Web: www.fishfotoworldwide.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com
23/09/2008 – Choosing A Frequent Flyer Program Pt-2 : Fish's Suggestions For Helping A Photographer Maximize His Miles
Last week I posed a question to the readers of Flying With Fish. I asked the readers to consider the flying habits of photographer Mark Rebilas' and offer up their opinions on the best frequent flyer program for him. I received a few e-mails from readers, oddly enough nearly all the replies involved moving from US Airways' Dividend Miles to United Airlines’ Mileage Plus. This a logical choice (and I like United, and am a former United Premier Executive frequent flyer) , but given the state of the industry not the best plan to maximize Mark's potential benefits from belonging to a frequent flyer program.
So what would I suggest to Mark when selecting a frequent flyer program given his 'home airport' and flying habits?
For a primary frequent flyer program, given that Mark's home airport is a Star Alliance hub, I would suggest signing up for Air Canada's AeroPlan and ditching his US Airways Dividend Miles program, despite Phoenix (PHX) being a US Airways fortress.
For a secondary frequent flyer program I would suggest looking into the Air France-KLM Flying Blue program
Why would I select Air Canada's AeroPlan rather than suggesting Mark put his miles in 'the other' United States based Star Alliance airline, United Airlines? I suggest this change for a few reasons.
I'll start with why I believe Mark should eliminate the US Airways Dividend Miles from his frequent flyer programs. US Airways has stripped out the benefits of the Dividend Miles program to the point that it has essentially no value to its loyal customers. There are no longer any elite bonuses; the reduction in first class seating has eliminated the upgrades for most frequent flyers; the lack of lounge access for US Airways' Star Gold flyers; and the lack of a significant difference between being a Gold and a Chairman, makes the program less than beneficial for anyone.
United Airlines may offer more things to its frequent flyers, however their system does not allow for complementary upgrades and like US Airways offers no complementary lounge access for their Star Gold flyers.
What can Air Canada's AeroPlan offer Mark? It can offer him Star Alliance Star Gold at 35,000 miles, or 50 flown segments, vs 50,000 miles, or 50 flown segments, required to reach Star Alliance Star Gold. What does saving 15,000 miles to get to Start Gold get Mark? It gets him Priority/Zone 1 boarding, priority baggage, elite bonuses to earn him additional miles and it gets him worldwide access to Star Alliance lounges, even when flying domestically, when he is flying on a Star Alliance flights.
As a secondary frequent flyer program for Mark is an unconventional move to skip out on Delta's SkyMiles program. As a former Delta Airlines Platinum frequent flyer (as well as a former US Airways Platinum frequent flyer, maintaining Platinum on both airlines simultaneously for two years) I can honestly say that Delta's SkyMiles program offers considerably more than US Airways' Dividend Miles program.
So why skip Delta? Why overlook Sky Team airline alliance partners Northwest Airlines and Continental Airlines? For quite a few reasons, the first reason is that upgrades on Delta Airlines on many of the transcontinental routes which Mark flies are very hard to get access to for those below the status of Platinum SkyMiles system. Delta also no longer offers complimentary membership to the Crown Room Club, even for its Platinum flyers (this is one reason I chose to depart the SkyMiles program)
Why skip Northwest's WorldPerks Program (which I am formerly a WorldPerks Gold for 2006 and 2007)? Northwest Airlines and Delta Airlines have heavily been engaged in merger talks. Should the likely merger happen Northwest Airlines will cease to exist and the two airlines will merge into the single entity Delta Airlines. This merger will approximately double the number of Delta SkyMiles Elites and in the process the merged airline will most likely further slash the benefits available to their 'elite' flyers.
How come I have completely written of Continental Airline's OnePass program? The answer to this one is simple. Continental Airlines has entered into an extensive agreement with Star Alliance carrier United Airlines and they will be leaving SkyTeam to join the Star Alliance, along with United Airlines and US Airways.
