NewB

[Her-in-Oz]

I ask as pretty much a 'wet behind the ears' NewB when it comes to FFP's. I simply joined the FFP system with my favourite airline about 3 years ago.

I do some points earning for my other half, through his Visa card to Qantas - but I chose another airline for my international trips, so my personal FFP's are all from flying.

I am Gold membership in miles, and need some advice of 'how to' make the most of this status when I fly, apart from using the transit lounges !

PEASE ? Anyone ??

 

[trooper]

Well... that depends on several things...

Like: What is it YOU want from the program, and what (given the nature of it) are the best "value" and/or easiest uses of your miles/points?

MY program fr'instance (NZ Airpoints) is lousy value for flight redemptions (IMO!)... but that doesn't bother me as my SOLE use of the FF earnings in that program is for upgrades!!

Perfect fit for me there.... There are many different approaches however...

 

[Her-in-Oz]

Well... that depends on several things...

Like: What is it YOU want from the program, and what (given the nature of it) are the best "value" and/or easiest uses of your miles/points?

MY program fr'instance (NZ Airpoints) is lousy value for flight redemptions (IMO!)... but that doesn't bother me as my SOLE use of the FF earnings in that program is for upgrades!!

Perfect fit for me there.... There are many different approaches however...

Wow thanks for answering so quickly.
"different approaches" - this is what I want to learn about.
What are they? What is available ?

AND . . . how do you upgrade ? Can you do it at the check-in desk ? Or must you apply beforehand ?

 

[Her-in-Oz]

Well... that depends on several things...

Like: What is it YOU want from the program, and what (given the nature of it) are the best "value" and/or easiest uses of your miles/points?

...

I know I will have "lost" a heap of miles/points simply because I dont know what to do with them.

 

[trooper]

You are going to hate me for this answer... but... once more..

IT DEPENDS!

Different FF programs have different (often radically different) ways of upgrading.. and different restrictions/confirmability/etc etc

'Nother example.. NZ's Airpoints allows upgrades to be applied for on ANY fare.. no matter how cheap.. those upgrades are however on a "Standby" basis... Other airlines only allow upgrading from very high (Economy) Fare classes... but allow confirmation based on availability right then.

Best idea to star with I think would be to let us know which program you have the most "investment" in... (Skywards??) no doubt someone here will have experience in wringing the best from it! :mrgreen: