Best StarAlliance FFP for infrequent traveller

[Luke]

Hi guys,

I'm going on a round-the-world trip (North America and Europe basically) at the end of the year using the StarAlliance 29,000 mile fare - which means I'll have the opportunity to earn some FF points.

Currently I am not a member of any FF program, and I tend to travel infrequently at best (in fact my last few trips have been on budget domestic airlines).

I know there have been some other threads asking what is the best StarAlliance FFP, but they seem to concentrate on achieving gold levels/access to lounges etc which I am unlikely to ever achieve.

Basically I'm looking for something which will give me long points life (so the points don't expire before I use them), the ability to redeem points for cheap flights (ie: hopefully get a trip to NZ for skiing or possibly Asia with the points earned), and the possibility to earn points using a rewards program for a credit card would be useful (since I am unlikely to earn many flying).

My longest flight on the trip would be the flight back from London on Singapore Airlines if that makes any difference.

Any suggestions on which FFP I should join?

Any advice would be much appreciated.

 

[Kiwi Flyer]

Welcome to AFF Luke

Since you don't fly a lot on *A the focus is on affordable awards. United Mileage Plus is probably the best for you since anywhere in Australia to anywhere in NZ (on *A) is 20k miles economy or 30k miles business. Australia to south pacific islands is only a little more. Your RTW should earn about 30k miles (depending on routing).

Miles only expire if no activity in 3 years.

Unfortunately there is no credit card for australia (or NZ) for Mileage Plus. However the *A programs that do have local credit cards do not offer as good awards. Might still be worthwhile if you can earn lots from credit card spend - candidates would be Air NZ Airpoints (awards a bit expensive but not as bad as Qantas however have the advantage of all seats available), or Singapore Kris Flyer.

 

[Luke]

Thanks KiwiFlyer - having a look at the United Airlines program now.

 

[Tiki]

Luke, check your PMs. If I refer you to United, we both get a bonus. I use their program mostly for awards to Tahiti & Cook Islands still 20k miles but biz class went up to 40k. I'm like you-not a business traveller. I just want cheaper holidays and free tickets.

 

[lamia]

best FFP is Krisflyer with Singapore airlines, their points don't expire for a long time and you can earn Krisflyer points with the ANZ Rewards Visa card. I did exactly the same thing as you in 2003 and now after another round the world trip and one trip from Oz to Thailand, I am only a few points shy of a return trip to Europe....not bad i say!
Also, Singapore airlines is fantastic to fly with....

 

[trippin_the_rift]

best FFP is Krisflyer with Singapore airlines, their points don't expire for a long time and you can earn Krisflyer points with the ANZ Rewards Visa card. I did exactly the same thing as you in 2003 and now after another round the world trip and one trip from Oz to Thailand, I am only a few points shy of a return trip to Europe....not bad i say!
Also, Singapore airlines is fantastic to fly with....

yo, hit the search button bro

 

[Kiwi Flyer]

Actually Kris Flyer points do expire after 3 or 4 years, with the ability to extend validity (once only) for 6 months or a year (for elites) for a fairly hefty fee.

 

[browski]

Though not Star Alliance, you might investigate the Virgin Atlantic Program and compare value.