So how does this bring us to joining Air France-KLM's Flying Blue frequent flyer program? There are a few reasons I arrived at the Flying Blue program (I am currently an Air France-KLM Flying Blue Gold and a member of KLM's Club China). The first reasoning behind the Flying Blue program is Mark can gain status with either miles or segments. The Delta SkyMiles program is based on miles only, not miles and segments. With just 40,000 miles or 30 segments Mark can reach Gold (25,000 miles or 15 segment will put him at Silver). Elite flyers in the Flying Blue program can get upgrades when flying domestically in the United States on Northwest Airlines as well. I know it sounds to good to be true, but while flying on Northwest Airlines as a Flying Blue Gold I have a nearly perfect track record in getting upgrades on most routes I fly, many of which are transcontinental routes. This upgrade system is in place because Air France-KLM is an owner of the Northwest Workperks program, and Northwest's long and heavily intertwined relationship with KLM. While a Delta Gold or a Northwest Gold has no lounge access (and neither do the Platinum flyers) Gold status flyers with Flying Blue have access to Air France and Northwest Airline lounges Worldwide. As a United States based Flying Blue member Mark would have access to all SkyTeam lounges Worldwide when flying on any SkyTeam flight.
.......as a 'bonus' Northwest elites also have access to upgrades while flying on Continental Airlines (while they are still a SkyTeam member until late 2009), so Gold status on Air France would allow Mark to access potential upgrades on two SkyTeam carriers, and earn qualifying miles while flying Delta while he earns status.
There you have it. My two likely candidate programs for Mark maximize his frequent flyer experience, while barely making any changes to his flying habits or preferred airlines and airline alliances.
So if Mark flies 80 segments a year, or 75,000 miles, which is likely based on his last two years of travel, he can achieve Gold/Elite status with two major global airline alliances and give himself more options, a greater earning on his butt-in-seat miles (BIS) and more comfort when stuck in airports around The World.
Happy Flying!
Showing posts with label Star Alliance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Star Alliance. Show all posts
23 September 2008
15 September 2008
Choosing A Frequent Flyer Program : Help A Photographer Maximize His Miles
Web: www.fishfoto.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com
15/09/2008 – Choosing A Frequent Flyer Program : Help A Photographer Maximize His Miles
Choosing a frequent flyer program can be challenging. There are many factors in choosing the best programs for each individual person. Many infrequent flyers only focus on "If fly airline X and want to earn free flights on airline X." Others focus on upgrades or other perks.
In the scheme of how frequent flyer programs work, and the current devalued state of the programs, sometimes looking at airlines other than the ones you fly may be the best choice. My choices are unconventional, but they allow me to fly who I want while matching my earned miles to a better earnings and rewards scheme.
In this post I am going to let the readers of Flying With Fish voice their collective opinion on choosing a frequent flyer program for a Phoenix based freelance photographer. My buddy Mark Rebilas is looking for a new home to park his miles.
While Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) is a major hub for US Airways, the current value of the US Airways' Dividend Miles program is not a viable program for most flyers. There is the obvious answer of putting Mark's miles and segments into United's Mileage Plus program, but are there better Star Alliance options than United for Mark's needs? Mark also uses Southwest Airlines for some routes, and has been adding some miles to the Delta SkyMiles program.
In an effort to maximize Mark's travel experience, as primarily an editorial sports photographer, I'd like to see him get more for his 'Butt-in-Seat' (BIS) experience. Flying approximately 90,000 miles a year, with an average of 60 segments per year, he is more likely to get more for his miles than his segments, which still leaves this question..........
What is the best program for Mark?
I know what my answers for Mark are, but I would love it if the readers of Flying With Fish would voice their opinions! Don't be shy; let me know what you think.
Have an opinion? Either comment here or if you prefer drop me an e-mail at fish@flyingwithfish.com
Need more information on Mark's flying habits? Drop by Mark's blog at www.markjrebilas.com/blog , and drop him an e-mail.
Want to know what my suggestions for Mark are? I won't withhold my answers, but you'll need to check back next week for my detailed response!
Happy Flying!
15/09/2008 – Choosing A Frequent Flyer Program : Help A Photographer Maximize His Miles
Choosing a frequent flyer program can be challenging. There are many factors in choosing the best programs for each individual person. Many infrequent flyers only focus on "If fly airline X and want to earn free flights on airline X." Others focus on upgrades or other perks.
