ when price is right - so need to make of sure full earning on their flights.
Don't mind UA/US.
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? (Can you chooose your airlines, class of service?)
I travel for work on paid tickets - I can choose whatever I wish, within sensible boundaries of cost.
Travel for pleasure is ideally done on a mileage ticket.
So...
In spite of slightly less than favourable earning / burning rates, the choice for me seems to be LH/LX.
Is there any difference between the two?
Better to stick to LH as they own the programme?
Or as they also own LX would I notice any difference?
(1) What is your home airport?
LHR
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ?
Discounted business - i.e. D class or equivalent
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year?
This varies a lot - typically 50-100k EQM
I have a LOT of travel booked for this year... inc probably a RTW.
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it?
BA Silver
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP?
1. Ability to earn miles via credit card (I can put a lot of business expenses through the card)
2. Good redemption availability in J or F
Status is not so important as I will be in business classs for longhaul travel anyway - and have Priority Pass for lounge access when flying Y.
(6) Which routes do you fly most often
Transatlantic mostly but quite often to Asia.
Other places less frequently but it does happen from time to time.
(7) Preferred Airlines
Don't mind.
In *A I like LH and LX as their fares are often quite decent.
Like SQ when price is right - so need to make of sure full earning on their flights.
Don't mind UA/US.
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? (Can you chooose your airlines, class of service?)
I travel for work on paid tickets - I can choose whatever I wish, within sensible boundaries of cost.
Travel for pleasure is ideally done on a mileage ticket.
So...
In spite of slightly less than favourable earning / burning rates, the choice for me seems to be LH/LX.
Is there any difference between the two?
Better to stick to LH as they own the programme?
Or as they also own LX would I notice any difference?
Sep 4, 2013 | 1:53 am
#1218
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: EU
Programs: Most of them...
Posts: 335
Quick choice for an EU-Australia trip in C
Hello,
Haven't visited here in a while as I don't fly for work any more, only on my own dime which goes mostly to the low-cost carriers. Therefore I am a little out of touch with what's in right now (last time it was Aegean for quick status achievement).
My friend who is based in Germany is flying to Australia and back within a week or so, in C. He's not much into miles but I advised him not to let the miles from such a long trip be wasted
Thus my question - which Star programme would be most useful to him in terms of redemption (which would put LH out of question - although I find their Worldshop awards, albeit overpriced, a tolerable way to burn miles). TK? A3? Status would be nice but I understand that he doesn't fly that often either to make use of it.
Any thoughts?
Thanks in advance.
Haven't visited here in a while as I don't fly for work any more, only on my own dime which goes mostly to the low-cost carriers. Therefore I am a little out of touch with what's in right now (last time it was Aegean for quick status achievement).
My friend who is based in Germany is flying to Australia and back within a week or so, in C. He's not much into miles but I advised him not to let the miles from such a long trip be wasted
Thus my question - which Star programme would be most useful to him in terms of redemption (which would put LH out of question - although I find their Worldshop awards, albeit overpriced, a tolerable way to burn miles). TK? A3? Status would be nice but I understand that he doesn't fly that often either to make use of it.
Any thoughts?
Thanks in advance.
Sep 5, 2013 | 1:49 am
#1219
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: BOM, Ex-TX/ CA
Programs: Ex CO/ UA Gold, Hotels.. TBD
Posts: 734
I just signed up on Aegen after seeing the articles / posts on Easiest Status benefit. What kind of experiences have people had on this?
I will be making an international trip - India to US soon. I have around 100k in my United Account.
I am wondering if it would make sense to credit this trip to Aegen for Status.
ALSO - Once you have MILEs separated into ACCOUNTS of 2 ALLIANCE members how/ could you consolidate them for REWARD/ AWARD Travel?
e.g. Miles in Aegen, Miles in UA account.
I will be making an international trip - India to US soon. I have around 100k in my United Account.
I am wondering if it would make sense to credit this trip to Aegen for Status.
ALSO - Once you have MILEs separated into ACCOUNTS of 2 ALLIANCE members how/ could you consolidate them for REWARD/ AWARD Travel?
e.g. Miles in Aegen, Miles in UA account.
Hello,
Haven't visited here in a while as I don't fly for work any more, only on my own dime which goes mostly to the low-cost carriers. Therefore I am a little out of touch with what's in right now (last time it was Aegean for quick status achievement).
