In this post I wanted to address a topic that I think is interesting, especially in light of some recent developments. If you could only ever redeem miles through several frequent flyer programs again, which would they be? I’ll share my picks, and then I’m curious to hear how my choices compare to those of others.
In this post:
What makes a frequent flyer program useful?
Admittedly this question is entirely theoretical. For those of us in the United States with access to credit cards, the reality is that you never really have to commit to just a handful of frequent flyer programs, as the major transferable points currencies give you access to dozens of partners. That kind of flexibility is invaluable. Furthermore, lots of loyalty programs sell miles at a discount, in a way where it can make sense to outright purchase miles and then immediately redeem.
But still, if you had to commit yourself to only redeeming points through a limited number of airline frequent flyer programs, how would you go about picking them? Essentially I’d try to find the programs that offer the best balance between good redemption rates, a lot of airlines and routes you can potentially redeem on, access to as much award availability as possible, and an easy booking process.
Furthermore, I’d want to consider which routes I frequently fly and want to redeem on, rather than just the general value of a program. However, I wouldn’t base my choice on whether a program has a particular sweet spot, but rather would base it on the overall value and flexibility offered.
Admittedly a major issue with making a choice is acknowledging that programs change over time. I’m not sure I’d want to be locked into any program for a lifetime, so I’m basing my choices on the current realities of redemption options.
The frequent flyer programs I find to be most valuable
With the above out of the way, let me share what I’d currently consider to be the most valuable programs for award redemption opportunities. If I could only redeem through these six programs again, I actually wouldn’t feel like I’m losing out that much (at least based on current conditions).
With that in mind, below are my picks, roughly in order, starting with my favorite. Separately, also consider airline points expiration policies, and award ticket change and cancelation fees.
Air Canada Aeroplan
I consider Air Canada Aeroplan to be one of the most useful frequent flyer programs. Aeroplan has reasonable redemption rates, an amazing array of airline partners, and allows stopovers for 5,000 points. Simply put, I think Aeroplan leaves one best positioned for aspirational redemptions. On top of that, there are no fuel surcharges through Aeroplan.
I book a ton of awards through Aeroplan, ranging from a “simple” Lufthansa first class award across the Atlantic, to a complicated round the world journey with stopovers.
Avianca LifeMiles
I’m going to include two Star Alliance programs on this list, since I use the programs in different ways. While I love Aeroplan for the ability to build complex awards with stopovers, I love Avianca LifeMiles for the ability to book simple Star Alliance first and business class awards.
For example, for transatlantic one-way flights on Star Alliance carriers, LifeMiles charges 63,000 miles in business class and 87,000 miles in first class. That pricing is a bit better than Aeroplan in many markets, and what also makes LifeMiles unique is how frequently we see transfer bonuses to the program (unlike with Aeroplan). So I acquire most of my miles with the program with a 20-25% bonus through a transferable points currency, getting me even more value.
American AAdvantage
I’m surprised to be including a US frequent flyer program on this list, given that I’d consider Delta SkyMiles and United MileagePlus to both be pretty uncompetitive when it comes to redemption value. But the reality is that AAdvantage has excellent partner redemption rates, especially on Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways. These are among the most useful for traveling to the Middle East, India, Africa, Central Asia, etc., and AAdvantage miles leave you best positioned for those redemptions.
Furthermore, I love how AAdvantage has no change and cancelation fees, so you can speculatively lock in itineraries that work best for you.
Air France-KLM Flying Blue
Air France-KLM Flying Blue is the most useful SkyTeam frequent flyer program, in my opinion. A lot of us like to fly across the Atlantic, and Flying Blue has access to more Air France and KLM business class award space than partner programs.
I’d say that Air France and KLM are probably the two best airlines at releasing transatlantic premium award space regularly, and I frequently redeem this way for travel to Europe. While there are carrier imposed surcharges through Flying Blue, they’re quite mild. Flying Blue transatlantic business class awards start at just 50,000 miles one-way, and you can even have a free stopover on a one-way award.
Furthermore, in many cases Flying Blue has fair transpacific award redemption rates, including for China Airlines business class. The program has even rolled out some partner first class awards.
Emirates Skywards
Ironically Emirates Skywards isn’t a useful program in terms of partner redemptions, as Skywards has no efficient partner redemption opportunities. However, there’s no denying that Emirates is a global force to be reckoned with, and being able to redeem miles for Emirates first class is awesome.
