Humbly request advice re OW v *A

[Siegfried]

Hi Folks,

I'm looking for some advice from the wiser heads on this forum. I've got 2 things I need to work out, and the first leads to the second. I'm currently in SCL, with a return booked for 13/07/10 AKL-BNE with QF on an M fare. It looks like I'm going to have to stay in SCL for an extra week, and EF is showing 0 availability in M for QF (although LAN is showing 9's across the board) around the days I want to leave. As I'm going to be coming back over here in September or October, I thought I'd push the return flight out to mid-October, and grab a SCL-BNE return based around these dates (I can book this in J). All good so far, but here's the thing - QF J bookings to SCL are fairly expensive, so I ran the numbers and a DONE4 would fit within the budget. I've been pretty quiet on the travel front this year (building a house), so I need another 440 SC by the end of September to retain WP, however I did just make LTG. So, I've been giving some thought to doing the J RTW with *A, and joining one of the A* member's programs. Looking at the *A RTW offerings, it doesn't look so good trying to get in or out of South America.

My travel for the forseeable future is probably going to be about 10-12 J trips per year, split between the US, Africa, Europe and South America, with some Y travel in Aus, and a couple of personal ski trips to NZ. I plan to relocate to the US or UK in the 2-3 years time, so the US travel would probably be Y and the other destinations would still be J, as well as 2-3 personal trips per year back to Aus in Y.

So, my question is would it be better to stick with OW, or would it be worthwhile trying to rack up some status with *A. If so, what what would be the best bet for a FF program to join. And (I know this gets asked a lot) are any A* programs offering status matching at the moment?

Any advice gratefully received.

 

[Fantic125]

If you're planning on the US in a few years time, then I would suggest looking at United and/or Continental for *A. I haven't closely followed what is happening with the United/Continental purchase but the two combined would be the strongest.

One of my business colleagues has been a United Airlines Global Services & 1K member for more than 10 years and swears by them. Her only concern is that over the last 12 months she hasn't been getting as many of the System-wide or 500 miles upgrades as she did a few years ago - possibly due to increased traffic.

I can't comment on the UK/EU based *A airlines due to very little experience with them.

 

[docjames]

The LTG with QF is a great backup (sure it's not WP but still pretty good).

A *A that will allow long-term regognition might be in order. I dont know the specifics of many of the *A programs (eg. SQ has 3yr lapse) but if you can find one with equivalent to lifetime status, that'd be my pick, allowing long term status with either alliance.


How about skyteam?

 

[Siegfried]

Thanks for the input guys - much appreciated. Took me a while to read your posts - I think the "broadband" connection upstream of the wireless AP of the apartment I'm in is actually a cage of carrier pigeons, with failover to a smoke signal generator.

The LTG with QF is a great backup (sure it's not WP but still pretty good).

True, its not mixing with great unwashed, just the mildly grubby

How about skyteam?

Don't know too much about them - but I hit their site and had a look at the member airlines. I wasn't encouraged (I've flown Vietnam Airlines and Korean in the past, and wasn't impressed). Also, I don't feel filled with confidence about KQ, SU, RO or AM

 

[docjames]

Thanks for the input guys - much appreciated. Took me a while to read your posts - I think the "broadband" connection upstream of the wireless AP of the apartment I'm in is actually a cage of carrier pigeons, with failover to a smoke signal generator.



True, its not mixing with great unwashed, just the mildly grubby



Don't know too much about them - but I hit their site and had a look at the member airlines. I wasn't encouraged (I've flown Vietnam Airlines and Korean in the past, and wasn't impressed). Also, I don't feel filled with confidence about KQ, SU, RO or AM

Yes, however can use DL, AM are fine (I have travelled them in Y and no issues).

And can use DL miles to redeem on DJ which might be useful. I'm not sure what you can redeem for *A intra-Aus? Plus DL have codes on some DJ flights so another earn option.


Was just a thought.

 

[Siegfried]

Was just a thought.

Thanks docjames - it turned out to be a good thought too - I apologise unreservedly for my skepticism.

I talked with a Mexican colleague who uses AM all the time, and he recommends them highly. Also, the DL - VA connection looks good as well. I managed to sweet talk QF into a seat on the trip back to BNE with the dates that I need, so I'll probably look at Skyteam for my next trip.

 

[browski]

Since you are based in Brisbane you might be pleased to know that Skyteam member China Southern commence flights from BNE to Guangahou (and maybe AKL) in a few months. They join Korean Airlines and Vietnam Airlines as members with flights to/from OZ; with China Eastern joining SkyTeam in 2011!

Personally, if residing in Brisbane, I'd join EK's Skywards as my second program rather than Skyteam or *A.