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Alternative or supplemental frequent flyer program
I have had Alaska MVP Gold for several years and fly often to Asia and Australia from North America.
Would there be any benefit to adding Japan Air, Cathay Pacific, or Qantas as an alternative or supplemental frequent flyer program? I assume I would fly enough domestic miles to maintain MVP status on Alaska. Which one world program among the three would be the best and under which scenarios? I could apply for another credit card.
I live in Seattle, so have YVR and SEA as main home airports for Asia travel. I also live part time in San Diego, which has direct JAL flight to NRT. I have been able to get get one-way rental from near condo in San Diego to LAX for under $100 USD. Alaska connections from SAN to SFO and SEA to SFO make it another realistic airport to fly from.
What are you trying to earn? Top tier status? Are you looking for the best earning rates for redeemable miles? Upgrades? Lounge access?
[QUOTE=”rickyw, post: 61587, member: 1436″]What are you trying to earn? Top tier status? Are you looking for the best earning rates for redeemable miles? Upgrades? Lounge access?[/QUOTE]
More options for business class redemptions on flights to Asia. I have been doing well under current scenario. I was curious if there might be a better alternative.
I’d also compare award charts before assigning miles to a different airline. While I’ve read about specific uses of CX & JL miles, it seems like the QF chart is usually not advantageous. Be aware that CX only allows one connection each way so if you’re connecting somewhere in Asia and not flying back to SEA factor in an additional award or a positioning flight.
[QUOTE=”MidSouth Skier, post: 61596, member: 184″]I’d also compare award charts before assigning miles to a different airline. While I’ve read about specific uses of CX & JL miles, it seems like the QF chart is usually not advantageous. Be aware that CX only allows one connection each way so if you’re connecting somewhere in Asia and not flying back to SEA factor in an additional award or a positioning flight.[/QUOTE]
Thanks. I’m pretty satisfied overall with my situation. I fly quite a bit so I get qualifying miles to maintain elite status, which means bonuses for redeemable miles and periodic mileage purchases.
I posted a similar question a year ago and it pretty much went unanswered.
Given that my question wasn’t filled with replies suggesting better options, I will accept the idea that the motor is running so it doesn’t need fixing. I would guess that flying a couple of long domestic flights and the right partner and class overseas flight would get me to Gold 75k level. I will see what unfolds in 2019.
I would say that Alaskan miles are one of your best options for redeeming in business class to Asia, thanks to all their partners.
As you said, sounds like you have it figured out!
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