Which freq flyer program is better: Singapore or Thai ?

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Ian of Sydney

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Hi,

Wondering if you have had experienced or studied the details of these two FF programs. In your opinion which is the better option, and why ?

Cheers

Ian of Sydney
 
Haven't as yet, but will be looking for a *A FF program to join, so will be inetrested in any views on the two programs
 
I did a research sometime back. Thai seemed to be more generous with moving up in the status and awards (they have companion awards at a discount). However, as I flew SQ more than Thai decided to stick with SQ.
Not sure of the current scenario.
 
oz_mark said:
Haven't as yet, but will be looking for a *A FF program to join, so will be inetrested in any views on the two programs

Hi Mark,

My recommendation would be UA's Mileage Plus (I'm a 1K, Million Mile member, but don't let that put you off).

Basically, Mileage Plus will give you 100% bonus miles after 50,000. I can't see an Asian airline doing that, and you can use your miles to redeem awards on any Star Alliance carrier (I never use my miles for UA awards!). :)

For thadocta, please butt out.
 
Hi,

Please keep replies "on topic" by referring to the two FF programs Singapore or Thai. I'm not interested in other airline programs.

If you wish to explore a wider selection of programs, it's better to begin another post to avoid making the discussion confusing.

Thanks for your understanding.

Regards
Ian of Sydney
 
Ian of Sydney said:
Hi,

Please keep replies "on topic" by referring to the two FF programs Singapore or Thai. I'm not interested in other airline programs.

If you wish to explore a wider selection of programs, it's better to begin another post to avoid making the discussion confusing.

Thanks for your understanding.

Regards
Ian of Sydney

OK, you asked for it.

1. Neither,
2. I wouldn't fly either of these airlines by choice.
 
Thanks,

I don't have a problem with that.
Perhaps you wouldn't mind adding your reason for for that.
The purpose of this thread was to read about other peoples experience.
I'd be interested to hear of yours.

Ian of Sydney
 
straitman

I'd be interested as well, 'cos in my 'umble, Singapore s***s over Qantas any day.
 
It depends on where you fly and what class of travel.

For example if you fly on SQ and in business or first then can earn status on SQ (through PPS program) and miles on TG at the same time.

Havent studied in depth but my impression is TG is easier to earn and maintain *Gold status but SQ may be better earn:burn rates (esp if get status bonus through flying SQ).
 
Ian of Sydney said:
Thanks,

I don't have a problem with that.
Perhaps you wouldn't mind adding your reason for for that.
The purpose of this thread was to read about other peoples experience.
I'd be interested to hear of yours.

Ian of Sydney

Sorry to take so long to respond however I’ve been attempting to rationalise a few reasons that would make external sense so I’ll break the response into three sections.

1. Put simply, Thai don’t fly to places that I’d normally frequent so I have no reason to ever join their program.

2. Some of the background of Singapore Airlines has been covered quite some time ago within these forums and I believe that Shillard is one of their major detractors. As a student of aviation studies, I have to say that Singapore Airlines has a great history with its “Singapore Girl” image and totally impressive standards of service and I agree that their cabin service approaches second to none. Their aircraft are more modern than most and they don’t have many notable incidents. I must also say though, that there is more to aviation than new aircraft and wonderful cabin service. Over the years, there has been conjecture about their real safety record versus their perceived safety record and the amount that good luck plays in the final outcome.

3. Both these airlines are part of Star Alliance which has no Australian membership (post Ansett) so would be of no value for the majority of flights by most Australians. Qantas may not be the best with regard to cabin service (although they’re not bad) however, they are amongst the safest and my first preference is to get to the destination safely. I know of other airlines that are frequently mentioned here for better service than Qantas that have a lot more problems that Qantas.
 
This debate can go on and on...

I could be biassed as I now live in SIN and I'm an SQ PPS member. However, I gained this in just six months. This entitles me to First Class lounge when travelling J and Silver Krys lounge when travelling Y. Discounts on in-flight duty free, invitations to member-only events, all sorts of "lifestyle priviliages" (never used them!) blah blah. Point is that this tier is very achievable.

