US Flyer on Foreign Program?
Aug 12, 2014 | 11:08 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: OPO
Programs: UA 1k MM, KLM Gold, Marriott Titanium, Hyatt Platinum
Posts: 312
US Flyer on Foreign Program?
For a number of reasons, I am considering ditching United in favor of an international airline. Most of my trips are international, and I fly between 100-120k miles per year. I buy business fare often but every once in a while use miles to upgrade. My travel destinations vary wildly so it's impossible to choose a carrier based on location.
What FF program would you recommend within Star?
What FF program would you recommend within Star?
Aug 13, 2014 | 12:40 am
#2
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: NRT / HND
Programs: AA EXP, A3 Gold, Former UA 1K
Posts: 6,365
Do you only use your miles to upgrade? If not how do you use miles? If you use them for business or first class awards on long hauls you'll find that with most other programs you'd fork over a very hefty fuel surcharge to redeem them. Again, depends on how you use the miles but with a random travel pattern it means you're flying a variety of carriers so you'll just be seen as a general * member anyway, for someone making 1k on UA I can't imagine any further benefit by moving. NH Diamond or LH HON Circle would be nice too but have requirements to make which you may not meet if you don't fly their metal enough.
Aug 13, 2014 | 12:45 am
#3
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 102,617
If you want to use miles on SQ, it can be an advantage to be in their FF programs. OTOH their miles expire and the people they treat well are those who spend SG$25,000 or more per year on SQ flights.
If you're making 1K with purchased international business class tickets, how close are you to qualifying for GS? That would be a big advantage of UA.
If you're making 1K with purchased international business class tickets, how close are you to qualifying for GS? That would be a big advantage of UA.
Aug 13, 2014 | 1:03 am
#4
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AA EXP; UA 1MM & PP; Marriott AMB; Hyatt Globalist; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 62,182
There is a dedicated thread on this precise subject. It is the first thread at the top of the page. Need Advice on FF Scheme to Join
You will find there is no easy answer if you wish to remain in *A. In most, cases, the best alternative to UA is AA.
You will find there is no easy answer if you wish to remain in *A. In most, cases, the best alternative to UA is AA.
Aug 13, 2014 | 5:50 am
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: OPO
Programs: UA 1k MM, KLM Gold, Marriott Titanium, Hyatt Platinum
Posts: 312
There is a dedicated thread on this precise subject. It is the first thread at the top of the page. Need Advice on FF Scheme to Join
You will find there is no easy answer if you wish to remain in *A. In most, cases, the best alternative to UA is AA.
You will find there is no easy answer if you wish to remain in *A. In most, cases, the best alternative to UA is AA.
Aug 13, 2014 | 6:57 pm
#6
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,470