My friend who is based in Germany is flying to Australia and back within a week or so, in C. He's not much into miles but I advised him not to let the miles from such a long trip be wasted
Thus my question - which Star programme would be most useful to him in terms of redemption (which would put LH out of question - although I find their Worldshop awards, albeit overpriced, a tolerable way to burn miles). TK? A3? Status would be nice but I understand that he doesn't fly that often either to make use of it.
Any thoughts?
Thanks in advance.
Haven't visited here in a while as I don't fly for work any more, only on my own dime which goes mostly to the low-cost carriers. Therefore I am a little out of touch with what's in right now (last time it was Aegean for quick status achievement).
My friend who is based in Germany is flying to Australia and back within a week or so, in C. He's not much into miles but I advised him not to let the miles from such a long trip be wasted
Thus my question - which Star programme would be most useful to him in terms of redemption (which would put LH out of question - although I find their Worldshop awards, albeit overpriced, a tolerable way to burn miles). TK? A3? Status would be nice but I understand that he doesn't fly that often either to make use of it.
Any thoughts?
Thanks in advance.
Sep 7, 2013 | 11:17 pm
#1220
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 4
Super Frequent Flyer looking for advice
Hello all,
I've recently commenced operating as an On Board Courier from my Hong Kong Base, which now sees me undertaking 1-3 international trips per week. I can be placed on any airline, often multiple airlines per trip. At current rate I'm racking up approximately 10 international flights per week and need advice on which *A FF Program I should be claiming all my points too? I've also undertaken 40 international flights in this past month on various *A airlines - but am yet to claim any of the points to any airline.
(1) What is your home airport? HKG
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy? Y (sometimes J)
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? Much more than 50K
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? Nil
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? 1- Priority is Lounge Access as I am transiting for MANY hours each week; followed by 2- frequent upgrades on travel, and 3- all other bonuses are presently of equal value to me.
A long-term goal would be to achieve lifetime Gold Status with a *A Carrier, so that I can retain status and then focus on increasing point generation/upgrade potential etc (feel free to suggest a more profitable goal).
(6) Which routes do you fly most often? HKG -> NRT -> IST -> BUD -> DOH -> HKG (this route I do once per week at present).
(7) Preferred Airlines: No preference yet
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? Both - but for work I have no say on airline, class of travel etc. As such most tickets are either of discount economy or regular economy. Occasionally I will be given Premium Economy or Business class tickets.
Just for reference - a typical courier job may see me undertake the following patterns, mostly on *A carriers:
- HKG -> NRT -> IST -> BUD -> DOH -> HKG
- HKG -> ICN -> LAX -> JFK -> MEX -> LAX -> HKG
I would love to be able to join the best *A FF Program now so I can start collating the points I'm rapidly collecting across the alliance members. So any advice on which *A FF Program to join to maximize my status AND points generation would immensely helpful.
Thank you
I've recently commenced operating as an On Board Courier from my Hong Kong Base, which now sees me undertaking 1-3 international trips per week. I can be placed on any airline, often multiple airlines per trip. At current rate I'm racking up approximately 10 international flights per week and need advice on which *A FF Program I should be claiming all my points too? I've also undertaken 40 international flights in this past month on various *A airlines - but am yet to claim any of the points to any airline.
(1) What is your home airport? HKG
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy? Y (sometimes J)
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? Much more than 50K
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? Nil
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? 1- Priority is Lounge Access as I am transiting for MANY hours each week; followed by 2- frequent upgrades on travel, and 3- all other bonuses are presently of equal value to me.
A long-term goal would be to achieve lifetime Gold Status with a *A Carrier, so that I can retain status and then focus on increasing point generation/upgrade potential etc (feel free to suggest a more profitable goal).
(6) Which routes do you fly most often? HKG -> NRT -> IST -> BUD -> DOH -> HKG (this route I do once per week at present).
(7) Preferred Airlines: No preference yet
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? Both - but for work I have no say on airline, class of travel etc. As such most tickets are either of discount economy or regular economy. Occasionally I will be given Premium Economy or Business class tickets.
Just for reference - a typical courier job may see me undertake the following patterns, mostly on *A carriers:
- HKG -> NRT -> IST -> BUD -> DOH -> HKG
- HKG -> ICN -> LAX -> JFK -> MEX -> LAX -> HKG
I would love to be able to join the best *A FF Program now so I can start collating the points I'm rapidly collecting across the alliance members. So any advice on which *A FF Program to join to maximize my status AND points generation would immensely helpful.