I typically redeem on Emirates multiple times a year, whether I’m just taking the fifth freedom flight between New York and Milan, or am traveling to the Middle East and beyond via Dubai. It takes some work, but it’s worth it for those inflight showers. 😉
British Airways Executive Club
British Airways Executive Club has a unique distance based award chart, which is valuable in many markets where other points currencies aren’t. Personally I don’t use Executive Club quite as often as others do, but there’s no denying that the program is very useful for short haul awards, especially between regions.
Furthermore, you can transfer Avios between all the programs that use Avios as their rewards currency. For example, you could also transfer your Avios to Qatar Airways Privilege Club, allowing for redemptions on airlines like Middle East Airlines, RwandAir, and more. There are even some great redemption opportunities on JetBlue this way.
Other useful frequent flyer programs
While the above are probably the six most versatile and generally useful programs for my travel patterns, they’re not the only programs that offer a lot of value, or that I frequently redeem through. Just to add to this, I figured I’d call out the four programs I’d personally consider to otherwise be most valuable:
- Alaska Mileage Plan has some valuable partner redemption opportunities, but isn’t as widely useful as AAdvantage, given that you can’t mix and match partners, and can only redeem in select regions
- All Nippon Airways Mileage Club has some amazing redemption rates, but requires you to travel roundtrip, has restrictions around who you can redeem for, and has surcharges on some partners
- Turkish Miles&Smiles has attractive redemption rates, especially for travel on Turkish Airlines, though the airline isn’t very consistent about making award seats available
- Virgin Atlantic Flying Club not only has some attractive niche redemption options, like industry leading award rates on ANA, but also has a valuable distance based award chart for travel on SkyTeam partners
Bottom line
Everyone has different frequent flyer programs that they value most based on their own redemption patterns. Personally the six programs I redeem through most are Air Canada Aeroplan, Avianca LifeMiles, American AAdvantage, Air France-KLM Flying Blue, Emirates Skywards, and British Airways Executive Club. Between those programs, I’d say most kind of awards are pretty well covered.
Fortunately most of us don’t have to limit ourselves to a limited number of programs, given the flexibility afforded by transferable points currencies.
I’m curious — what frequent flyer programs do you value most and/or redeem through most?
Aeroplan has many, many terrible elements - have you seen the 300,000 points they charge for a 4 hour flight YVR-YYZ. Why don't you ever write about the downsides of Aeroplan Ben? Try being objective.
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Andrew Guest
November 7, 2023, 9:16 am
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Maple Leaf Guest
November 7, 2023, 1:05 pm
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1 more replyBecause Ben is an optimized and would never use that redemption. That’s like saying why doesn’t Ben have more articles about redeeming points for gift cards.
An objective and fair assessment of the "best frequent flyer programs for redeeming miles" would cover the good and the bad of each program. Ben never does that with Aeroplan - he only ever talks about the positive elements - and never the many weaknesses. That's not a reasonable assessment - that is cheerleading (or paid marketing).
JAL F JFK>HND 80k AA Miles.
I think these lists are rapidly becoming outdated. No FFP has general appeal anymore. For example, while Aeroplan has, theoretically, a large number of partners, the fact is most awards are rendered uneconomical due to AP's dynamic pricing on their own metal. On the other hand, you can routinely find EVA awards on United and EVA's own program, but not Aeroplan. The web booking engine for stopovers are also still extremely unreliable.
LifeMiles has improved...
I think these lists are rapidly becoming outdated. No FFP has general appeal anymore. For example, while Aeroplan has, theoretically, a large number of partners, the fact is most awards are rendered uneconomical due to AP's dynamic pricing on their own metal. On the other hand, you can routinely find EVA awards on United and EVA's own program, but not Aeroplan. The web booking engine for stopovers are also still extremely unreliable.
LifeMiles has improved its call center (both in wait time and competence) significantly, but its award inventory seems completely random compared to other *A programs; sometimes they have awards many partners do not, and sometimes they lack awards others have.
These general lists just don't work anymore, and the best program depends heavily on what routes an individual flies (not just in theoretical miles per redemption, but inventory, which is now the major constraint).
Agreed. The best programs are Amex and Chase etc., and then move from there to what makes sense
The emirates skywards first class New York-Milan you mention is 142.5k miles +$1580, not exactly a bargain…
Interesting, you stick to the major common programs in the alliance groups. Some of the others can be of excellent value, too.
