I am currently an Air Canada (Aeroplan) Elite member and fly about 50K miles a year, plus reward travel. Within the next 1-2 years though, my travelling and hotel use are going to increase substantially. I expect I will be flying 100K-130K per year. The bulk of my flying will between between YYZ and Asia. Secondarily, I will also be making a few trips to Europe and Latin America.

My questions are these:

1) Given the problems of Air Canada and all the Aeroplan restructuring, should I switch to a different Frequent Flyer programme within the Star Alliance and if so, which one? (I prefer to stay within the Alliance given that I do a number of short runs between YYZ-YOW and want lounge access, etc.)

2) Is there any benefit to becoming a member of two FF programmes within the Alliance?

Any comments & suggestions would be appreciated,

FF

Hey

I dont think its worth it to join to FF programs, because then your miles will be "split" and it will take longer to get to an elite status.

If you are flying in Economy, I love AC because it is one of the few that give a minimum of 100% miles in International (not US) economy. The worst for economy is probably SIA cause it gives 0 miles for many fares.

For Business, I hate AC because it only gives you 25% bonus if u are in J. C gets absolutely zilch bonus.

Depending on the tickets you use to fly, you can determine which program is best for you. My favourites are United, Air Canada and Lufthansa.

Hope this helps

I would stick with AC but there are other good programs. Depends on which metal you plan to fly on mostly.

UA Mileage Plus might be for you, or Asiana's ff program if going to fly on OZ a lot.

check out my comparison chart:
BlondeBomber's Star Alliance Comparison Chart

Thanks! The sense I get is that I should probably stick with AC... I don't think I would derive any specific, significant advantages by being a member of a different one in the alliance.

FF