frequent flier

[Guest]

whats the best airline for notching up the miles? i fly about 4-5 times a year from the uk, im a member of most of thr ff clubs and i dont seem to be getting anywhere, by the time i get anywhere near a decent amount of miles the bastards zero my account again. im 3 flights up on qantas, and by my calculations i need a shit load more for even a one way upgrade. any of you guys from the uk recommend an airline?

[Guest]

bigbadbaztench,

 

I can only really comment on the two FF programmes that I have belonged to - EVA and Thai.

 

EVA - number of miles needed to upgrade to next higher class (single trips) - 15,000 (3 award cheques) (economy to Evergreen Deluxe) or 30,000 (six award cheques) Evergreen Deluxe to Super Business.  You can only upgrade by one class.

 

Pros:

You can quickly accumulate mileage especially if travelling Evergreen Deluxe where actual mileage is credited at 125% of miles flown.  Unfortunately a return in Evergreen LHR-BKK falls just short of the magical 15,000 mark!  You can also confirm your upgrade at time of booking and thereby have peace of mind that you won't be travelling in economy.  Silver Card Holder (3 return flights in one year) gets access to lounges, extra 10 kgs baggage and priority check-in.  Awards can be transferred to friends/family at no extra cost.

 

Cons:

Redemtion of miles is really limited to upgrades or free flights (no hotel redemption).  Limited airline partners with whom to accumulate/redeem mileage awards.  Can't purchase mileage to make up shortfalls.

 

Thai - number of miles needed to upgrade to next higher class (single trips) - 40,000 (economy to business).

 

Pros:

Member of Star Alliance - mileage can be accumulated/redeemed with partners including bmi (British Midland).  Good hotel redemption - 3 nights in Shangri La/Plaza Athenee/JW Marriott is 32,000 miles.  Shortfalls in mileage can be purchased if necessary.  Can transfer awards to family (but not friends) free of charge. (There is a charge to transfer awards to friends).

 

Cons:

Takes a long time to accumulate a round-trip upgrade.  Upgrades can only be confirmed 21 days in advance of travel subject to availability (basically means it is on a fill-up basis).  The woman in the London office seems to be as thick as shit - not in the least bit helpful.

 

You really have to stick to one airline or grouping (Star Alliance or OneWorld) to get the benefits....after all, that's what the programmes are all about.

 

I hope that is of some use,

 

Regards,

 

Tom

[BigDUSA 71]

Why not try the Star Alliance group of airlines. Earn ff miles on all your flights dump into one account. Miles never expire as long as you fly at least once every three years. You can redeem ff miles on all airlines. Check out there website. I'm in the US and I use UAL, SAS, SQ, Thai and Lufthansa for all my travel and the miles really rack up. I get double miles on UAL so I use them the most. ;D ;D ;D

[chico 205]

Hello Bigbad.

 

By my calculations, 7 return flights London/ Bangkok on QF or BA ( codeshare booking  the QF flight number ) will get you a freeby. So if you have 3, 4 to go.

As long as you travel at least once in a 3 year period, you don't lose points.

Watch out for bonus points and point discounts.  Last year from Sydney, got 8000 bonus by travelling in March to BKK.

Also last year, flew Sydney-Manila for 42,000 instead of the then normal 60,000.

Perhaps they have similar from London at times.

Got to admit that the breakfast on both airlines is abysmal.

I've had better on Sudan Airways.

 

Good luck.

chico, wooooff 8)