Ben, have you recently looked at the Aeroplan redemption points and fees? They are ASTRONOMICAL. I had 2 YOW-YZF (Yellowknife) in business booked for past summer for 190K points and reasonable fees (maybe $200). It was canceled because of fires.
For next summer it runs 250K points and over $1000+ in fees. I looked 4 Y CDG-SYR for my daughter and her kids on United points are reasonable, but fees are almost $2000. The...
Ben, have you recently looked at the Aeroplan redemption points and fees? They are ASTRONOMICAL. I had 2 YOW-YZF (Yellowknife) in business booked for past summer for 190K points and reasonable fees (maybe $200). It was canceled because of fires.
For next summer it runs 250K points and over $1000+ in fees. I looked 4 Y CDG-SYR for my daughter and her kids on United points are reasonable, but fees are almost $2000. The AC website is clunky and worse than any of the Big 3.
Maybe it works for LH first class on short notice. But for me, I'm dumping my Aeroplan credit card. I have 300K points that are basically useless.
AAdvantage is far for useful, as are Amex points.
Now do the worst, so we know which ones to avoid
I'll go first!
Delta Sky Piles.
Ben, when was the last time you saw space for two USA-DOH or DOH-USA? I think you need to stop claiming that AA miles are really useful for Qatar. There is virtually no space to or from any US gateway.
Just like when you tout how great Virgin miles are because of ANA redemptions. There aren't any seats so it doesn't really matter if Virgin charges 10 miles, 100,000, or 1,000,000. It's not an "industry leading" anything if you can't find a seat.
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17 more repliesI’m booked for 2 people from USA to Doha to Male for March of 2024. Booked one with AA and one with BA (to add a lap infant). I booked in august. I mean all of these sweet spots take flexibility and patience. I’ve also flown to South Africa in Qsuites for only 75k AA miles too. Our return flight leaves Doha at 1:25 AM on a Saturday, but we’re cool with it.
It's been taking more patience these last couple of years compared to before. Previously, there were more readily available, and it was easy to find last minute award availability on QR from the U.S. through AA. That was still available last year, but it is much rarer this year.
I'm glad you found space. But the context we're in is "Best Programs for Redeeming Miles." And so let's look at the big picture. If you check the month of September 2024, which is a pretty nothing month in Qatar, you will find not a single date with 2 seats from ORD, DFW, ATL, BOS, IAD, or JFK to DOH. That's 8 daily flights and give or take 300 business class seats and not a...
I'm glad you found space. But the context we're in is "Best Programs for Redeeming Miles." And so let's look at the big picture. If you check the month of September 2024, which is a pretty nothing month in Qatar, you will find not a single date with 2 seats from ORD, DFW, ATL, BOS, IAD, or JFK to DOH. That's 8 daily flights and give or take 300 business class seats and not a single flight has 2 seats. I gave up because i think my point is proved but the remaining destinations are likely the same. And the preceding months are also likely the same.
So considering AA a great program because of its QR access is silly at this stage. If you find it, good for you, but it virtually doesn't exist.
Also found ANA first out of JFK for two people last October that I was able to book with Virgin. This one is more of a unicorn but it was an awesome experience in the new suites.
Andrew some people expect these valuable redemptions to be available right when they search and for the exact dates they are searching for.
@James - booked PHL-DFW-DOH-MLE in QSuites using AAdvantage miles and MLE-DOH-BOS-PHL return. Booked in May for travel in February. Granted, did not get PHL-DOH direct, but who cares - QR doesn’t fly it anymore!
Good for you. You snagged what's becoming an impossible award. Tell me if you can find any days with two seats in the current calendar
@James - other people also posted that they found awards. Easy to find? No. Impossible? Also no.
And yes, looking at various gateways for summer 2024, using AA’s month-long calendar view, one can find QR awards.
Nobody cares, nobody is listening. Waste of a post. Driving up the cost of OMAAT for everyone else. Nice work
Please, tell me a date and route that has two seats from the US to DOH. Because I checked virtually all of June and found nothing, and I checked virtually all of September and found nothing. So by all means if you have found one I'd love to know which.
But I'm not sure what you're arguing. The context here is "best programs for redeeming miles" and the fact that you found one date with...
