Melb - LA with United - best FF program?

[juddernaught]

Hi there,

I'm just about to book return airfares between Melbourne and Los Angeles via United Airlines and am wondering which FF program would be the best to join to use points in the future. It is more likely I would fly with carriers closer to home like Singapore, Thai, NZ etc

In summary, if I join one of the carriers listed above (Singapore, Thai, NZ etc) will I get the same points as I would with United Airlines? Do I have the same options to redeem regardless of which I join?

Thanks heaps in advance.

 

[trooper]

All the airlines you mention are Star Alliance so - Yes - in general* you will have similar options to redeem no matter which program you credit to...

Be aware that not all fare classes credit "equally" to the different programs however... some fares that credit fully to the operating airlines FF program may get partial (or even zero) credit on another airlines program.

Might be best to check that out first.. it may dictate your choice!

* United is famous for "blocking" access to redemptions on other *A carriers....

The NZ program works well for me/my travel patterns... but it is NOT a generous program when crediting the cheaper economy fares!!

Given the QF/Oneworld leanings of most here I might (cheekily?) suggest you also check out the Flyertalk website...:mrgreen: There is a whole Star Alliance forum there.... We seem a little thin on the ground here!

 

[Flutterby]

As you live in Oz the best way to look at it is to earn points on an airline that flys from your nearest capital city as you will need to redeem your points for flights on that particular airline that departs from that city.

If you will go to USA again then join United FF for example.

You are able to add the FF nbr of only one (Star) airline so the other options are to join Air NZ/Thai/Singapore FF program that way you accrue points for a future holiday to those destinations instead.

 

[juddernaught]

thanks or the info guys - have now joined Singapore airlines and their FF program for future flights to Asia.

Cheers,

 

[Mwenenzi]

..As you live in Oz the best way to look at it is to earn points on an airline that flys from your nearest capital city as you will need to redeem your points for flights on that particular airline that departs from that city

My emphasis. Not true. Most frequent flyer programs allow you to get awards on a range of partner airlines.

 

[Oneworldplus2]

Given the QF/Oneworld leanings of most here I might (cheekily?) suggest you also check out the Flyertalk website...:mrgreen: There is a whole Star Alliance forum there.... We seem a little thin on the ground here!

Given there is no *Alliance domestic carrier here in Australia, many of us don't have a choice of a global alliance program. It's QF/Oneworld or nothing.

 

[trooper]

Quite true for those with lots of domestic travel.... I should have thought of that!

One of the reasons the NZ program/Star Alliance DOES work well for me is that my travel is virtually all "International".... I use QF rather than any of the other choices for my few CBR-ADL/CBR-SYD/CBR-BNE flights... but that is only enough to keep my bronzeness ticking over () and gives me somewhere to park the occcasional bunch of points from some intra-Asia CX flights...(which is also what I redeem QF points for when they reach a suitable level)

It is all terribly individual!!

 

[lovetravellingoz]

It is all terribly individual!!

100% agree.
To the OP..you need to consider many factors.

• Where do you want to fly, and in which class?
• What are you point earning abilities? ie flights, credit cards (often a biggie for many) hotels, car hire etc
• Do you fly often, and is so is status importnant? With status it is easier on some airlines for various flight patterns.
• If you point earning ability is low then you may want to concentrate on one FF Program. For some ofbeing in 2 or more allows us to optimise both eraning of points, and flight redemptions.
• Think alliance, and not just airline.
• With your CC see if you are ona good earning rate. You want at least 1.0 point per $ for VISA/MC and 1.5 for Amex.

With *A also have look at BMI to credit points to if you fly a lot. Even if you never fly BMI.

 

[dajop]

thanks or the info guys - have now joined Singapore airlines and their FF program for future flights to Asia.

Cheers,

Probably a sound choice, but just be aware points expire within 3 years. Although if you do make a moderate spend on credit cards, it may be worthwhile investigating a card that partners with Singapore Airlines (Westpac Krisflyer CC, Westpac Altitude, Amex MR, ... not sure of others) and you can use CC points to top up points you earn from flying.

Also do check with your travel agent what the fare code is - as there may be some fares that do not earn points in the Singapore Airlines program (or any program for that matter).

 

[Aussie_flyer]

almost guaranteed his trans-pac United economy will earn with KF or any *A program. United is VERY generous with points, nearly ever class is earning on all programs. Even the cheapest seats. They do this as the product is so poor in economy!