Best value FF program

[Jim]

I can use my Altitude points on both Qantas and Air NZ. However Air NZ charges over 20% more then Qantas to go places. For example Qantas to USA return is 80K but Air NZ costs 100K.

I can use my Amex points on just about every airline. Is there better value if I join another airlines FF program besides Qantas or Air NZ which flys to Oz?

[flyaway]

When selecting a Star Alliance program United Airlines provide better value than Air NZ.

[straitman]

When selecting a Star Alliance program United Airlines provide better value than Air NZ.

Absolutely agree. The UA program is very good. Just hope they are still around so you can use the points.

[dajop]

Yes UA's program is all very good and well, but (someone correct me if I'm wrong), there isn't a credit card program in Australia that allows points transfers to UA Mileage Plus. To my knowledge there is QF, NZ (no longer from end of this year), CX, MH & SQ on Amex and NZ, MH & QF on Altitude. Because points transfer is 2:1 for everything but QF & NZ on Amex, I think QF is the best option. Having said that, if you end destination is NZ or the South Pacific, NZ program matches QF in points, and probably has better availablity.

[Tiki]

I chose UA MP because we live in Australia and like to use miles for Pacific Island awards. UA = 20K, NZ = 50K. It is really annoying to be so limited-no credit card alliance, no Aussie domestic partner. If you want to use awards for travel to Asia, compare with SQ and TG.

[262sammy]

I primarily fly OneWorld but need a * Alliance backup due to flight availability. Which would be the best * alliance choice for status?

[bfmi]

I primarily fly OneWorld but need a * Alliance backup due to flight availability. Which would be the best * alliance choice for status?

Depends which region(s) you fly the most. I have UA for AU|US travel and SQ for APAC travel. That way I get the status bonus when flying on the carrier own metal.

If you don't do enough travel for both, I'd choose UA as their award rates are better and offer more specials etc. IMHO.

[BlacKnox]

I can use my Altitude points on both Qantas and Air NZ. However Air NZ charges over 20% more then Qantas to go places. For example Qantas to USA return is 80K but Air NZ costs 100K.

I can use my Amex points on just about every airline. Is there better value if I join another airlines FF program besides Qantas or Air NZ which flys to Oz?

Do you ever pay for travel? Or is everything always reward based?

[262sammy]

Depends which region(s) you fly the most. I have UA for AU|US travel and SQ for APAC travel. That way I get the status bonus when flying on the carrier own metal.

If you don't do enough travel for both, I'd choose UA as their award rates are better and offer more specials etc. IMHO.

Thanks bfmi

I will be travelling mainly ASPAC region predominately company paid in J.

Is it similar to OneWorld where status points accrue on all (mostly all) partner flights?