Thank you
Last edited by Tim Martin; Sep 7, 2013 at 11:31 pm
Sep 8, 2013 | 10:53 pm
#1221
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: IST
Programs: TK Elite/*G
Posts: 36
Relatively Frequent Trans-Atlantic Traveler
So I am starting a new phase in life and my travel habits; I am going to college in the UK for the next 3 years, and will probably not be returning back to live in the US for quite some time (if at all). I will fly between BHX/LHR to ORD at least 3x rt per yr, plus lots of continental European travel in between.
I'd like to know which will be most rewarding for me. I am starting with Aegean, I have 4,500 miles with them with the goal of 20,000 for the Star Alliance gold. BUT I would like to know it is booking reward tickets with other *A carriers. Post-university, my career choices will be travel heavy as well, and I would like to stick with 1 program and alliance.
Help is appreciated...
(1) LHR or BHX
(2)Y/Q/S
(3) 25-30k (estimated, as my travel patterns will drastically change this yr)
(4) none at the moment
(5) Redemption availability and rates, lounge access
(6) Trans-Atlantic, typically LHR-ORD, but I don't mind connecting on the continent.
(7) Lufthansa, but any non-US airline is preferred...
(8) Pleasure, traveling home from university. Typically economy only, unless a great deal is available.
I'd like to know which will be most rewarding for me. I am starting with Aegean, I have 4,500 miles with them with the goal of 20,000 for the Star Alliance gold. BUT I would like to know it is booking reward tickets with other *A carriers. Post-university, my career choices will be travel heavy as well, and I would like to stick with 1 program and alliance.
Help is appreciated...
(1) LHR or BHX
(2)Y/Q/S
(3) 25-30k (estimated, as my travel patterns will drastically change this yr)
(4) none at the moment
(5) Redemption availability and rates, lounge access
(6) Trans-Atlantic, typically LHR-ORD, but I don't mind connecting on the continent.
(7) Lufthansa, but any non-US airline is preferred...
(8) Pleasure, traveling home from university. Typically economy only, unless a great deal is available.
Sep 11, 2013 | 3:22 am
#1222
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: BOM, Ex-TX/ CA
Programs: Ex CO/ UA Gold, Hotels.. TBD
Posts: 734
Is this still a job one can get easily? I thought most of these were gone?
http://boards.independenttraveler.co...Still-Exist-!-!
http://boards.independenttraveler.co...Still-Exist-!-!
Hello all,
I've recently commenced operating as an On Board Courier from my Hong Kong Base, which now sees me undertaking 1-3 international trips per week. I can be placed on any airline, often multiple airlines per trip. At current rate I'm racking up approximately 10 international flights per week and need advice on which *A FF Program I should be claiming all my points too? I've also undertaken 40 international flights in this past month on various *A airlines - but am yet to claim any of the points to any airline.
(1) What is your home airport? HKG
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy? Y (sometimes J)
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? Much more than 50K
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? Nil
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? 1- Priority is Lounge Access as I am transiting for MANY hours each week; followed by 2- frequent upgrades on travel, and 3- all other bonuses are presently of equal value to me.
A long-term goal would be to achieve lifetime Gold Status with a *A Carrier, so that I can retain status and then focus on increasing point generation/upgrade potential etc (feel free to suggest a more profitable goal).
(6) Which routes do you fly most often? HKG -> NRT -> IST -> BUD -> DOH -> HKG (this route I do once per week at present).
(7) Preferred Airlines: No preference yet
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? Both - but for work I have no say on airline, class of travel etc. As such most tickets are either of discount economy or regular economy. Occasionally I will be given Premium Economy or Business class tickets.
Just for reference - a typical courier job may see me undertake the following patterns, mostly on *A carriers:
- HKG -> NRT -> IST -> BUD -> DOH -> HKG
- HKG -> ICN -> LAX -> JFK -> MEX -> LAX -> HKG
I would love to be able to join the best *A FF Program now so I can start collating the points I'm rapidly collecting across the alliance members. So any advice on which *A FF Program to join to maximize my status AND points generation would immensely helpful.
