Which Star Alliance FF program to join?

[Angela]

Will be travelling RTW business class with Lufthansa, UA and Thai - appreciate advice on which star alliance FF program would be best to join in terms of redeeming points for future flights to Asia/Europe or even NZ? (Am unlikely to travel to USA again in near future).

 

[JohnK]

Hello Angela and welcome to AFF.

The one that gets mentioned regularly is BMI Diamond Club. It is easier to earn *Silver or *Gold and then much easier to maintain and there is no expiry of miles earned. The number of miles required for awards is comparable to other *Alliance FF programs, they have one-way awards and you can also redeem awards for half the miles plus a co-payment.

The other ones to consider are also OZ Asiana Club, UA Mileage Plus and NZ Airpoints although there is a joining fee for NZ Airpoints.

I would not consider joining SQ Kris Flyer or TG Royal Orchid Plus as the miles expire within 3 years of earning them.

 

[baswitzer]

Same issue on expiry with LH. The LH program is an awful program in my view.

 

[Angela]

Thanks JohnK and baswitzer. Given that bmi is UK-based, if we were to join their program do you know if there are problems with redeeming points using other airlines? We're unlikely to do another European or USA trip for a while, so want to make sure that we can make the most of the points we'll earn by usign them on shorter, regional flights - despite the fee, perhaps we're better joining NZ Airpoints..?

 

[JohnK]

Given that bmi is UK-based, if we were to join their program do you know if there are problems with redeeming points using other airlines?

As far as I am aware there are no problems with redeeming award flights on other airlines.

We're unlikely to do another European or USA trip for a while, so want to make sure that we can make the most of the points we'll earn by usign them on shorter, regional flights - despite the fee, perhaps we're better joining NZ Airpoints..?

I don't know much about NZ Airpoints but do note that Airpoints dollars expire around 4-5 years after earning them.

Perhaps visit Flyertalk and look at the various forums for a better guide.

 

[BlacKnox]

Angela for a comprehensive comparison of star alliance stuff, go here.