Frequent flyer Thoughts
 

Hello,

I’m curious as to people’s experience with travelling back to the UK. From the posts I’ve read it’s expensive and a hellish trip. I was wondering about the merits of joining the Air New Zealand frequent flyer program. I don’t fly that much from the States back to the UK but have managed to collect a lot of frequent flyer miles by using the United credit card and taking advantage of special offers – got 3 business class tickets on Air NZ on airmiles back in 2010. We will be moving to NZ in early 2013 and can’t decide whether it makes sense claiming the miles on NZ Air or United. Is Air NZ generous with their frequent flyer program or is it next to impossible to get free upgrades if you only fly once or twice per year on economy or premier economy? Thank you for any suggestions.

Re: Frequent flyer Thoughts
 

Air New Zealand offer a new scheme called 'One Up' where you can bid for the upgrade. Have a look at the details on the Air New Zealand website: http://www.airnewzealand.co.nz/oneup-upgrades

Re: Frequent flyer Thoughts
 

We use airmiles for free domestic flights.
Upgrades? Don't know. We fly premium on long haul and cash in them miles as above.

Re: Frequent flyer Thoughts
 

You might as well sign up for the Air NZ Frequent Flyer programme. While you are at it, you might want to sign up for a Credit Card linked to NZ Airpoints too, I know Kiwibank does a good one. You even get status points with that one. The upgrade system has changes, I havent used the new system, seems like a "bid for upgrades" system.

Re: Frequent flyer Thoughts
 

The biggest problem I had with the new system is that it's only for one leg of the journey. Might be a bit disappointing to get off your bed in LA and put in the cattle carts for the last leg.

Re: Frequent flyer Thoughts
 

Thanks for all of the responses. Very helpful. Sounds like I need to either win the lottery or get used to a tight fit :eek: