Airline loyalty schemes... any good ones?

[par47]

Most airlines offer loyalty schemes but I have ignored them because I usually fly with whoever has the best prices/availability/times for each particular trip.

 

But it occured to me I have flown UK-Thailand maybe 25 times so if I had used the same airline all the time I'd probably own the company by now!!!!

 

But I looked at a couple of schemes just now, the offers are trivial. Example... fly 5214 miles with Etihad to get a baseball cap!!! (Etihad are currently favourites for my next trip).

 

Are there any loyalty schemes that offer real benefits... I'm talking seat upgrades or discount flights... not just cheap perfume and cuddly toys?

[mike1966]

hi im with ethiad and just used some air miles to get my ticket for 484 instead of 632,thats what my m8s paid its not great but it all helps

[Methos]

I'm with Aeroplan which is part of Star Alliance. On a round trip from home to BKK (at 100% miles) I earn about 18,000 points/miles. An economy redemption is 75,000 and business is 120,000. So it's definitely worth it IMHO.

 

The thing to be careful of now is some fare classes (or code-shares) on some airlines are 50% miles, 25% or even none. That can get tricky when booking.

 

I earn most of my points through credit card sign up bonuses or other promotions - I don't fly that often. My goal is one free business flight per year. I've done that or better for the last 3 years since I started actively pursuing aeroplan points.

[par47]

Thanks guys.

 

mike1966: thats a substantial saving, did you get that from Etihad's scheme or a 3rd part one?

[gareth]

emirates used to be very good but this year they have cut the miles that you collect to bkk from 12,000 to only 6,000

[LRanger]

Most of the older legacy carriers schemes are shit. Too many with points much more than you.

 

I've had some brilliant upgrades on both Thai and Malaysian when I was on Gold. Upgraded to biz class - on mileage tickets!

 

Would not be any chance of that on Qantas.

[dukemoreau]

check out the chase sapphire credit card they have a very good point program

[tenedave]

The other things to look at are extra baggage and lounge access which with Etihad you get at silver status which equates to 2 flights a year. Also your miles from partner airlines can be transfered to your etihad account as well.

 

It cost you nothing to sign up and you get a head up before deals start, So why not do it.

 

Be well Dave

[par47]

 

It cost you nothing to sign up and you get a head up before deals start, So why not do it.

 

 

Sound advice, thanks.

[Davi loom]

Gareth, when did u get 12,000 air miles flying with emirates to fly to Bangkok? I've flown with them twice a year and for the last 3 years and only get 6,000 each trip.

[hanwellmike]

I have been using mostly EVA for last 3 years and have their Silver FF card which is only 1 up from beginner. Silver gets you into their Business lounge at BKK even if you are flying economy. Not at LHR though, you need to be flying premium economy to get into their Business lounge at LHR.

 

But lounge access is worth say £20 so it is not worth paying an extra £100 for a ticket, just because it will give you lounge access. Fortunately EVA is usually the cheapest of the direct carriers from LHR.

 

I haven't really checked out using my air miles to get a cheap flight or upgrade so I don't know how generous EVA are. I have taken maybe 18 EVA flights in last 3 years and never had a complementary upgrade.

 

Silver qualifies for 10kgs extra baggage which is worth having especially if you are a golfer.

 

My own opinion is that you have to be a business traveller to really rack up the air miles and get the gold cards. There is no harm joining FF club for 1 or more of your preferred carriers then at least you can accumulate whatever is on offer. But I think it a false economy to stick with 1 carrier regardless of the cost of their tickets.

[gareth]

this year in january i got 12,000 , next trip next january they have changed it only going to get 6,ooo miles

[philobert]

I am in Delta's which was not by choice. it's ok but I got transferred over when they bought Northwest which I thought was better. the big thing for me (and I'm only silver) is that I get to select my seats and I get to choose from the emergency egress aisle seats. these are the best in coach especially for the long haul flights from the states. Inaddition to this, I get 1 or 2 free checked bags and can get on the plane a little early than the bulk of the travelers which helps in securing over head space (which seems to be very precious these days). the milage does add up over time and I've used it for both free seats and to bump myself up to bus/1st class. every so often I do pay a bit more, but never seen it over $100 or so.

 

well worth it I think.

 

cheers

 

bert