Thank you
I've recently commenced operating as an On Board Courier from my Hong Kong Base, which now sees me undertaking 1-3 international trips per week. I can be placed on any airline, often multiple airlines per trip. At current rate I'm racking up approximately 10 international flights per week and need advice on which *A FF Program I should be claiming all my points too? I've also undertaken 40 international flights in this past month on various *A airlines - but am yet to claim any of the points to any airline.
(1) What is your home airport? HKG
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy? Y (sometimes J)
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? Much more than 50K
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? Nil
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? 1- Priority is Lounge Access as I am transiting for MANY hours each week; followed by 2- frequent upgrades on travel, and 3- all other bonuses are presently of equal value to me.
A long-term goal would be to achieve lifetime Gold Status with a *A Carrier, so that I can retain status and then focus on increasing point generation/upgrade potential etc (feel free to suggest a more profitable goal).
(6) Which routes do you fly most often? HKG -> NRT -> IST -> BUD -> DOH -> HKG (this route I do once per week at present).
(7) Preferred Airlines: No preference yet
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? Both - but for work I have no say on airline, class of travel etc. As such most tickets are either of discount economy or regular economy. Occasionally I will be given Premium Economy or Business class tickets.
Just for reference - a typical courier job may see me undertake the following patterns, mostly on *A carriers:
- HKG -> NRT -> IST -> BUD -> DOH -> HKG
- HKG -> ICN -> LAX -> JFK -> MEX -> LAX -> HKG
I would love to be able to join the best *A FF Program now so I can start collating the points I'm rapidly collecting across the alliance members. So any advice on which *A FF Program to join to maximize my status AND points generation would immensely helpful.
Thank you
Sep 13, 2013 | 2:46 am
#1223
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 4
But on topic - can anyone shed some insight into where I'd best be placed accumulating my miles? I'm still leaning towards Aegean - but I want to be sure I'm not overlooking something critical first. Any info would be of great value. Thank you!
Sep 13, 2013 | 4:44 am
#1224
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: BOM, Ex-TX/ CA
Programs: Ex CO/ UA Gold, Hotels.. TBD
Posts: 734
Most are indeed, I'm afraid. I was very lucky to be offered this role through a friends contact and the rest is history. They are simply never advertised, as there is never a need as any vacancies that arise from an increase in demand; are filled immediately.
But on topic - can anyone shed some insight into where I'd best be placed accumulating my miles? I'm still leaning towards Aegean - but I want to be sure I'm not overlooking something critical first. Any info would be of great value. Thank you!
But on topic - can anyone shed some insight into where I'd best be placed accumulating my miles? I'm still leaning towards Aegean - but I want to be sure I'm not overlooking something critical first. Any info would be of great value. Thank you!
In terms of MILES and where to CREDIT them LONGER TERM for better AWARD TRAVEL... That is the next question to think about.
Sep 25, 2013 | 7:06 am
#1225
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: MEL/LAX
Programs: AAdv GLD(MM), QF LTS, UA MP_nada, HH Gld, SPG, GoldenCircle Jade
Posts: 4,478
Hi
This is kind of a twist on a *A question as it is potentially broader....
I will be flying monthly MEL-MNL return in J for at least 6-9 months. So far I have been flying QF MEL-SYD-MNL and back. Happy to probably continue that and accruing to AAdv (though I do hate transiting through SYD and the QF J seat on A332 is not fantastic as it's sloping).
My other option is to fly SQ MEL-SIN-MNL return in J. I would need to pick a FF program to accrue to (used to have active LH M&M account but cashed it out), I know A3 is the easiest to gain *G on - after only 16k miles (almost just one return trip in my case). But given I am flying in J and don't need lounge access not sure that *G is the most important to me. I think what's more important is earn/burn rates and ease of burning. I notice that A3 only accrues 1.25 on SQ J and typical burn rates such as AUst-NA is 150k.
I also looked at VS and VA - earn/burn rates look similar. Can I achieve better value out there with another airline or is that the "market" rate?
Is there another (*A or other) program out there that I should be looking at as better value for my circumstances? I typically burn on J international flights, although could want to burn for Y for my family to Asia. Lounge access not very important as already have J access and unlikely to fly *A otherwise. VA obviously presents the most opportunities for redemption, so if there isn't another program giving me better value, i would likely stick with them.
Or should I just keep flying QF and accruing to AAdv since I already have most of my miles balance on AAdv?