In the scheme of how frequent flyer programs work, and the current devalued state of the programs, sometimes looking at airlines other than the ones you fly may be the best choice. My choices are unconventional, but they allow me to fly who I want while matching my earned miles to a better earnings and rewards scheme.
In this post I am going to let the readers of Flying With Fish voice their collective opinion on choosing a frequent flyer program for a Phoenix based freelance photographer. My buddy Mark Rebilas is looking for a new home to park his miles.
While Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) is a major hub for US Airways, the current value of the US Airways' Dividend Miles program is not a viable program for most flyers. There is the obvious answer of putting Mark's miles and segments into United's Mileage Plus program, but are there better Star Alliance options than United for Mark's needs? Mark also uses Southwest Airlines for some routes, and has been adding some miles to the Delta SkyMiles program.
In an effort to maximize Mark's travel experience, as primarily an editorial sports photographer, I'd like to see him get more for his 'Butt-in-Seat' (BIS) experience. Flying approximately 90,000 miles a year, with an average of 60 segments per year, he is more likely to get more for his miles than his segments, which still leaves this question..........
What is the best program for Mark?
I know what my answers for Mark are, but I would love it if the readers of Flying With Fish would voice their opinions! Don't be shy; let me know what you think.
Have an opinion? Either comment here or if you prefer drop me an e-mail at fish@flyingwithfish.com
Need more information on Mark's flying habits? Drop by Mark's blog at www.markjrebilas.com/blog , and drop him an e-mail.
Want to know what my suggestions for Mark are? I won't withhold my answers, but you'll need to check back next week for my detailed response!
Happy Flying!
14 July 2008
US Airways Reduces Fuel On Aircraft To Reduce Fuel Expenses!
Web: www.fishfotoworlwide.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com
14/07/2008 – US Airways Reduces Fuel On Aircraft To Reduce Fuel Expenses!
Recently US Airways announced it would be removing the in-flight entertainment systems from approximately 200 aircraft in an effort to save fuel. In theory I am sure this make sense, but then again the entertainment screens on the US Airways' Airbus ‘A320 family’ of aircraft swing down from the overhead every few rows. I am sure removing integrated monitors is quite expensive and then those 'gaps' need to be filled.
Does the removal of in-flight entertainment mean US Airways crews will go back to doing the pre-flight safety demonstration rather than having us watch a monitor?
I an quite interested in the pre-flight safety briefing because US Airways has recently butted heads with pilots over the airline cutting back on the fuel being loaded onto their aircraft.
Airlines have stripped us of meals, some airlines charge us for soft-drinks, there are fewer-to-no pillows, blankets are a hard to find commodity, even the pretzels can be a hard find on some flights. Airlines have also reduced the value of the frequent flyer programs terribly over the last year. I can deal with the reduced 'amenities' on the flights I take the reduced value of my frequent flyer miles.
What I cannot fathom is actually reducing the amount of fuel loaded onto an aircraft.
The flights that this affects the most are the trans-Atlantic (TATL), Pacific/Hawaii (TPac) and trans-Continental (trans-con) flights. Currently eight senior captains with US Airways have been sent off to take fuel conservation training after ordering additional fuel for their aircraft, before departing on trans-Atlantic flights. US Airways states that pilots are able to determine how much fuel they need, but those who order additional fuel, on-top of what was delivered to the aircraft by the airline directly, will be required to take fuel conservation training.
Don't get me wrong, I am all for conserving fuel.
Aircraft now push out from their gates on one engine, rather than two engines (or three engines, or four engines), some airlines use a 'tug' to pull their aircraft further out into the field to save fuel. Aircraft generally shut down at gates now and are powered by auxiliary power while at the gate for lights, air, etc.
The place a pilot does not want to start thinking about their fuel needs is at end of a 3,728 miles trans-Atlantic flight when the tower is telling them they need to abort the landing and go around because something out of their control is blocking their approach.
US Airways corporate media relations’ states “We’re not instructing pilots to make a decision that could even remotely compromise the safe operation of their aircraft to save fuel.” However if they use intimidation tactics to prevent pilots from operating their aircraft within the safety limits they believe is required to fly the aircraft then the safety and lives of the passengers the pilot is responsible for is compromised.
