Hi from across the ditch

[Stark Secrets]

As I live in Auckland and belong to Airpoints, just wondering if it is worth following this forum.
I would love to hear from other kiwis on AFF as to the benefits.

 

[Hvr]

Welcome aboard Stark Secrets Not a Kiwi but have visited a few times. Lots to learn here so you can travel more.

 

[Stark Secrets]

Thanks Hvr. Hope to learn how to travel wiser as well as more.

 

[TomVexille]

Welcome from the West Island

 

[Steady]

Welcome to AFF Stark Secrets - yes

 

[Deleted member]

KiaOra. we are not FF Program prejudicedhere

 

[stoneman]

Welcome from the West Island

+1
You will love it here, there is soooooooooo much to learn, friendly helpful people, did I mention its 'totally addictive' hahaha!

 

[JohnK]

Welcome to AFF Stark Secrets!

 

[Stark Secrets]

Thanks for the friendly welcome everyone. Still haven't heard from any NZ based kiwis...maybe they'll come out at night or maybe they just don't fly

 

[TomVexille]

Okay, here's my take on airpoints. Only use it as a program of last resort...

 

[burmans]

Okay, here's my take on airpoints. Only use it as a program of last resort...

That's what I thought as soon as I read the OP's post, you might learn that there are options other than Airpoints.!

 

[Dr Ralph]

Welcome to AFF Stark Secrets . I would have thought that much of the info here was relevant to a NZ experience.

 

[Mattg]

Welcome. Unfortunately, Airpoints is IMHO one of the worst value frequent flyer programs in the world. I realise that is perhaps not what you want to hear, but that's okay... now you're on this forum, you'll be able to discover some of the (much better value) alternatives out there!

This thread explains some of the reasons for the anti-Airpoints sentiment.

Where do you mostly travel to, which airlines do you fly and what do you prefer to use your points for? Also, do you have status with Air NZ?

Qantas is an obvious alternative, and American Airlines AAdvantage could be useful to you if you fly to Australia (especially northern or Western Australia) a lot. There are other programs that could be more suitable for you too - depends on your answers to the above questions really.

 

[Stark Secrets]

I don't think I have much choice living in NZ but am happy to be enlightened.
Here's a brief history - rarely fly domestically unless on grabaseat.
This year flew AKL-SFO-AKL premium economy (sorry haven't learnt the abbreviations yet) and
AKL-BNE-CAIRNS-AKL economy
This would be a typical year ie one transtasman & one trip further afield.
Next year planning trip to Paris & Barcelona. Any advice re a better FFP would be much appreciated.

 

[Mattg]

I don't think I have much choice living in NZ but am happy to be enlightened.
Here's a brief history - rarely fly domestically unless on grabaseat.
This year flew AKL-SFO-AKL premium economy (sorry haven't learnt the abbreviations yet) and
AKL-BNE-CAIRNS-AKL economy
This would be a typical year ie one transtasman & one trip further afield.
Next year planning trip to Paris & Barcelona. Any advice re a better FFP would be much appreciated.

If you prefer to fly on Air New Zealand, you can still credit to another Star Alliance program other than Air NZ where you'll get more value for your points - which includes almost any other program! Points can also be credited to Virgin Australia, which could be useful for Trans-Tasman flight redemptions. (Some domestic tickets will only earn with Airpoints, but since you mostly fly international that opens a lot more doors.)

On the face of it, I think United or Singapore Airlines are Star Alliance airlines that might have programs suitable for you. Virgin Australia also worth considering. Or, if you'd be prepared to fly oneworld, American Airlines AAdvantage is worthwhile.

Another potentially good option for you to get to Europe next year might be to buy miles with one of a number of airlines. AFF has an eCourse you may wish to sign up to which explains this process and the benefits of doing so: Frugal Premium Cabin Flying — The Australian Frequent Flyer Knowledge Centre

One thing's for sure... Airpoints won't get you very far towards a flight to Europe!

 

[prozac]

Welcome to AFF fuzzy-cuzzy 'cross the tassie.

 

[Blockers]

Welcome Stark Secrets - am please to confirm I am a Kiwi however now based in Sydney. I used to belong to Airpoints, this forum is great for tips and tricks - certainly exploring the other options available through star alliance is a good place to start. Good luck.
PS- go the All Blacks

 

[Stark Secrets]

Sooo...I have booked return airfare to Europe on Lufthansa (better deal than AIR NZ), should I join Miles & More for better earn rate?

 

[prozac]

Consider crediting the LH flights to another Star Alliance partner like SQ.

 

[vantage03]

Miles & More is only worthwhile if you fly regularly to-and-in Europe and in premium cabins. It's fantastic if you fall into that bucket.

Otherwise, much better to credit economy fares to another Star Alliance FFP such as United or SQ