Additional question - can someone clarify the J seat i would get on SQ MEL-SIN - it looks like a 772 but i can't figure out which of the SQ J seats that would mean?
In trying to keep to the format on this thread:
(1) What is your home airport? MEL
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? C / J
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? for business approx 100k - monthly MEL-MNL return
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? *A nothing, OW Ruby (QF LTS, AAdv LTG-MM)
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? earn/burn value esp for premium classes
(6) Which routes do you fly most often MEL-MNL return
(7) Preferred Airlines SQ...
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? (Can you chooose your airlines, class of service?) Both work (J to MNL) and pleasure (J on awards, Y on paid with family of 5 (2 adults and 3 kids)
This is kind of a twist on a *A question as it is potentially broader....
I will be flying monthly MEL-MNL return in J for at least 6-9 months. So far I have been flying QF MEL-SYD-MNL and back. Happy to probably continue that and accruing to AAdv (though I do hate transiting through SYD and the QF J seat on A332 is not fantastic as it's sloping).
My other option is to fly SQ MEL-SIN-MNL return in J. I would need to pick a FF program to accrue to (used to have active LH M&M account but cashed it out), I know A3 is the easiest to gain *G on - after only 16k miles (almost just one return trip in my case). But given I am flying in J and don't need lounge access not sure that *G is the most important to me. I think what's more important is earn/burn rates and ease of burning. I notice that A3 only accrues 1.25 on SQ J and typical burn rates such as AUst-NA is 150k.
I also looked at VS and VA - earn/burn rates look similar. Can I achieve better value out there with another airline or is that the "market" rate?
Is there another (*A or other) program out there that I should be looking at as better value for my circumstances? I typically burn on J international flights, although could want to burn for Y for my family to Asia. Lounge access not very important as already have J access and unlikely to fly *A otherwise. VA obviously presents the most opportunities for redemption, so if there isn't another program giving me better value, i would likely stick with them.
Or should I just keep flying QF and accruing to AAdv since I already have most of my miles balance on AAdv?
Additional question - can someone clarify the J seat i would get on SQ MEL-SIN - it looks like a 772 but i can't figure out which of the SQ J seats that would mean?
In trying to keep to the format on this thread:
(1) What is your home airport? MEL
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? C / J
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? for business approx 100k - monthly MEL-MNL return
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? *A nothing, OW Ruby (QF LTS, AAdv LTG-MM)
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? earn/burn value esp for premium classes
(6) Which routes do you fly most often MEL-MNL return
(7) Preferred Airlines SQ...
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? (Can you chooose your airlines, class of service?) Both work (J to MNL) and pleasure (J on awards, Y on paid with family of 5 (2 adults and 3 kids)
Oct 1, 2013 | 5:58 pm
#1226
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: MEL/LAX
Programs: AAdv GLD(MM), QF LTS, UA MP_nada, HH Gld, SPG, GoldenCircle Jade
Posts: 4,478
So having compared Trukish, Aegean, Asiana and SAS programs, it seems the others will get me to *G somewhat quicker, but in terms of earning/burning Eurobonus seems best with C/J on SQ earning 200% flown miles and their award chart being either the same or lower for comparable trips then the others. Am I wrong?
Oct 2, 2013 | 12:56 am
#1227
Join Date: Oct 2013
Programs: AMEX PLAT, SPG Gold, QF, SQ, Delta, UA, Emirates, Qatar
Posts: 2
I have mileage pretty much everywhere and thinking of chosing one frequent flyer program for star alliance that suits me the best in terms of good award redemption, priority services (e.g., additional baggage check-in, priority boarding, lounge access although I already have priority pass from AMEX but their lounges are quite crappy). I am very keen on signing up with Aegean as it is the easiest program to achieve gold status but I am still hoping to get some other advice before I make the decision.
(1) What is your home airport? (SFO, LAX, MCO, etc.)
Singapore (SIN) in general, but Hong Kong (HKG) for 2 years at the moment due to work
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? (C, F, Y, etc.)
discounted economy, economy
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? (<25K, 25k-50k, >50k)
<25k
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? (UA Premier, M&M Senator etc)
UA and SQ
(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.)
Free lounge access and priority services such as additional baggage check-in, priority check-in at the airport and status match if possible.