For me, my employer has a deal with SQ so I have no choice over airline. As a first time Star Alliance member, and after living in Hong Kong and having a great relationship with CX and Marco Polo, I think I would always, where possible, have a relationship with the home carrier. You can often conver your membership under corporate deals so if you do move (location or job) and hev to use a different programme, always put it on the airline to "stauts match" as they call it. (Yes, I've done this too.)

BUT, living in Oz, you should CALL the program manager locally and see what they do locally. Do they have a member golf day or other functions? "What's in it for me?"

Important for me is their technology. SQ's is second to none at this point. You can do everything you want online. Especially the ability to check-in, in any class, and choose or change your seat.

Their exclusive "Book the Cook" service is undervalued. In J & F you can actually choose your meal from an extensive list up to 24hrs prior to departure.


Overall, join the programm of the airline which you are likely to fly more. While yes, elite level alliance statuses are recognised across all members, you will always (yes ALWAYS) get a bigger smile at evey customer touch point from the airline whose programme you actually belong to.

EG, I know that CX will upgrade their own elite members before a oneworld member. At SIN Changi airport, there is a "Star Alliance Lounge" where all the non-SQ members have to go. Its a lounge, but inferior to SQ's own product. etc
 
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I'd be interested in seeing an objective response to the OP inquiry and also, what the OP ended up doing, joining SQ or TG.
 
This was a question raised 3 years ago and since then there have been major changes to the SQ program - perhaps a new discussion thread rather than continuing old thread that may have conflicting and now incorrect information.

S
 
simongr said:
This was a question raised 3 years ago and since then there have been major changes to the SQ program - perhaps a new discussion thread rather than continuing old thread that may have conflicting and now incorrect information.

S

I had considered creating a new thread but took the time to search the forum to see if the subject had been raised previously.

I do realise it's an old thread but had I created a new one there was always the chance that someone would refer to the existing thread.

I think the title of the existing thread says it all and would welcome any up to date comments or observations.

I'm essentially inquiring on behalf of a friend who in fact is planning on flying on both carriers and would welcome some advice as to where to dump his miles/points.
 
cssaus said:
I'm essentially inquiring on behalf of a friend who in fact is planning on flying on both carriers and would welcome some advice as to where to dump his miles/points.
One thing to consider with both FF programs is the expiry of miles 3 years after accrual. So miles earned in Jan 2008 expire Jan 2011. If you don't fly often enough then you are forced to redeem short haul flights to avoid losing the miles. I earned some miles with SQ in July and November 2004 and they are expiring now.

If your friend is going to fly with them, or other *Alliance carriers, it may be a good idea to look for another FF program like OZ or UA where miles do not expire as long as there is some activity.
 
Have you looked at bmi diamond club? It's one of the most generous FFPs in *A and also one of the easiest for achieving status.

There are concerns that bmi will be bought over by LH but if that happens your miles and status will be transferred across to LH M+M anyway.
 
JohnK said:
One thing to consider with both FF programs is the expiry of miles 3 years after accrual. So miles earned in Jan 2008 expire Jan 2011. If you don't fly often enough then you are forced to redeem short haul flights to avoid losing the miles. I earned some miles with SQ in July and November 2004 and they are expiring now.

If your friend is going to fly with them, or other *Alliance carriers, it may be a good idea to look for another FF program like OZ or UA where miles do not expire as long as there is some activity.

Agree 100%! All members of my family used to be members of both SQ & TG FF programs, but we've pretty much given up now.
We can't even transfer the points among ourselves.
We've only managed to redeem short haul flights before expiring and what's left is too little to redeem for anything, so we have to let it expired worthless.

We've now switched to UA and I can even earned mileage on Emirates there too :)

I hate FF programs that have expiry date!:evil:
 
sparoy said:
We've now switched to UA and I can even earned mileage on Emirates there too :)

I hate FF programs that have expiry date!:evil:

Actually, UA miles now have an expiry date if you don't have any account activity for 3 years.
 
UA miles --not three years---been changed to 18 months of inactivity
 
cssaus said:
Actually, UA miles now have an expiry date if you don't have any account activity for 3 years.

I think I should clarify

I hate FF programs that have an expiry date regardless of activity!
 
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