Newbie Questions

[LGW]

Hello.

I have a couple of questions I was hoping someone could help answer.

I am UK based, but being transferred to BKK later this month. As part of my renumeration package, I am allowed 4, 1 week trips home per year which will not come out of my annual leave. (Allowance is GBP1,250 per return flight)

I have Star Alliance Gold, but am interested in aiming for One World Sapphire/Emerald.

May I ask if anyone has any suggestions for me on which airline program would be the best to join, (I am not a member of any One World program) also any routings to maximise my status earn.

I truly appreciate it if you have the time to assist.

 

[LGW]

Hello Again.

Possibly my initial question was too tricky. I propose booking BKK-KUL-LHR-KUL-BKK-KUL-AKL-KUL-BKK with Malaysia Airlines in Business. (Not a status run, a visit home to the UK and a visit to our NZ office)

I currently have NO One World Membership at all.

Does anyone have thoughts on what the best program for me to join and credit flights to? I aim to get One Word Sapphire/Emerald if possible.

If this is inappropriate to ask, can someone kindly let me know.

Thank You.

 

[juddles]

It appears you are only travelling between BKK and LHR so QF is out of the question due to the four minimum QF flights rule.

Are you going to ditch Star Alliance? Anyone who is below One World Emerald or Star Alliance Gold is crazy to split between two programs, IMHO

 

[LGW]

My business related travel is more than enough to keep me Gold with Star Alliance.

It just seems that One World carriers are offering much cheaper flights in premium cabins, out of BKK where I will be based.

I will be able to do the 4 segments with Qantas if this was important.

 

[andye]

Not Qantas because of the reduced TP earn

BA would make sense as long as you can do 4 flights on BA metal. Worth looking at a BA amex if not already in your wallet and you have some UK spend

CX worth looking at if you are flying a lot

AA used to be the obvious choice but the 4 AA flights and devaluation go against it

QR offering v good fares at the moment but would probably only join if you thought you would fly them the majority of the time

Wouldnt consider MH since they gutted the award table

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Hello Again.

Possibly my initial question was too tricky. I propose booking BKK-KUL-LHR-KUL-BKK-KUL-AKL-KUL-BKK with Malaysia Airlines in Business. (Not a status run, a visit home to the UK and a visit to our NZ office)

I currently have NO One World Membership at all.

Does anyone have thoughts on what the best program for me to join and credit flights to? I aim to get One Word Sapphire/Emerald if possible.

If this is inappropriate to ask, can someone kindly let me know.

Thank You.

Sri Lankan offers an excellent product exBKK (A320 to CMB then full flat beds to LHR). The cost is usually under GBP1000 return. You may also consider a range of other OW airlines.

i would avoid MH.

 

[LGW]

Thanks for your advice.

I joined BA Executive Club and added my membership number to my booking. It looks like I will get 600 tier miles with my first trip but I think I then in order to get Silver status I need 4 BA flights.

It seems like BA Gold is relatively easy to achieve if I do my 4 trips home each year on One World carriers.

 

[LGW]

i would avoid MH.

Do you mean to fly with, or their frequent flyer program?

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Do you mean to fly with, or their frequent flyer program?

'Fly with'. Their program seems to have some specials every now and then (especially points plus pay') that would make redemptions such as Australia-Asia quite economical.

 

[Mattg]

Do you mean to fly with, or their frequent flyer program?

'Fly with'. Their program seems to have some specials every now and then (especially points plus pay') that would make redemptions such as Australia-Asia quite economical.

I actually like flying MH but would avoid their frequent flyer program. Most award redemptions are simply terrible value.

 

[andye]

Do you mean to fly with, or their frequent flyer program?

I meant the FF programme. Personally happy to fly with them if the price and timings fit

EDIT: sorry, realised not my comment to reply to

 

[Quickstatus]

The oft forgotten partner airline in the OW stable is Finnair (AY)

BKK-HEL-LHR

 

[andye]

The oft forgotten partner airline in the OW stable is Finnair (AY)

BKK-HEL-LHR

Agree, good option to fly for Asia-Europe but has an unexciting FF programme

 

[LGW]

I appreciate all your help.

I have everything booked now and to ensure my 4 BA flights I booked 2 short trips at the start of June. LHR-AMS and LHR-IST. (Return obviously) BA has a special on Club and First fares until 17th May. So all up including accommodation less than 800GBP. (240 Tier credits too) This will give me BA silver before June 15th. I still have 3 additional trips to UK in the following 12 months so I think I will aim for Gold.