(6) Which routes do you fly most often (US Domestic, Transpacific etc)
Hong Kong - Singapore, Singapore - Perth (on a frequent basis to visit my sister), Hong Kong - Philippines, within the asia pacific region (e.g., thailand, indonesia) but will fly to the US (California) for work and Europe (western Europe) for vacation at least once a year
My upcoming trip is as follows:
HKG - SJC (All Nippon, S class)
SJC - LAX (UA, S class)
LAX - HKG (All Nippon, S class)
HKG - PER (Perth) (Singapore air, N class)
(7) Preferred Airlines
Singapore airline, All Nippopn, Emirates, Qantas
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? (Can you chooose your airlines, class of service?)
Work (I can choose the airline I like) and pleasure (usually i'll pick the cheaper option)
Thanks!!
(1) What is your home airport? (SFO, LAX, MCO, etc.)
Singapore (SIN) in general, but Hong Kong (HKG) for 2 years at the moment due to work
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? (C, F, Y, etc.)
discounted economy, economy
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? (<25K, 25k-50k, >50k)
<25k
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? (UA Premier, M&M Senator etc)
UA and SQ
(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.)
Free lounge access and priority services such as additional baggage check-in, priority check-in at the airport and status match if possible.
(6) Which routes do you fly most often (US Domestic, Transpacific etc)
Hong Kong - Singapore, Singapore - Perth (on a frequent basis to visit my sister), Hong Kong - Philippines, within the asia pacific region (e.g., thailand, indonesia) but will fly to the US (California) for work and Europe (western Europe) for vacation at least once a year
My upcoming trip is as follows:
HKG - SJC (All Nippon, S class)
SJC - LAX (UA, S class)
LAX - HKG (All Nippon, S class)
HKG - PER (Perth) (Singapore air, N class)
(7) Preferred Airlines
Singapore airline, All Nippopn, Emirates, Qantas
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? (Can you chooose your airlines, class of service?)
Work (I can choose the airline I like) and pleasure (usually i'll pick the cheaper option)
Thanks!!
Oct 5, 2013 | 9:36 am
#1228
Join Date: Mar 2008
Programs: AAdvantage Gold, *Gold on UA, FlyingBlue Gold (matched), SPG Plat
Posts: 158
My gf is a fairly infrequent flyer (less than 10K miles per year domestic and one or two visits to family in Morocco per year), but is taking ANA to Jakarta with the routing IAD-NRT-CGK in Z class. This business class RT is ~20,600 miles total.
Any ideas for best airline to credit? She has been USAir to date, b/c of the good options out of DCA, but I'm wondering if she can quickly get to *G with just this one routing?
Any ideas for best airline to credit? She has been USAir to date, b/c of the good options out of DCA, but I'm wondering if she can quickly get to *G with just this one routing?
Oct 5, 2013 | 4:14 pm
#1229
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MEL CHC
Posts: 22,933
My gf is a fairly infrequent flyer (less than 10K miles per year domestic and one or two visits to family in Morocco per year), but is taking ANA to Jakarta with the routing IAD-NRT-CGK in Z class. This business class RT is ~20,600 miles total.
Any ideas for best airline to credit? She has been USAir to date, b/c of the good options out of DCA, but I'm wondering if she can quickly get to *G with just this one routing?
Any ideas for best airline to credit? She has been USAir to date, b/c of the good options out of DCA, but I'm wondering if she can quickly get to *G with just this one routing?
Oct 7, 2013 | 12:50 am
#1230
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 35
(1) What is your home airport?
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ?
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year?
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it?
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP?
(6) Which routes do you fly most often
(7) Preferred Airlines
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure?
Me and the mrs fly back to SIN twice a year to visit relatives. We also generally take a trip to an EU destination or sometimes Carribean destination. Also sometimes rarely take a domestic flight to east coast. We generally also take a flight from SIN to some other asian destination once a year, usually Bali or Thailand.
The problem is that I will no longer be able to qualify for gold status through mileageplus because of the pqd requirement. I looked back and found I am around 3k - 4k a year. I have read through A3s program in detail and glanced at Asianas. With so many programs out there I thought I would save myself some time and ask here. Would I be better served sticking with star alliance but with one of the above 2 programs. Or would AAdvantage be better in my case. Or is my mileage sufficiently meager enough to just ditch loyalty and start buying the cheapest tickets available. Seems like the benefits of elite status aren't matching the increasing costs of maintaining.