Which SkyTeam frequent flyer program?

[Mattg]

I don't often fly SkyTeam alliance airlines. But every now and again I do, and I find myself with the same dilemma each time - where to credit the frequent flyer points?

I don't fly SkyTeam airlines enough to earn any sort of meaningful status, so I guess I'm just looking for a program where I can slowly accumulate enough points for some sort of meaningful redemption down the track.

The only SkyTeam program I'm currently a member of is Vietnam Airlines Golden Lotus. I joined prior to a trip to Vietnam in 2012, but the points have since expired as I didn't get a chance to use them.

So, where should I be crediting my upcoming China Airlines flight, and any other SkyTeam flights?

 

[jackthomas]

I'm much more interested in status than where to credit the points, especially if I don't fly an airline often...
Alitalia seem to still be status matching so you might have some luck there!

 

[JohnK]

Delta SkyMiles don't have an expiry on miles.

 

[juddles]

I still haven't found a compelling reason to dabble in Skyteam.

Anyone??

 

[dajop]

I still haven't found a compelling reason to dabble in Skyteam.

Anyone??

Not my first choice of alliances, but worthwhile having a program to accrue points to, should the need arise. I've found it especially useful to have a Scaryteam membership for earning miles travelling domestically within China, Indonesia and Vietnam (which I have done in all three - on a semi regular basis and until recently used Flying Blue). Also useful I imagine if needing to criss cross Russia, ArgentIna or East Africa (Kenya Airlines).

Generally lounge access not available on domestic itineraries for elites - so status match is mainly beneficial for priority queues and if the need arises for international flights.


My plan is to use the miles I accumulated in flying blue for GA flights to the spice islands in Indonesia. 20k points for return from SIN - for $800 fare, or maybe getting to somewhere in China from CAN that might be similarly expensive. Although starting now to accrue in Alitalia due to status match, not sure what to do with them.

Otherwise for those in Australia, Delta might be a good choice to accrue for domestic redemptions - at least for those with fairly modest amount of travelling.

If doing significant amounts of flying on the alliance - not sure which program is the best.

 

[atreides]

I still have my Flying Blue membership from the infamous status match they did back in the day. I use it for the rare ST flight and to my surprise notched up a not insignificant number of points. All in all it seems like a good program and most importantly points have no expiry.

I've had some experience with the VN programme and all I can stay is steer well clear.

 

[Mattg]

I still have my Flying Blue membership from the infamous status match they did back in the day. I use it for the rare ST flight and to my surprise notched up a not insignificant number of points. All in all it seems like a good program and most importantly points have no expiry.

I've had some experience with the VN programme and all I can stay is steer well clear.

Thanks for that.

Since Flying Blue points don't expire, I think I will go with them. Is there any difference between signing up through Air France/KLM, or is it basically the same program for both airlines?

 

[Mattg]

I've just done a bit of reading on Flying Blue. It seems that points do expire, but only if you don't take a flight at least once every 20 months. Although I rarely fly SkyTeam, I think one flight per 20 months is probably doable.

I think I'll start using this as my "main" SkyTeam program. Looks to be the best of a bad bunch.

 

[Flashback]

Flying Blue is a good option also as they often have promos on award tickets, offering reduced milage requirements so can be a good way to spend them.