Please, tell me a date and route that has two seats from the US to DOH. Because I checked virtually all of June and found nothing, and I checked virtually all of September and found nothing. So by all means if you have found one I'd love to know which.
But I'm not sure what you're arguing. The context here is "best programs for redeeming miles" and the fact that you found one date with a seat doesn't change the fact that your odds of finding transatlantic J space on Qatar bookable with AA miles are far less than 1%. That's not something that should be cited for the value of AA miles.
June 16, PHL-ATL-DOH-MLE in J. Just one example. Plenty of days are available in June in Y. That took me 60 seconds.
“The context here is "best programs for redeeming miles" and the fact that you found one date with a seat doesn't change the fact that your odds of finding transatlantic J space on Qatar bookable with AA miles are far less than 1%. That's not something that should be cited for the value of AA miles.”
Someone else posted that they booked QR flights. As did I. I am arguing that AAdvantage is worthwhile for...
“The context here is "best programs for redeeming miles" and the fact that you found one date with a seat doesn't change the fact that your odds of finding transatlantic J space on Qatar bookable with AA miles are far less than 1%. That's not something that should be cited for the value of AA miles.”
Someone else posted that they booked QR flights. As did I. I am arguing that AAdvantage is worthwhile for booking flights on QR (and JAL). You said tell you a date. In the first search I did, I found availability. That’s what I’m arguing.
There aren't, in fact, two seats in J on the route and date you suggest. Because as I keep telling you, there are no dates with 2 seats. Y avail is irrelevant - no one wants to spend 16 hours in coach. Find me a date with 2 seats available in J on the AA website.
There. Aren't. Any.
James - there were 2 seats. I'm not going to do your job for you. Someone else posted above that they booked seats. I told you I did. You complain. Within 60 seconds I found one example. I can't help it if it is not there now.
I used to feel the way you do - and do at sometimes. But you arguing that Ben's list is worthless, or at least AAdvantage is, because you...
James - there were 2 seats. I'm not going to do your job for you. Someone else posted above that they booked seats. I told you I did. You complain. Within 60 seconds I found one example. I can't help it if it is not there now.
I used to feel the way you do - and do at sometimes. But you arguing that Ben's list is worthless, or at least AAdvantage is, because you cannot find exactly what you want. In the last year I've flown JAL F r/t 3 times - all using AA miles. I've flown JFK-TYO-SGN r/t in J using AA miles, and I have Qsuites booked for the Maldives in February. You clearly have your mind set on "I want 2 tickets to DOH on these dates" and if you can't find them, then the whole program is worthless. Others' experiences differ.
As a follow up - you are claiming that AAdvantage should not be on the list because what I found, or what Andrew found, is a "Unicorn". As you state:
"That's not something that should be cited for the value of AA miles."
OK, and as I said - I've flown JAL 3 times in F r/t in the last 12 months; flown to SGN in J using AA miles. And am going to the...
As a follow up - you are claiming that AAdvantage should not be on the list because what I found, or what Andrew found, is a "Unicorn". As you state:
"That's not something that should be cited for the value of AA miles."
OK, and as I said - I've flown JAL 3 times in F r/t in the last 12 months; flown to SGN in J using AA miles. And am going to the Maldives. I'm citing that as the value of AA miles. You have to be flexible. I had 2m AA miles to burn, so flying to Tokyo for dinner was something I did, spur of the moment. You aren't happy because you can't plan the perfect trip on the dates you want. Stop focusing on DOH and go somewhere else.
Never make assumptions about your argumentative opponent because it sounds so silly when you're wrong.
I actually have no interest in flying Qatar right now. My southeast Asia trip next year is already booked already, on Singapore (booked via AC) and back on China Airlines (booked via AF). The rest of the stuff I'm looking for is Europe. I have absolutely no self-interest, but I am attune to trends in mileage redemption and American...
Never make assumptions about your argumentative opponent because it sounds so silly when you're wrong.
I actually have no interest in flying Qatar right now. My southeast Asia trip next year is already booked already, on Singapore (booked via AC) and back on China Airlines (booked via AF). The rest of the stuff I'm looking for is Europe. I have absolutely no self-interest, but I am attune to trends in mileage redemption and American is getting much worse.