I have disagreed with many of US Airways' decisions in the past year. I had been a US Airways 'Platinum" frequent flyer and moved all my frequent flyer miles to another Star Alliance airline due to their anti-passenger tactics, while still flying on their aircraft. US Airways is the only airline at my 'home airport' (New Haven - HVN) and on trans-Atlantic flights I have preferred their Airbus A333 (A330-323x) service over quite a few other US flag carrier airlines. These tactics are not 'anti-passenger,' they are potentially reckless and will probably go unchecked until a plane falls out of the sky as a result of the corporate decision to reduce fuel being delivered to aircraft.
......I can't in Good Faith end this entry with 'Happy Flying!'
14/07/2008 – US Airways Reduces Fuel On Aircraft To Reduce Fuel Expenses!
Recently US Airways announced it would be removing the in-flight entertainment systems from approximately 200 aircraft in an effort to save fuel. In theory I am sure this make sense, but then again the entertainment screens on the US Airways' Airbus ‘A320 family’ of aircraft swing down from the overhead every few rows. I am sure removing integrated monitors is quite expensive and then those 'gaps' need to be filled.
Does the removal of in-flight entertainment mean US Airways crews will go back to doing the pre-flight safety demonstration rather than having us watch a monitor?
I an quite interested in the pre-flight safety briefing because US Airways has recently butted heads with pilots over the airline cutting back on the fuel being loaded onto their aircraft.
Airlines have stripped us of meals, some airlines charge us for soft-drinks, there are fewer-to-no pillows, blankets are a hard to find commodity, even the pretzels can be a hard find on some flights. Airlines have also reduced the value of the frequent flyer programs terribly over the last year. I can deal with the reduced 'amenities' on the flights I take the reduced value of my frequent flyer miles.
What I cannot fathom is actually reducing the amount of fuel loaded onto an aircraft.
The flights that this affects the most are the trans-Atlantic (TATL), Pacific/Hawaii (TPac) and trans-Continental (trans-con) flights. Currently eight senior captains with US Airways have been sent off to take fuel conservation training after ordering additional fuel for their aircraft, before departing on trans-Atlantic flights. US Airways states that pilots are able to determine how much fuel they need, but those who order additional fuel, on-top of what was delivered to the aircraft by the airline directly, will be required to take fuel conservation training.
Don't get me wrong, I am all for conserving fuel.
Aircraft now push out from their gates on one engine, rather than two engines (or three engines, or four engines), some airlines use a 'tug' to pull their aircraft further out into the field to save fuel. Aircraft generally shut down at gates now and are powered by auxiliary power while at the gate for lights, air, etc.
The place a pilot does not want to start thinking about their fuel needs is at end of a 3,728 miles trans-Atlantic flight when the tower is telling them they need to abort the landing and go around because something out of their control is blocking their approach.
US Airways corporate media relations’ states “We’re not instructing pilots to make a decision that could even remotely compromise the safe operation of their aircraft to save fuel.” However if they use intimidation tactics to prevent pilots from operating their aircraft within the safety limits they believe is required to fly the aircraft then the safety and lives of the passengers the pilot is responsible for is compromised.
I have disagreed with many of US Airways' decisions in the past year. I had been a US Airways 'Platinum" frequent flyer and moved all my frequent flyer miles to another Star Alliance airline due to their anti-passenger tactics, while still flying on their aircraft. US Airways is the only airline at my 'home airport' (New Haven - HVN) and on trans-Atlantic flights I have preferred their Airbus A333 (A330-323x) service over quite a few other US flag carrier airlines. These tactics are not 'anti-passenger,' they are potentially reckless and will probably go unchecked until a plane falls out of the sky as a result of the corporate decision to reduce fuel being delivered to aircraft.
......I can't in Good Faith end this entry with 'Happy Flying!'
20 June 2008
Continental & United Airlines Announce Joint Venture : Is This Good For Passengers?
Web: www.fishfoto.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com
20/6/2008 - Continental & United Airlines Announce Joint Venture : Is This Good For Passengers?
Once again the landscape of airline service in the United States is changing drastically. For many years Continental Airlines has been intricately intertwined with Northwest Airlines, as well as been a partner of Delta Airlines and a member of the SkyTeam airline alliance.
