Booking Saudi Airlines flight - which FF to link to?

[wchiri]

Hello

We have business class flights to book with Saudia airlines with 5 passengers.

The associated FF partners that we can choose from are: Al Fursan (Saudi ), Air France, Aeromexico , Delta Airlines, Etihad, Garuda, KLM, Virgin Atlantic, China Eastern and Southern.

Which FF should I select from if I'm currently not a member of any of the above. Any that have family pooling that may make it worth signing us all up to and getting a decent number of points from this trip?

thanks in advance.

 

[andye]

Personally I'd choose Virgin Atlantic. No expiry, some redemption sweet spots (though never used myself) and able to top up with Amex. Second choice AF/KLM. 3rd choice Etihad

 

[jase05]

I’m with Virgin Atlantic Flying Club and have found them to be ok. Obviously they have the SkyTeam alliance members saucy as Saudia but they also have some other partners such as Virgin Australia which earn tier points and miles. I’m sorry but haven’t looked into things like family pooling etc so no advice there. We have had some really pleasant flights with Saudia so enjoy

 

[andye]

BTW all the 3 programmes above have family points (but not SCs, only VA do that) pooling options. Decent overview from TPG here

25 airlines that allow families to pool miles - The Points Guy

Not all frequent flyer programs permit families to share and pool miles, but there are some programs that do allow families to put their miles together to earn awards faster.

thepointsguy.com