-JAL releases much less space and British Airways and other partners have access to it a month in advance of AA. I am planning to book HND-SFO or HND-LAX next year but I will absolutely pay more to use avios because otherwise I cannot count on space. There is no day in the entire year 2024 that has 2 seats on HND-LAX in J or F bookable on AA
-Qatar space essentially doesn't exist. You claim to have found 2 seats, which immediately disappeared upon me looking. Either way it proves my point. Either you made up that up, or the ONE example you found lasted 45 minutes before being snapped up. Either way, it's a unicorn
-Cathay is gone
-British Airways just cut in half the amount of space they release to AA. Lucky hasn't reported on it yet.
So, the fact that you (who seems to be a solo traveler) have found a few itineraries here and there, is the definition of anecdotal evidence. You are, for all intents and purposes, a lottery winner explaining that the lottery is a very reliable way to make money
“So, the fact that you (who seems to be a solo traveler)”.
Nope. 2 of the 4 JAL trips were 2 of us. Maldives is 2.
You don’t like AAdvantage because you can’t find exactly what you want. But there are uses for it. FYI, I too had to take a trip to Singapore for a conference - so I paid for it.
Someone else also posted about QR space. But you ignore that as well. It’s not just one anecdote.
Again, don't make assumptions. I LOVE AAdvantage miles. I have redeemed over 2 million of them for myself and my family. And nor am I having trouble finding some weirdly specific routing. My argument is American is no longer one of the best FF programs for redeeming miles.
And trust me, OctinPHL, I would *love* to be wrong. I gain nothing, and I lose a lot, if I can't redeem AA miles for big...
Again, don't make assumptions. I LOVE AAdvantage miles. I have redeemed over 2 million of them for myself and my family. And nor am I having trouble finding some weirdly specific routing. My argument is American is no longer one of the best FF programs for redeeming miles.
And trust me, OctinPHL, I would *love* to be wrong. I gain nothing, and I lose a lot, if I can't redeem AA miles for big value trips. If QR drops a ton of avail. tomorrow or JAL releases more seats to AA, I will gladly eat my words. But I see AAdvantage becoming more like Skymiles every day. Awards on their own metal have skyrocketed. I got DUB-PHL for 45k in Premium Economy in August 2022 and if you want it in August of 2024 you're looking at roughly twice that. British Airways, as I mentioned, halved the space they're giving to AA as of yesterday. CX is useless Transpac. JL shows up only every so often. QR essentially has no seats across the ocean.
So if you still find the occasional seats, I'm happy for you. But I am a creature of pure rational self-interest with miles. I will use whichever program gets me and my family where they want to go. And right now that's Air France Flying Blue, British Airways Avios, Air Canada Aeroplan, and Avianca Lifemiles (much as I hate them) for international business. Whereas AA has become the program I use to fly TVC-DCA for 6k per person. A great value! But hardly something to put in the best 6 programs for redemption
Another one I find very useful is Aegean Miles+Bonus
Redeemed a last minute United Polaris LAX-LHR award ticket last week, 50K miles + $5.6...
Another one was AKL-SIN-PER in SQ Business, 22.5K miles
Last year LHR-HND-LAX in NH F (yeah they allow this routing)
Also their web search function is quite good, often give more options than AV. Also don't forget AV's booking issues and tendency to block certain partner awards.
They do charge...
Another one I find very useful is Aegean Miles+Bonus
Redeemed a last minute United Polaris LAX-LHR award ticket last week, 50K miles + $5.6...
Another one was AKL-SIN-PER in SQ Business, 22.5K miles
Last year LHR-HND-LAX in NH F (yeah they allow this routing)
Also their web search function is quite good, often give more options than AV. Also don't forget AV's booking issues and tendency to block certain partner awards.
They do charge junk fees (aka fuel surcharges) but if you stick with carriers that don't impose them you'll be fine (UA, BR etc)
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Eli Guest
November 6, 2023, 1:12 pm
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TravelinWilly Diamond
November 6, 2023, 2:35 pm
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Neal Guest
November 6, 2023, 8:45 pm
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2 more repliesHow do you accumulated Aegean points?
@Eli, aside from flying Aegean (I know, I'm stating the obvious), put all *A activity on an Aegean account (or another *A program that offers better value).
That's what I plan to do with UA and SQ - start putting flight activity on Air Canada Aeroplan.
