Questions and Answers

Dear Lucky

I am an avid reader of your forum, I check in at least once a day. Most simple questions on flying have already been answered, I have a question that is simple to ask but difficult to answer. What do you think is now the world’s best all round Frequent Flyer Program. The site gives a lot of information on US frequent flyer programs, but what about foreign ones. A little background on myself, since I imagine answers are rather individual. I fly between 60-100 thousand miles a year, mainly for leisure but sometimes for travel. I would say about 45 percent of my travel is domestic, mostly coast to coast and the rest is international. At least 4 flights to and from Europe every year, and 2 other International flights to anywhere in the world. I am based in LA. For my situation Alaska seems to be the best US carrier, and I am planning to migrate from aa. They give a lot of myself and are so far a great airline. Is their any airline in the world that has a better program in your opinion.

Thank you very much.

Best
Lorenzo

BTW I fly almost exclusively in economy

I dont think theres a “best program in the world.” People find different aspects of programs to be more valuable to them and that’s what you should ask yourself. Being an elite member in AA out of LAX isn’t a bad option and as part of the oneworld alliance, you have access to earn and redeem on those airlines, as well as other AA partners, like Etihad. That being said, AS’s program is also a pretty good option, since they partner with multiple airlines to Europe and Asia. However, their partnership with Delta is deteriorating, meaning less reciprocal benefits to elite members. AA also partners with AS but as an AS elite, you’d be on the bottom of the upgrade lists on AA flights.

Thank you David, in terms of economy miles earn do you think aa will still be the best Oneworld Alliance Member.

AAdvantage has yet to announce the start date of becoming a revenue based program. Once that occurs though, crediting to AS might give you more miles. It’ll depend on your elite status as well as fare class.