Which frequent flyer program should I join - done with Virgin

[davisd]

Hi

Need some advice on which ff program to join going forward.

We do a bit of travel in AU, mix of economy and business. OS is primarily economy, AU to SG and UK a few times a year for business.

Currently platinum with Virgin and have about a month to get 220ish status to retain on VA flights only, despite earning over 1200 within last 12 months but they weren't VA code share but on Singapore and Qatar respectively so don’t count past 400.

The only real benefit we’re getting from platinum is the free economy x seats. Too hard to find a business reward seat (let alone 3) to use those free upgrades. The lounges aren’t much cop either.

So wondering which could work better out of Qatar, Singapore Airlines High Flyer, or Air Canada?

Anyone have experience with these programs?

Thinking redemption of points for seats etc.

I’ll try for a status match with Air Canada but Singapore Airlines told me where to go a few months ago.

Thanks,

Dave

 

[jase05]

You won’t get Qatar QPoints for domestic Australian flights so that makes it harder to maintain or achieve status levels with Qatar.

If you still plan to fly Virgin a bit then Birgin Atlantic Flying Club isn’t a bad program. Virgin Atlantic Gold gives you lounge access with Virhin Australia plus SkyTeam Elite Plus status

 

[Mwenenzi]

Need some advice on which ff program to join going forward.

We do a bit of travel in AU, mix of economy and business. OS is primarily economy, AU to SG and UK a few times a year for business.

Currently platinum with Virgin and have about a month to get 220ish status to retain on VA flights only, despite earning over 1200 within last 12 months but they weren't VA code share but on Singapore and Qatar respectively so don’t count past 400.

The only real benefit we’re getting from platinum is the free economy x seats. Too hard to find a business reward seat (let alone 3) to use those free upgrades. The lounges aren’t much cop either.

So wondering which could work better out of Qatar, Singapore Airlines High Flyer, or Air Canada?
Anyone have experience with these programs?
Thinking redemption of points for seats etc.

I’ll try for a status match with Air Canada but Singapore Airlines told me where to go a few months ago.

Thinking redemption of points for seats etc. So status for lounge access and other benefits, like seat selection, extra bags not a criteria
What airline do you use for UK?

• Qatar,- Oneworld Alliance (AA, BA, QF CX etc), Use avios as ff currency that subject to t&c's can be moved between QR BA AY IB IE
• Singapore Airlines - Star Alliance. SQ ff points have a hard expiry. Use them or lose them
• Air Canada - Star Alliance

With any new program carefully check the earnings for status and redeemable ff miles/points/avois.
Do not make assumptions or expect is the same as other ffp's.

The grass is not always greener over the fence,

 

[drron]

I have found that VA is the best for redemptions but no harder to get when red or gold so no real need to go for status.
Sq have good availability on their own metal but the 3 year limit on points life can make it difficult. As well I have had the problem of changing aircraft meaning my F awards become J awards and they refused to credit me with the difference in points. So I have dropped them.

Recently joined Aeroplan and OK award availability but times where they disappeared. If the status match comes through it would be my choice.

I wouldn’t consider QR now as they seem inflexible not only now but being sticklers to the small print. I find their security at DOHi is unpleasant.

Know nothing of high flyer.
If OW is what you fly most consider AA. Not nearly as good as it was but reasonable premium awards at lower points and extra payment than most airlines. Used to be very good when you could transfer A“max points directly but that is no longer available. Now transfer to Marriott and then to AA.
Can transfer directly from a Diner card.. often they sell points at a discount which I now use.