Star Alliance? UA or NZ?

[je5ta]

Hey all,
My wife and I are planning a RTW trip with Star Alliance and haven't been with a frequent flyer program before. We live in Australia and were wondering which programme would be best to take advantage of the miles from our trip?

We heard good things about UA Mileage Plus and NZ Airpoints ...which would best? Are there others worth considering?

We like that UA miles wont expire (as long as your active every 18 months) but perhaps NZ would be easier to earn points being based in Aus?

Other than the RTW trip we probably only fly once or twice a year.

Thanks for your help!

 

[NYCguy]

What class is your RTW?

 

[je5ta]

Oops, sorry - it's Ecomony

 

[Keith009]

Can't go wrong with UA MP if flying in Economy. Earn/burn on UA MP is one of the most generous out there.

 

[MelUser]

I agree with 009. UA round the world in economy should get you enough points for an economy reward flight from Australia to NZ or anywhere in South Pacific (as far as Tahiti).

 

[MelUser]

Forgot to mention - most star alliance RTWs let you go both ways through the US which gives you more points than 1 way via Asia.

 

[NYCguy]

I agree with 009. UA round the world in economy should get you enough points for an economy reward flight from Australia to NZ or anywhere in South Pacific (as far as Tahiti).

I'd have to agree too - the 34K mile *A RTW fare will get you a decent reward on NZ.

 

[je5ta]

Hey all - thanks so much! You made our decision easy

 

[xt3rm]

This thread made it really easy for me too.

I'm wondering whats the easiest, cheapest way to maintain "activity" once every 18 months?

 

[NYCguy]

This thread made it really easy for me too.

I'm wondering whats the easiest, cheapest way to maintain "activity" once every 18 months?

The cheapest way? Hire a car for a day. A small one. Decline all but the essential insurance, drive home carefully, garage it overnight, and drive back carefully the next day.

You could also treat your other half to bed-and-breakfast at a decent hotel - you don't have to stay in an expensive room, and you'll win Brownie points.

 

[Arthur Hodgson]

The cheapest way? Hire a car for a day. A small one. Decline all but the essential insurance, drive home carefully, garage it overnight, and drive back carefully the next day.

You could also treat your other half to bed-and-breakfast at a decent hotel - you don't have to stay in an expensive room, and you'll win Brownie points.

Or, a cost-free alternative: Earn 1,000 bonus miles when you spend $50 at Mileage Plus Mall: http://mponlinemall.com