🌐 English Version — 閱讀繁體中文版本 ｜ English translation of our original Chinese article.
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Choosing the Right Airline Alliance
Before diving into miles programs, the most important first step is choosing which airline alliance to focus on. The three major global alliances are Star Alliance, Oneworld, and SkyTeam — each with different member airlines and redemption routes.
For travelers based in Taiwan, common choices include:
- Star Alliance: EVA Air, Singapore Airlines, Lufthansa, United Airlines, etc.
- Oneworld: Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines (JAL), British Airways, American Airlines, etc.
- SkyTeam: China Airlines, Korean Air, Delta, Air France/KLM, etc.
The key to picking one is simple: choose the alliance where your most-used airline belongs, or the one that best serves your most-traveled routes.
How to Earn Miles
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- Flight mileage: Miles credited based on distance flown and fare class. Business class earns far more than economy.
- Credit card spending: Co-branded airline cards and premium cards often offer miles per dollar spent — this is one of the fastest methods.
- Partner spend: Hotels, car rentals, shopping portals, and more can all earn miles.
- Promotions & bonuses: Sign-up bonuses, limited-time earning boosts, and transfer bonuses from point programs.
The Right Mindset for Using Miles
Using miles strategically requires a shift in thinking. Here are the core principles:
- Value per mile: Miles aren’t created equal. Business class redemptions on full-service airlines typically offer the best value. Don’t “waste” miles on low-value economy redemptions if you can use cash for those.
- Book early for awards: Award seats are limited. The best routes (e.g., business class to Europe) need to be booked months in advance.
- Watch for sweet spots: Every program has hidden deals — off-peak awards, partner airline charts with better rates, or distance-based pricing where short hops cost very few miles.
- Miles expire: Know your program’s expiry policy. Unused miles can expire, wiping out months of effort.
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