I am doing a SQ round the world ticket in Premium Economy. I'm wondering what people's thoughts are on which FF miles I should accrue on this trip? I can add Krisflyer or United.
I understand Krisflyer points expire after 3 years, and I'm more likely to fly SQ in the future than UA. However, UA is the same accrual rate and from what I have read it is easier to use these points to redeem for future Star Alliance bookings.
If anyone can shed some light/wisdom from their experience that would be great!
The different programs have different earn rates for different carriers on different fare types, and also different redemption rates, so you'd have to do the maths on which is best overall (if you've already done so for every flight, nicely done!).
Note that United miles can't be used to book most SQ A350, A380 or Boeing 777-300ER flights in business class, or Suites Class on the A380/777, whereas those are possible via KrisFlyer. However, KrisFlyer passes on fuel surcharges for most of its Star Alliance partners, so the cost of using your points to fly on airlines other than SQ can add hundreds to the ticket, whereas Untied tends to price copayments on the lower side, although that can still vary from airline to airline.
If you reach gold with SQ you only get it for a year. While United you get to end of the following year. Also consider Asiana as you gives you two years to reach Star Alliance gold.
It depends on your situation and what you plan to use the miles for.
If you are thinking of redeeming award seats I would pick Krisflyer (KF) for the following reasons:
1. As Chris suggested above, SQ reserve most of its premium seats to KF members only. This means more award seats. Consider SQ has a decent amount of flights to Aus, it will be very useful.
2. KF has access to flights at 355 days out compare to UA's 330 days. Meaning you get the first bite of any award seats that got released early on. For high demand seats like ANA's SYD-HND or Air Canada's flights to YVR, you won't have a chance with UA at 330 days. (I'm talking about business class).
3. It's much easier to top up KF miles than UA. Several bank award currencies like Amex's MR, Westpac's altitude, ANZ reward and Citi rewards all can transfer to KF. Also there is the option of transferring from Velocity. So if you are short on miles to complete a redemption, it can be easily topped up. Compare to UA, the only bank that can transfer is CBA with terrible rate.
4. I know 3 year expiry is annoying. So if you know you definitely won't be using it in 3 years then maybe KF isn't for you. Although you can always transfer to Velocity if it is about to expire.
If you are after status, I would go for Asiana. A RTW trip should get you to star gold for almost 4 years.
Thanks guys! Appreciate your input that is very helpful.
I’ll do some research on Asiana to compare. Can you advise if you need to fly a certain number of sectors on Asiana to get status? I’m not likely to fly Asiana...
Aido
Aido
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
Member since 20 Aug 2018
Total posts 2
Hi
Chris C.
Chris C.
Member since 24 Apr 2012
Total posts 1,116
The different programs have different earn rates for different carriers on different fare types, and also different redemption rates, so you'd have to do the maths on which is best overall (if you've already done so for every flight, nicely done!).
Note that United miles can't be used to book most SQ A350, A380 or Boeing 777-300ER flights in business class, or Suites Class on the A380/777, whereas those are possible via KrisFlyer. However, KrisFlyer passes on fuel surcharges for most of its Star Alliance partners, so the cost of using your points to fly on airlines other than SQ can add hundreds to the ticket, whereas Untied tends to price copayments on the lower side, although that can still vary from airline to airline.
jch
jch
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
Member since 15 Nov 2017
Total posts 143
If you reach gold with SQ you only get it for a year. While United you get to end of the following year. Also consider Asiana as you gives you two years to reach Star Alliance gold.
Michael Kao
Michael Kao
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 06 Nov 2014
Total posts 163
It depends on your situation and what you plan to use the miles for.
Aido
Aido
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
Member since 20 Aug 2018
Total posts 2
Thanks guys! Appreciate your input that is very helpful.
jch
jch
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
Member since 15 Nov 2017
Total posts 143