First post in FF Forum with Challenging questions in mind :)

[jwan142]

hi, dear frequent flyer friends

First time post since 2013 joining up the forum (previous account lost)

I am mainly using my frequent flyer points to travel from Melb to North Asia (primarly HongKong)

I am struggling to make a decision between purchasing miles from Alaska Airlline Mileage and US airway dividend miles.

Both programs are offering a great value of extra points at the moment. as most of you are already quite aware, Alaska is offering 40% extra for 40,000 miles purchase (comes to 1,182.50 USD) while Dividend miles is offering 100% extra of 50000 miles purchase (comes to 1880 USD) . In my situation, a return Business Class J seat from Melb to HK would take 60,000 alaska miles and 90,000 Dividend miles (for the comparison sake, let's ignore the tax which will be pretty similar from both airlines and assume flying with Cathay Pacific which Qantas would be the same i guess)

Which program would you smart travelers recommend?

Cheers

 

[Hvr]

Welcome back as it were jwan142.

Re your questons I really don't know and would suggest that apart from the cost per mile to form a total cost of trip that availability would have to be strongly considered. Especially important if you cannot book a long way out. This ties in with then seats are actually released with each program.

 

[RooFlyer]

Welcome back as it were jwan142.

Re your questons I really don't know and would suggest that apart from the cost per mile to form a total cost of trip that availability would have to be strongly considered. Especially important if you cannot book a long way out. This ties in with then seats are actually released with each program.

+1

One difference between the programs is that AS miles can be used on a variety of airlines outside of oneWorld, (but also Cathay and Qantas of course). USDM I think are restricted to OneWorld redemptions. Going to HK, this isn't probably material to you now, but may be for any subsequent destination. Partners Overview | Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan

I don't know about USDM, but with Alaskan you can call (have to call for CX redemptions) and the lady will cheerfully look at dates and options for you. Its pretty 'user friendly'.

I'm surprised at the cost difference quoted by the zop; its been represented elsewhere that USDM costs less per mile and takes fewer miles for a particular route/class. Given that difference, and the other (smallish) benefits in going Alaskan, I'd buy AS miles (and I do).

 

[jwan142]

Totally agree. Also, potentially there are changes of how much USDM worth after US airway merges its loyalty program with AA.

+1

One difference between the programs is that AS miles can be used on a variety of airlines outside of oneWorld, (but also Cathay and Qantas of course). USDM I think are restricted to OneWorld redemptions. Going to HK, this isn't probably material to you now, but may be for any subsequent destination. Partners Overview | Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan

I don't know about USDM, but with Alaskan you can call (have to call for CX redemptions) and the lady will cheerfully look at dates and options for you. Its pretty 'user friendly'.

I'm surprised at the cost difference quoted by the zop; its been represented elsewhere that USDM costs less per mile and takes fewer miles for a particular route/class. Given that difference, and the other (smallish) benefits in going Alaskan, I'd buy AS miles (and I do).

 

[JohnK]

Welcome to AFF jwan142!

 

[TomVexille]

Welcome aboard!

 

[Sanpan]

hi and welcome.

Having been a member before you will already know what a great group they are.

 

[jwan142]

indeed. this is the place where true intelligent people share their wisdom of squeezing most fun out of flying

 

[Buzzard]

Welcome back to AFF jwan142