Yesterday an announcement, which many saw coming, will wind down Continental's deep roots with Northwest, Delta and SkyTeam. Yesterday Continental announced its new partnership with United Airlines and it's intent to join rival global airline alliance "Star Alliance."
There had been speculation of a merger between United Airlines and Continental Airlines once Delta Airlines and Northwest Airlines announced a merger. While Continental and United will not be merging, this new partnership will sprout extensive code-share flights between these two airlines. Both airlines service unique markets, which should avoid extensive overlap, and the airlines service non-competing 'hubs.' Overall their route code-sharing could actually be a positive for passengers!
For metro-New York flyers the intention of Continental to join the Star Alliance will means the return of 'New York-London' (well not technically New York, really Newark (EWR)) non-stop service. Since United Airlines stopped flying from JFK-to-London Heathrow, the Star Alliance has been the only major global airline alliance without non-stop flights on one of the most lucrative routes in the world.
The joint venture of Continental and United, and Continental's intention to join the Star Alliance should take approximately a year. Passengers who earn SkyTeam miles on Continental will continue to do so for now. Northwest Airlines passengers who enjoy their upgrades on Continental should expect to continue receiving upgrades for the immediate future (and vise-versa). The transition of frequent flyer programs should be announced well in advance and with any luck the process will go 'almost smoothly.'
Personally, I'd rather see a joint venture such as this one rather than a merger. A joint venture reduces overall costs for airlines in some ways, while still giving the flying public more options. The more options we have as passengers the more competition there is, which can offer lower fares and more competitive routes for us to fly. Mergers and airline closures not only affect the flying public, but also put people out of jobs.
A healthy airline industry (if we can return to that) employs thousands of people, not just within the airline, but with the aircraft manufacturers, the support staff at the airport, the RedCaps at the curb and many others we often forget about. If a healthy joint venture can keep two large global airlines flying then more people will remain employed.......and I am all for people keeping their jobs!
Happy Flying!
20/6/2008 - Continental & United Airlines Announce Joint Venture : Is This Good For Passengers?
Once again the landscape of airline service in the United States is changing drastically. For many years Continental Airlines has been intricately intertwined with Northwest Airlines, as well as been a partner of Delta Airlines and a member of the SkyTeam airline alliance.
Yesterday an announcement, which many saw coming, will wind down Continental's deep roots with Northwest, Delta and SkyTeam. Yesterday Continental announced its new partnership with United Airlines and it's intent to join rival global airline alliance "Star Alliance."
There had been speculation of a merger between United Airlines and Continental Airlines once Delta Airlines and Northwest Airlines announced a merger. While Continental and United will not be merging, this new partnership will sprout extensive code-share flights between these two airlines. Both airlines service unique markets, which should avoid extensive overlap, and the airlines service non-competing 'hubs.' Overall their route code-sharing could actually be a positive for passengers!
For metro-New York flyers the intention of Continental to join the Star Alliance will means the return of 'New York-London' (well not technically New York, really Newark (EWR)) non-stop service. Since United Airlines stopped flying from JFK-to-London Heathrow, the Star Alliance has been the only major global airline alliance without non-stop flights on one of the most lucrative routes in the world.
The joint venture of Continental and United, and Continental's intention to join the Star Alliance should take approximately a year. Passengers who earn SkyTeam miles on Continental will continue to do so for now. Northwest Airlines passengers who enjoy their upgrades on Continental should expect to continue receiving upgrades for the immediate future (and vise-versa). The transition of frequent flyer programs should be announced well in advance and with any luck the process will go 'almost smoothly.'
Personally, I'd rather see a joint venture such as this one rather than a merger. A joint venture reduces overall costs for airlines in some ways, while still giving the flying public more options. The more options we have as passengers the more competition there is, which can offer lower fares and more competitive routes for us to fly. Mergers and airline closures not only affect the flying public, but also put people out of jobs.
A healthy airline industry (if we can return to that) employs thousands of people, not just within the airline, but with the aircraft manufacturers, the support staff at the airport, the RedCaps at the curb and many others we often forget about. If a healthy joint venture can keep two large global airlines flying then more people will remain employed.......and I am all for people keeping their jobs!
Happy Flying!
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