Jet-setters, listen up! If you’re still not a part of any frequent flyer program, we need to talk.
Put those empty, used-up miles to good use by keeping them safe under these superlative programs that will make journeying around the world an absolute delight for you and your family. Gone are the wasted hours spent in long check-in lines and generic airport lounges. By now, expecting only the best service should be automatic, because it is naturally what you deserve.
These frequent flyer programs share the same sentiments:
Air France Flying Blue Program (Platinum)
Alliance program: Skyteam
Number of airline partners: 40, including the likes of Japan Airlines, Air Europa, Korean Airlines, and WestJet, to name a few.
Notable Perks:
Hold reservations for up to two weeks for $20
Very low change and cancellation fees; $23 for classic awards and free for flex awards
One-way bookings allowed
Open jaws allowed
Mixed cabins allowed
Stopovers on round-trip tickets
Much greater availability on Air France and KLM than when booking these airlines though partners
Miles can pay for extra fees such as extra legroom, checked bags, lounge access and meals
Flying Blue doesn’t add large fuel surcharges to partner airlines
100 percent bonus miles
Free economy comfort seats on Delta and KLM flights and Seat Plus premium economy on Air France flights
Lounge access to all SkyTeam member airlines
Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Elite (MVP Gold 75k)
Alliance program: None
Number of airline partners: 18, including the likes of Cathay Pacific, Virgin America, Korean Airlines, Japan Airlines, and British Airways, to name a few.
Notable Perks:
Low taxes and fees
One-way awards allowed
One stopover or open jaw per international ticket
One stopover each direction on international trips if all on Alaska Airlines planes
Cancel free within 24 hours of ticketing
One free itinerary change within 72 hours of ticketing
Option to buy miles at a discounted rate anytime you book a ticket
No close-in booking fee so you can book the day of your flight with no charge
Expired miles can be reinstated within one year of expiration with a $75 fee
125 percent bonus miles
50,000 bonus miles with status
Unlimited first class upgrades for member and a companion
Unlimited upgrades on Delta flights
Priority check-in and boarding on Alaska, American and Delta, express security at select airports Four Alaska Board Room day passes
Partner lounge access at select airports
Free same-day flight changes
Free in-flight entertainment player and premium beverages in main cabin
British Airways Executive Club (Gold)
Alliance program: Oneworld
Number of airline partners: 17, including the likes of American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Alaska Airlines, to name a few.
Notable Perks:
No last-minute booking fees
Unlimited stopovers (because of segments booking)
Priority boarding on American Airlines flights booked with Avios
Award bookings available 355 days out, earlier than most airlines
One open-jaw permitted per round-trip award, but you can also easily book each leg separately with distance-based awards
If your flight continues (uses the same flight number), even though it stops, it doesn’t count as a new distance-based segment
Pool points together by household, so there’s no need to transfer between family accounts to get enough miles for a flight
Transfer Avios for free
First class check-in
No booking or service fees on awards
Upgrade voucher for two (at 2,500 tier points)
Additional upgrade voucher for two (at 3,500 tier points)
Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer (Elite Gold)
Alliance program: Star Alliance
Number of airline partners: 34, including the likes of Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines, and Singapore Airlines, to name a few.
Notable Perks:
Cash plus miles fares available
15 percent off required miles when booking flights or upgrades online
Award flights start at 7,500 KrisFlyer miles
No date change fees on Singapore Airlines flights
Ability to revive expired miles
One-way awards permitted on Singapore Airlines and most partner airline bookings
One stopover allowed per saver round-trip award, two stopovers per standard and full award
One stopover permitted per standard and full one-way award
One open jaw on the departure/return location permitted
Star Alliance gold status
Priority check-in
Additional checked bag
Priority boarding
Priority baggage handling (Singapore Airlines, Star Alliance partner airlines and Virgin Australia )
Lounge access
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Source: www.rewardexpert.com
Words by: Samantha Masigan
