information please

[Kiwi Flyer]

Other than UA or AA, which other US based FF program would any Australian seriously consider joining?

I know of AFFers who have joined other US-based FFPs. I have too.

 

[JohnK]

This isn't quite right. For example NZ elite members points do not expire as long as elite (which could be the case years after any activity). There is a thread I help maintain on FT listing the expiry policies of many FFPs.

It is pretty close to being right. I used the general expiry rules for NZ airpoints and not the elite expiry rules.

It is quite clear though that there are many FF programs, belonging to some of the major airlines around the world, where points/miles do expire.

 

[JohnK]

I know of AFFers who have joined other US-based FFPs. I have too.

It can't be that many! You need to be travelling to/through the US at least once a year for them to be of any use. No point in joining Alaskan Airlines FF program if you are going to have 1 flight every 10 years.

 

[Kiwi Flyer]

It is pretty close to being right. I used the general expiry rules for NZ airpoints and not the elite expiry rules.

It is quite clear though that there are many FF programs, belonging to some of the major airlines around the world, where points/miles do expire.

Strictly they do on QFF too. Don't credit anything for long enough and the points disappear.

 

[JohnK]

Strictly they do on QFF too. Don't credit anything for long enough and the points disappear.

Along with most FF programs.

Airtran A+, Alaska Mileage Plan, AA, Delta SkyMiles, Hawaiian Miles, Midwest Miles, Northwest WorldPerks ,Southwest rapid Rewards, Spirit free Spirit, United Mileage Plus, US Airways Dividend Miles.

KLM Flying Blue, BA, BMI Diamond Club, GF, LO, LX, OS, RG Varig Smiles, SU Aeroflot, VS Flying Club.

Plus all the FF programs I mentioned in earlier post.

 

[QF WP]

I know of AFFers who have joined other US-based FFPs

It can't be that many! You need to be travelling to/through the US at least once a year for them to be of any use. No point in joining Alaskan Airlines FF program if you are going to have 1 flight every 10 years.

Hmmm, I'm one of those that Kiwi Flyer is referring to in his original comment above. Whilst I hold UA MP, it will probably expire (or I'll gift them to a US-based charity) as I don't envisage ever flying with *A and I have insufficient points for an award.

However, I am a member of NorthWest WorldPerks and have been crediting all my Alaskan (AS) flights to it since 1989 (including flights in January 2006). Now I don't need to be travelling to the USA every year to collect points, just often enough to keep all my previous earned points valid. Your opinion isn't the same JohnK, however you're entitled to that opinion. I do have sufficient points for an award flight - I suppose I might use the points on my next trip to visit my relatives/friends in LAX, SEA and Spokane (GEG).

 

[Kiwi Flyer]

you don't even need to be flying to pick up miles on US-based FFPs, and no I am not referring to crediting credit card hotel or car rentals either

purely from promos I am half way to an award on sky team, and a bit less on AA

the mileage won't expire until at least end of 2008 in both so I can keep adding to them as promos come my way, or I could decide to post some partner activity/flights to them if I want to hurry the process along