Choices – Looking At A New Frequent Flyer Program
Usually choice is a good thing, even if decisions are hard to make.
I’ve made a decision to make 2017 my last year of higher end elite status with Delta Airlines. I’m sure there will plenty of instances where I choose to fly with Delta after 2017, but it will be as an annually renewed Silver Medallion with Million Miler status and not as an elite Platinum or Diamond Medallion.
The next phase of course is what to do going forward (once I hit my final Diamond Medallion mark), and since it makes sense to plan these things ahead I’m trying to evaluate what to do about airline elite status in the future. There are 2 parts of this choice.
- Choice 1: Do I pursue elite status with another airline in the future or do I purchase the best deal for my travel needs regardless of a rewards program (i.e. Free Agent)?
- Choice 2: If I do choose to pursue elite status with another airline; which airline and what level of elite status?
Regarding choice 1 I don’t see an immediate future without having elite status with somebody. That is an individual decision on my side. I love the challenge of maximizing a program. Especially one that involves air travel. It’s what I do in my spare time and there will be some program that offers ample benefits for my continued business.
I’m sure if I were to do the calculations the best ROI would be to go free agent. This is especially true considering the easy levels of credit card status many cards offer and the reduced cost of premium air travel. These 2 realities alone have really changed the calculus of elite status. Having stated this, for me it’s not just a financial decision, but also an emotional decision.
I really enjoy the game of it all. Reading the small print, finding the arbitrage play, discovering that lucky deal and in the end playing the trump card of higher (or the highest) status to get where you’re going to and returning home in comfort. In reality few people have the patience to do it. I enjoy the journey enough that I want to get to my destination in the most economically civilized manor. It’s not all about first class, it’s about exploiting a great deal.
There are many airlines (other than Delta) that offer attractive reward programs. Putting together the list is challenging in finding the right mix of opportunities and benefits worthy of your time, money and loyalty. Some airlines on the list worth considering are:
1. American Airlines; huge network recent devaluations aside.
2. United; the old school standard.
3. Alaska Airlines, considered the most rewarding on a per mile basis.
4. Southwest Airlines; the companion pass is so lucrative.
5. British Airways; big network and gateway into Europe.
6. Hawaiian Airlines; we have family in Honolulu.
7. Lufthansa; worth considering if your flying into Europe, and the rest of the world.
8. Air France; lifetime platinum in 10 years.
9. Jet Blue; that mint product looks intriguing.
10. Qantas; they’re just so cool down under.
11. Surf Air; Who!?
12. Emirates, Etihad or Qatar; luxury doesn’t get any better.
United – the old school standard
Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan is very generous
In ten years you could have Platinum for life
Companion Pass – the most lucrative benefit in the frequent flyer universe
In reality a foreign carrier doesn’t make a lot of sense for my family. Susan and I are still a couple years away from being empty nesters and even though we would like to be abroad more it just doesn’t happen enough. Then again, foreign programs make it easier for members outside the home country to qualify.
The other programs have their pluses and minuses and there is still plenty of time to consider the alternatives between the different programs. As I enjoy my last year and half of Delta elite status, I’ll be doing the research of which new program to pursue. The best time for status matches is after July 1st, as the matching program will usually grant status through the end of the following year – 18 months out.
Frequently I lecture my daughters – “It’s good to have choices.”