I credit all my *A flying to Aegean
You can also transfer Bonvoy points over
I hear many good comments about Air Canada in terms of partner redemption value. But, I also hear many bad comments about Air Canada customer service related to partner awards . . . or its own flights . . . or ground operations . . . or in-flight service. As tempting as the value seems, I just don't see employing Air Canada.
What type of QSuites is that on the QR photo? It looks different then the one I know. Thanks.
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Andrew Guest
November 6, 2023, 11:03 am
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Daniel B. Guest
November 6, 2023, 11:20 am
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1 more replyNot Qsuites, that's the new Qatar business class product Ben's written about.
Thank you for the clarification!
I think Aeroplan has gone downhill since so many partners like Etihad and Oman aren't showing award availability. I used it to book Etihad F with my two 50k certificates when the program revamped, but now it's tough to find amazing redemptions (although did recently book Singapore business to Europe). I find myself using Avios more and more. You can consistently get 30% to 40% transfer bonuses and you can transfer between the Avios program...
I think Aeroplan has gone downhill since so many partners like Etihad and Oman aren't showing award availability. I used it to book Etihad F with my two 50k certificates when the program revamped, but now it's tough to find amazing redemptions (although did recently book Singapore business to Europe). I find myself using Avios more and more. You can consistently get 30% to 40% transfer bonuses and you can transfer between the Avios program to optimize. Plus, BA has a great lap infant policy and we have a baby currently so it's really setting itself apart. Just recently booked Qsuites with a lap infant and iberia business with a lap infant with no issues at all. Also, it's not really practical anymore since BoA got rid of the Asiana credit card, but I used my final Asiana points for Polaris business class to Chile and it was only 35k each way which is just ridiculously good value. The taxes and fees were only like $76 too.
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TravelinWilly Diamond
November 6, 2023, 1:03 pm
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David Guest
November 6, 2023, 7:02 pm
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1 more reply@Andrew
Good points all. But that said, if you're flying a *A carrier, can you think of a better program to credit points to? UA is now in the garbage heap as far as how it works for me, and I'm not sure there are any good *A alternatives.
Consider Avianca Lifemiles, but there's a big asterisk there too
I’m been surprised how useful Virgin Atlantic’s program has been for myself the past couple years. Between the transfer bonuses, ANA redemptions, ITA redemptions and Delta 1 to Europe for 50k vs points and $6 it’s been a real performer.
Air Canada used to be the first on my list but not anymore.
Looks like you haven't had any issues with them inthe last year
The key is do the miles expire and how soon.
As fas as i know the ANA and TK FFPs the miles expire in 3 years and there is not much you can do about it if you do not spend them.
That needs to be mentioned.
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Darryl Stewart Guest
November 6, 2023, 10:24 am
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Jimmy’s Travel Report Diamond
November 6, 2023, 10:51 am
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Eskimo Guest
November 6, 2023, 5:39 pm
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Lee Guest
November 6, 2023, 10:56 am
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3 more repliesNot what the article is about.
The post is about the best frequent flyer programs, I think miles expiration is certainly a valid component in reviewing the programs.
Didn't see anybody ask for your opinion there Jimmy? Waste of a post.
Manny, some people keep their points at the bank and don't transfer them until they're ready to redeem. Others might have stockpiles of points at the airlines. To this second group, your question has great importance. For the airlines that Ben discusses, all have a path to avoid points expiration. As you note, other airlines don't and people need to be aware of that. You are absolutely right.
I’m a long time miles and more (ZRH based) devotee but I see the miles stack up as awards are either inconvenient or surcharges expensive. I’m considering a change to Aeroplan but given there is no branded CC in Switzerland am unsure.
My flight patterns are
20-30 European flights - Y
2-3 transatlantic flights - J
2 flights to Dubai / Asia - Y
Would you recommend the switch?
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Eli Guest
November 6, 2023, 10:41 am
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Derek H Guest
November 6, 2023, 8:29 pm
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Ben Guest
November 7, 2023, 3:57 am
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2 more repliesDo you have miles and more status. If yes how good is Swiss first class availability?
Avoid Aeroplan; it's a soulless black hole of false promises that do not live to expectations.
For ZRH based travelers LH Miles & More in combination with a Corner or SwissCard issued credit card is actually the best option you can have. With your travel pattern you could manage to get SEN. Otherwise you can consider AF or BA.
Do a status calculation based on your travel pattern. The tool at travel-dealz.de comes in mind