SkyTeam strategy

[orangehenry]

I'm trying to work out what the best strategy for SkyTeam is.

I'm about to do about 4000 miles with VN (in Y). There's also a halfway decent chance I might be living in China within the next 12 months, although hopefully I'll be doing my SYD-China legs on QF!

I'm wondering if there is a widely agreed on strategy for SkyTeam - as in which member program is best for lounge access, best for Australian travellers, etc...

Thoughts?

 

[Isochronous]

I'm trying to work out what the best strategy for SkyTeam is.

I'm about to do about 4000 miles with VN (in Y). There's also a halfway decent chance I might be living in China within the next 12 months, although hopefully I'll be doing my SYD-China legs on QF!

I'm wondering if there is a widely agreed on strategy for SkyTeam - as in which member program is best for lounge access, best for Australian travellers, etc...

Thoughts?

Maybe Korean?

 

[orangehenry]

Maybe Korean?

Any reason in particular?

 

[browski]

I'm also +1 for Korean. Probably these factors for me:

1. Best to choose an airline that actually flys to/from Australia. Sort of rules out Air France/KLM and Alitalia and Aeroflot.
2. KE actually have some very exclusive "other airline" partners - such as Emirates, Hawaiian and Garuda - all of which fly frequently to/from Oz.
3. ICN is a really great airport to transit.

 

[Peabody]

I think I read somewhere that Korean will pay for a hotel if your connection is the following day. Not sure if I misinterpreted that but it could be a good way to score a free night and part of a day getting to see a new city.

 

[boylero]

have read up that Delta have never expiring miles policy, this may be a draw card

 

[dajop]

And to throw something else in the mix, AF/KLM have sort of OK redemption rates intra-asia, with online booking which makes a difference. Also they have QF as a partner for (domestic only) redemptions which can help if you have orphan miles.

 

[seanpodge]

Not sure which is the best program, but if you are planing to travel to Europe from China regularly, Aeroflot is usually the cheapest bar none (especially from Beijing). Something to consider possibly.