Questions and Answers

Hola a todos!

My new job will require some pretty substantial travel, and I am looking for some advice on how to maximize this and get elite status quickly.

I am based in Ecuador, and I fly out of GYE or UIO mostly. Employer is willing to pay for my choice of economy itinerary, plus a set amount towards upgrades. (NOT enough to pay for business class in most cases). I will cough up the difference to fly business class on longer routes, so price is a factor.

Travel will include 2-3 Business class round trips to various places in Europe and 2-3 economy class (or maybe business depending on price) trips to the US / Canada

I’ve read that it’s best to pick one program within each alliance – So which programs would be recommended for quickest way to earn/keep status and good awards for business class tickets?

TYIA for any recommendations.

What are your goals? Do you want the status to earn bonus miles? Get lounge access when flying economy? Free checked bags? Ability to redeem miles?

[QUOTE=”rickyw, post: 63159, member: 1436″]What are your goals? Do you want the status to earn bonus miles? Get lounge access when flying economy? Free checked bags? Ability to redeem miles?[/QUOTE]

Thanks for the reply…

In order of priority,
1) Access to priority upgrades to business class when flying coach. (It’s been a long time since I was a frequent traveler, so does this even exist / happen regularly these days?)
2) Ability to redeem miles / best value for redeeming miles for business class
3) Lounge access when flying economy

Extra checked bags don’t matter that much to me, it would be handy on flights to/from the USA, but it is not my top priority.

Tips on overall strategy with the best alliance also would be appreciated. I have some flexibility on which airlines I chose with my employer, as long as it’s not outrageously more expensive, I can basically pick any airline.

Upcoming / Definite travel planned for 2019 includes: GYE-AMS, GYE/UIO – SLC or LAS (x2), GYE-MCO and GYE-CLO

Well, these days the complimentary upgrade to business class on international itineraries is extremely rare.

I think the difficult thing for you, based on your travel patterns, is finding the same alliance to stay loyal to. For instance, flying to Amsterdam. KLM provides the only non-stop option (SkyTeam). So, I’d choose that over a connection (especially if that connection is in the US – we aren’t the easiest country to transit). But, then on your trips to Salt Lake and Vegas… Delta does not fly to GYE. So, that’s tough.

I’d probably recommend OneWorld, because of their strength in Central America through American in Miami. The vast majority of your trips will be a one-stop routing because of this.