I have my miles banked in a Dividend miles account but after reading a number of threads on this site, I am wondering if I should be looking to a different *A program. I ask because I am traveling IAD/LAX/BKK/LAX/IAD in July (unless Thai changes its mind again) and this trip alone is ~21k miles - a decent start for a new program. Suggestions on where to put them - USAirways still? I generally fly local east coast rotues on either USAirways or UA and will have other miles to put somewhere before and after the July trip. Suggestions?

Thanks

This is, in fact, a rather frequently asked question. You should search the forum for many previous discussions of same. What you will find is that the recommendations depend primarily on what you intend / expect / hope to get out of your FF programme: lounge access; free trips; free upgrades; a warm, fuzzy feeling ...

There is also, in the *A Useful Reference Links sticky at the top of this forum, a pointer to BlondeBomber's comparison chart showing in detail the features, good and not-so-good, of the various schemes.

When you are able to frame your question with more specificity, you are more likely to get more specific advice. Good luck.

cheers,

Henry

I've looked through the threads and the comparison charts before I posted but it really didn't help (hence my question)

Maybe I can be a bit clearer. This year I make a preferred level b/c of my BKK trip.

1. Do I trade free trips at USAir (my original goal) by starting over for what appears to be a better preferred program at UA? (or elsewhere in *A?).


As someone moving from a vacation traveler to a work traveler, what should I be looking for in a ff program? I don't use the lounges. Most of the flights are single fare regional jets so upgrades aren't really an issue. Suggestions?

Thanks

Cheers

On your first question, it's not an easy one to answer (I'm struggling with it myself and there is a related thread nearby). I'd get your "last" free trip on US and then move, but that's just me. Their program is headed for the bottom of Star Alliance at a rather alarming level.

As for what you're looking for, only you know...but from what you said, if it's NOT lounges or upgrades, then I guess it's probably miles? I'd book to the program that gives you the best miles. If your flights are under 500 actual miles, I'd go with BMI for the 600-minimum earning, rather than UA or US where you will only earn actual miles for each flight. That would make more than enough incremental miles to offset the higher redemption rates, depending on how many of those short-haul flights you have.