It’s a sad day for aviation enthusiasts as Czech Airlines officially shuts down on October 26th, taking the OK Plus frequent flyer program with it. In this post, we explore a few alternatives for members that didn’t switch yet. Let’s start!
Czech Airlines OK Plus Alternatives: Which Ones Are The Best?
SkyTeam Alliance Partners
Even though Czech Airlines is leaving SkyTeam, you can still leverage your travel with other member airlines. Consider joining the programs of:
- SAS EuroBonus: Known for excellent redemption options, particularly for premium cabin travel.
- Air France-KLM Flying Blue: A popular choice with a vast network and good earning rates. They offer a variety of ways to earn and redeem miles, including flights, car rentals, and hotel stays.
- Delta SkyMiles: A strong program for US-based travelers, with a wide range of partners and benefits.
Star Alliance
If your travel patterns lean towards airlines in the Star Alliance, explore options like:
- Lufthansa Miles & More: A comprehensive program with a wide range of partners and earning opportunities.
- United MileagePlus: Offers good earning rates and a variety of redemption options, including flights, upgrades, and merchandise.
- Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles.
Oneworld
For those who frequently fly with airlines in the Oneworld alliance:
- British Airways Executive Club: A solid choice with a good network and a variety of benefits, including access to airport lounges.
Low-Cost Carrier Programs
If you prefer budget-friendly travel within Europe, consider these options:
- Smartwings: Czech Republic’s new leading airline doesn’t have an own frequent flyer program yet.
- Wizz Air Discount Club: Offers discounts on flights and other travel services.
Tips for Choosing a New Program
- Consider your travel patterns: Which airlines do you fly most often? Which destinations do you frequent?
- Compare earning and redemption rates: How many miles do you earn per flight? How many miles are required for a free flight?
- Look for valuable benefits: Do you value airport lounge access, priority boarding, or free checked bags?
What We’ll Miss About OK Plus
Although it was a smaller program, OK Plus provided distinct perks, particularly for those exploring Central and Eastern Europe or certain seasonal leisure destinations. Here are some redemptions we’ll miss:
Convenient Access to European Destinations
OK Plus was ideal for affordable, short-haul redemptions across Europe, with Prague as a central hub. Members could reach lesser-known cities in the Balkans and Eastern Europe with fewer miles than larger programs required, making it a favorite for quick, budget-friendly European trips.
Unique Long-Haul and Seasonal Routes
CSA’s partnerships outside SkyTeam enabled OK Plus members to redeem miles for special long-haul routes to Asia and the Middle East, including seasonal destinations like Seoul (Read: World’s Cheapest Longhaul Business Class Award Redemption*) and Riyadh. These rare redemptions offered creative routing options at lower costs, often without high fees or restrictions.
Premium Redemptions at Lower Tiers
OK Plus offered competitively priced business class redemptions, particularly appealing with CSA’s generous stopover policy in Prague. While CSA’s business class wasn’t luxurious, it was accessible and comfortable for fewer miles, providing excellent value across the network.
The closure of OK Plus marks the end of a unique program that provided accessible, affordable options for exploring Central and Eastern Europe. Although some of these routes may remain available through SkyTeam partners, the distinct value OK Plus offered will be missed.
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