Questions and Answers

Hello Ben, Tiffany et al,

New to the game and trying to choose one flexible rewards programme to focus points earning on for premium cabin redemptions on Star Alliance flights, specifically 2-3 SWISS flights (East Coast to Asia round trip), with a couple of round trips to Singapore yearly. Would be open to BA but those fuel surcharges are murder. Seems to come down to Aeroplan/ANA for MR, or United Mileage Plus for UR. I’m aware that Chase has higher earning potential but Aeroplan seems to have better redemption rates. Bit stymied at the moment and if anyone has any advice or suggestions it would be greatly appreciated. I have the Amex PRG and I’m currently at 1/24 if that helps.

Regards,
J.B

I’d certainly grab the Chase Sapphire Reserve/Preferred cards to quickly boost UR points. I think it’s worth diversifying a little bit and giving yourself options. Furthermore, UA doesnt pass long fuel surcharges whereas Aeroplan will, on select airlines. Swiss wont have much surcharges (and awards are kind of sparse) but Lufthansa will and they release more award seats.

[QUOTE=”David W, post: 22990, member: 29″]I’d certainly grab the Chase Sapphire Reserve/Preferred cards to quickly boost UR points. I think it’s worth diversifying a little bit and giving yourself options. Furthermore, UA doesnt pass long fuel surcharges whereas Aeroplan will, on select airlines. Swiss wont have much surcharges (and awards are kind of sparse) but Lufthansa will and they release more award seats.[/QUOTE]
Thanks, David. Yes, I do intend to pick up the Chase Reserve soon if I qualify. Aeroplan doesn’t charge surcharges on Swiss, I think, but the availability is scattered. Lufthansa, as you say, does charge fuel surcharges (I’ll have to check how much for the flights I’m considering). Diversifying betwen Amex and Chase seems the way to go, but I guess I’ll have to see where I can really maximise my everyday spend in order to rack up the points I’m hoping for. Thanks again.