frequent flyer miles - from the UK

[grs90 49]

Has anybody on the board got any experience of how worthwhile it is collecting miles, as opposed to just going for the cheapest fare each time? I've read that members from the States get some good deals but from what I've looked at the programs avaialble from the UK look a bit stingy.

 

I fly LON-BKK 4 or 5 times each year and normally just go for the cheapest direct flight I can get. The average price I've been getting is around £450, normally on BA or Qantas but a couple of times on EVA. I'm now looking at prices for Feb and March 2005 and the price for BA is up to £520 inc taxes which is a bit steep. The BA miles program is shit. They only give 25% of the mileage for tickets purchased on, say, ebookers or expedia etc. So it will take for ever to get a free flight. Also, they don't give tier miles for these tickets so I'll never be able to move up to a SILVER or GOLD card.

 

Do other airlines operating from the UK have the same policy of giving reduced, or no, miles unless you buy a full fare ticket? I don't mind travelling indirect provided I can get a better overall deal with perks such as chances of upgrades, free flights, use of the lounges and so on.

 

From what I've managed to dig up so far the emirates program looks OK. But if I've got to pay the price on their website of about £580 for the tickets, as opposed to about £500 elsewhere then, even with the perks, I'm probably bettor off sticking with BA. The cost difference is marginal, the BA flights take 4 hours less each way and the combination of online & self service check in is a big plus.

 

Unlike some others who have posted, I've never had a problem with the BA service

and they have not let me down once. On the other hand I want some bloody perks having had none whatsever off the tight bastards for the past five years. I also want a cheaper trip if it doesn't mean spending several hours stopping over somewhere.

 

So, any recommendations on the best deals to be had?

[ROLAND 1]

Thai/Star Alliance = 6 paid flights and next one free.

[Dingo 0]

If you pick Star, go for a Thai card. You get the silver status almost right away and Gold is not as far away as with Lufthansa and SAS.

Think it's 50K in one year or 80K in two. With your 4-5 trips per year you'll have the Gold card in a year. Welcome gift is an upgrade. Handy.

[BigDUSA 71]

Once you fly 50K in a year you get the gold card and your able to go into the various airline clubs. Free upgrades come your way when economy is full and they need to bump someone up. I've had this happen a few times with United. I like the star alliance because you can use your frequent flyer miles on any of them.

 

ROLAND,

 

If you fly Thai enough times Alex may give you a discount.

[torrenova 644]

This is a salient point, to choose a cheaper ticket or patronise an airline in the hope of getting some freebie.

 

LHR-BKK mileage is about 5300 or something so each trip is 10k-11k. I think TG is still 60,000 for a free ticket so you effectively get a 16% reduction. On top of that, you will get some freebies and potential non paid for upgrades etc.

 

One thing to watch out for though is that TG don't recognise other Star Alliance miles at the same level. Thus, they want 70-90k from the Lufthansa programme.

 

Looking at the cash, 16% of £500 is £80 so you can work it out if you think it would be better. BA programme does suck and very little rewards if not going in the premium classes. That said, TG is old and tired without online check in, no decent inflight entertainment etc.

 

I'd probably stay with TG but buy a different ticket if much cheaper. It would have to be a hell of a deal to get me to go indirect though.