Best FF program for 2 trips to amsterdam per year

[andy90]

Because my partner is Dutch we fly into The Netherlands twice a year to see her family. At the moment we fly qantas/emirates. Due to an ongoing spinal problem I find it hard to sit for long flights in economy and the holiday budget doesnt allow for 2 return business trips for 2 people each year. So when possible i like to upgrade with points to business so that I get the lie flat seat. I get a reasonable amount of points through the credit card so its not something that takes too long to achieve.
I am a member of Qantas frequent flyer at the moment.

I am wondering though if there is a better option. Other airline options include etihad, emirates, cathay, singapore. Would any of these airlines offer a better loyalty program for someone like me who does 2 long haul trips a year?
Keeping in mind my only goal is to be able to upgrade to a seat that doesnt hurt my back so much.

Any comments or advice would be appreciated.
Thanks

 

[Mattg]

These kinds of questions are always difficult to answer as they are so open ended. I probably wouldn't suggest the Emirates Skywards program as the value is poor.

Singapore KrisFlyer and Cathay Pacific Asia Miles are pretty good programs in terms of direct business class redemptions to Europe (fewer points required than Qantas FF), but not so good for points upgrades.

A couple of thoughts:

1. Do you have a credit card that transfers to multiple frequent flyer programs? A card that transfers to (at least) QF, VA, SQ and CX could be very useful. Then you can mix and match between programs based on your needs and flight availability at the time you want to use the points.

2. Have you considered purchasing return (paid) Business class tickets from Asia to Europe? These can often be had for around the $2,500 mark. Then just add on return economy flights to Asia (generally somewhere like Bangkok) and upgrade with points on these legs if possible.

3. Have you looked at the cost of buying return business class tickets from Europe to Australia (nesting the return leg so it becomes the start of your next trip)? Return Business fares from places like Oslo and Copenhagen to Australia are often under $5,000.

4. Have you looked at buying miles?