Questions and Answers

Hi Ben – I’m a long standing Delta Diamond who recently started traveling in paid business class (international) and first class (domestic). I used to stick with Delta exclusively to improve my odds of upgrades but not that’s no longer an issue, what airline/program is most lucrative for me? I frequently travel from California to The UK and Australia.

Thanks!

How are you looking to use the miles you’ve earned? For the UK/AUS travel or somewhere else? That might make a difference in what works best.

[QUOTE=”MidSouth Skier, post: 20576, member: 184″]How are you looking to use the miles you’ve earned? For the UK/AUS travel or somewhere else? That might make a difference in what works best.[/QUOTE]
Sorry for the slow reply. I mostly use earned miles for business class travel to Europe (for the whole family that is)

Well, you kinda have to pick your poison. AA is not great about releasing space so you usually have to look at BA which hits you with surcharges unless you can find space on AB, AY, or IB. DL is notorious for secretly changing award pricing and if you want to book your trip as two one ways they will hit you with surcharges for the return leg. UA charges more for partner travel. I’d pick the airline that works best for your schedule and destinations and credit to a program that you can supplement with a transferable currency. On the plus side you should earn well on your paid fares.

Thanks for the thoughtful reply. I noticed you didn’t mention Alaska and then crediting AA/BA to them. Frankly, I’ll likely stick with delta and hope I make it to 360 one of these days (although the qualifications are unknown).

AS faces some of the limitations that AA faces but gives you more flexibility with partners across alliances and more flexible routing rules. You do have to pay the surcharges when redeeming on BA metal still. I assumed you would want status to go with all your flying as well. It’s something to consider. You’ll earn well regardless but if you fly a lot, chances are you’ll run into some disruption or other and it’s nice to be at the front of the line to be taken care of.

Good point on the disruptions. That’s it, sticking with Delta! Thanks again!