Newbie question here - tried a search to no avail, so would appreciate some direction or information.

Where would a Star Alliance Gold (bmi) be in the rank order for upgrades on an economy ticket? And how often would such an upgrade occur?

I understand that Star Gold can get access to exit row seats - what else might one hope for as bonus for status? Lounge drink chits? Food vouchers on board?

Many thanks ^

hate to burst your bubble, but you won't get much. The best thing will be lounge access, particularly if you are flying through PHL and have time to use A-west lounge. Almost zero chance for a upgrade, US silvers have hard enough of a time for upgrade. And you'd have to pay for it.

You'll have to pay the $5 like everyone else for their decripit snack box, better to buy something at the airport to carry on the flight. You will get priority boarding but with the new carry- on restrictions this isn't as big of a deal as it used to be. Not sure about exit rows, you *should* be able to reserve in advance?

Newbie question here - tried a search to no avail, so would appreciate some direction or information.

Where would a Star Alliance Gold (bmi) be in the rank order for upgrades on an economy ticket? And how often would such an upgrade occur?

I understand that Star Gold can get access to exit row seats - what else might one hope for as bonus for status? Lounge drink chits? Food vouchers on board?

Many thanks ^


Hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I don't think you get much of anything (hopefully someone can correct me if I'm wrong).

You'd only get upgrades if you were using a US DM#, not bmi. I guess if they have the seats available and are feeling very generous, they might comp you. Perhaps someone else knows if that happens for non-US *G flyers.

Exit row seating is a realistic benefit, but I doubt you'll get drink chits - not even US FFers get them. With regards to food vouchers, same thing - they make US FFers pay for them (even in F) so you probably won't get one for free. I think it basically amounts to this: US doesn't own the food - another company does. US sells the food on behalf of the company, collects the money, and remits a percentage to them. In return, US gets free F meals, and US FAs can win prizes based on the percentage of meals they sell on a given flight (80% minimum to qualify for prizes).

Of course, you can take advantage of the other *G benefits - extra luggage, preferred boarding, priority waitlisting, etc.

And since you're overseas (I'm assuming), you should have access to all US domestic clubs (except Envoy lounges). That's something that US *G don't get, unless we're flying internationally.

Sorry I can't provide any better news - again, perhaps someone can correct me and provide you with some more encouraging news...

Regards,

Sean

Kind of what I feared but its good to have a realistic perspective before I get there.
Thanks for the information - much appreciated.

Kind of what I feared but its good to have a realistic perspective before I get there.
Thanks for the information - much appreciated.

Bah - didn't even get exit row seating with *G. And they say bmi is bad... ;)

Flew US in Jul. Couldn't get exit row seats at all. Calling up to request also results in a negative. The agent on the phone could see my status, but just couldn't assign exit row seats.
The only consolation: Got an op-up on a 2 hour sector PHL-BUF, and that was about it. Other than the lounge access and early boarding.
Have a good trip though!

Flew US in Jul. Couldn't get exit row seats at all. Calling up to request also results in a negative. The agent on the phone could see my status, but just couldn't assign exit row seats.
The only consolation: Got an op-up on a 2 hour sector PHL-BUF, and that was about it. Other than the lounge access and early boarding.
Have a good trip though!

Thanks
Here's hoping for similar op-up fortune!
My trip itinerary is here (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=595263)

Thanks
Here's hoping for similar op-up fortune!
My trip itinerary is here (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=595263)

You're welcome. That looks quite good. Pity I won't be in the US though.

The op-up came as a surprise though. Just a bonus for being an elite, I think. :D