Even though I don’t really fly that often, it’s nice to have elite membership in a frequent flyer programme – it gets you into lounges, lets you join the Business/First Class check-in queue, and gets you free additional baggage.
Possibly the best way to obtain elite membership is the Aegean Airlines Miles and Bonus scheme. It’s got one of the lowest qualification levels of any airline – 16,000 miles in a year will get you gold status: this will get you lounge access and free extra baggage on any Star Alliance carrier.
Take into account that you have to travel in certain fare codes – the most discounted flights will not count.
The only real caveat is redemption of miles – you can’t use your Aegean miles to upgrade your flight.
Airline Lounges vs. Third Party Lounges
Generally, airline lounges are reserved for people who either have elite status with the airline alliance (e.g. Star Alliance, oneworld, etc.), or those travelling in a premium cabin, such as first or business class.
There are also third party lounges, which are run by companies such as Servisair.
You can get access to third party lounges by either paying an entry fee, or by having a bank account or credit card which gets you access – these usually provide you with a Lounge Pass/Priority Pass membership.
Hi Nick,
Is good to mention that with the Aegean, once you enroll you will get 2000 miles.
If in your first year of flying you complete another 2000 miles(totallying 4000) you will turn into Blue member.
Once you are Blue member you need to accumulate 16000 miles at any calendar year(365 days) since every year your tier points dissappear.
If in your first year you want to become a GOLD member you will need to complete 20000 miles. If you deduct the 2000 miles of the signing up that sums up to 18000 miles needed to collect.
Whereas after the year you turn to BLUE, you only need 16000 miles.
So my suggestion is sign up before you make your first Star Alliance trip. Get the 2000 miles you need to turn BLUE and then plan 16000 miles trips in a years period. That’s how I became a GOLD member.
whoops, got my sums wrong there – will correct the post