Need a new frequent flyer program

[HighBypassRatio]

Hello, I usually fly enough to have OW Sapphire or occasionally Emerald status and have used American Airlines, BA and Finnair FF programs in the past. BA and Finnair when I was living in Europe, but now I'm in Sydney. Due to a breavement in 2023, I only did a fraction of my normal flights for a while and have dropped down to OW Ruby with Finnair as from the start of this year.

As I'm now living in Sydney rather than Europe and only have Ruby status, I'm rethinking which airline I should credit points to.

I have a few hundred thousand FF points with all of Qantas, BA, Finnair and American Airlines.

Typical travel would be 4 – 5 Sydney Tokyo flights per year in J or PeY and a Tokyo London or Sydney London flight per year in Y or PEY.

I rarely fly Qantas on international flights, but I'm not adverse to taking some domestic weekend trips on Qantas within Aus if there is a minimum number of flights on QF metal with the Qantas program.

I'm leaning to starting with Qantas, but welcome any other ideas.

Or even Star Alliance? Although I had Star Alliance Gold a while back through Lufthansa and I thought the Singapore Airlines lounges which I used in APAC were a bit ordinary.

 

[Mattg]

I would have previously said BA Executive Club, but with the changes BA is making to its program it might be best to steer clear.

If you're living in Sydney, Qantas is probably the most obvious and easiest option. It's very easy to earn Qantas points in Australia and they dominate the domestic market. That said, Qantas might make changes to its program later this year as well.

American Airlines could work if you're able to earn lots of AAdvantage miles, since that's how they award status these days. But not as easy without having a US credit card, etc.

If you're eligible for the HSBC Star Alliance credit card, that gives you an easy fast-track to Star Alliance Gold. That could be a backup option for times when you might be flying SQ or LH.

Credit Card Offers Thread 'HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card: Fast-Track to Star Alliance Gold Status'

Nov 9, 2022

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HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card Guide

The HSBC Star Alliance credit card is the first of its kind, allowing Australian cardholders to earn Star Alliance Points and Gold status.

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

---

What are the main benefits of this card?

1. Signup bonus: Fast Track to Star Alliance Gold Status, when you spend $4,000 or more on eligible purchases in the first 90 days from account opening
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[Mattg]

This article might be helpful for you (note that the BA requirements are changing):

The Best Programs for Earning Oneworld Status

Is Qantas Frequent Flyer the best Oneworld loyalty program for earning status, or are there better options? We analyse the best programs for earning Oneworld Ruby, Sapphire or Emerald status.

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

Oh, and if you're new to Australian frequent flyer programs in general, this guide might be helpful:

A Newbie's Guide to Australian Frequent Flyer Programs

Are you a complete newbie to the frequent flyer points game in Australia? Our beginner's guide explains everything you need to know to get started!

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

 

[moa999]

Typical travel would be 4 – 5 Sydney Tokyo flights per year in J or PeY and a Tokyo London or Sydney London flight per year in Y or PEY.

Who are these flights typically with?

Flying with Qantas over JAL (or at least a QF codeshare) you will get almost twice the number of points and SCs as with JAL.

And 3 J returns on QF to Tokyo would get you QF Gold (Sapphire) and 6 Platinum (Emerald).

 

[zainman]

Is there a oneworld program that allows pooling of tier/status credits similar to what Velocity Family Pooling allows? Not just redeemable miles/points but for status?

 

[offshore171]

Flying with Qantas over JAL (or at least a QF codeshare) you will get almost twice the number of points and SCs as with JAL.

Do you mean when crediting the flights to the JAL Scheme or Qantas scheme?

AFAIK, and it may have changed, but JAL Mileage Bank gives you full credits whether the flight is operated by JAL or another Oneworld partner carrier. Is this still the case?

Whereas QF changed their system several years back to credit lower points and credits for non QF Oneworld. Significantly less in some cases.

How Qantas Punishes You for Flying Partner Airlines

16 July, 2018

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au