Hi all... and I know what you're thinking - not *another* "Best *A FFP?" thread. I've looked at the others, but I'm afraid I don't see myself in similar scenarios - but my apologies for any repetition.

For the past couple of years I've been flying UA SYD-SFO at least twice a year - usually in T fare, or as cheap a fare as my company provides. A bumper year a few years back got me to MP PremExec, and with the UA bonuses, I've managed to stay there. As I treasure upgrades and lounge access most in an FFP (in that order), it's suited me fine.

This year is looking a little different. I've booked a 29,000 mile *A RTW (M fare) ex SYD, only to find UA does not participate in the *A Upgrade Awards scheme. Maybe I had that karma coming to me after I deliberately avoided UA for my RTW, but I'd like to explore different (and hopefully better) cabin comfort and service... the new UA Business lie-flats aren't coming soon enough, in my opinion.

So with the RTW booked and another SYD-SFO-SYD coming later in the year, what's the best way to hold *G privileges while having the ability to score upgrades and lounge access across most *A airlines?

My notes so far:
- UA and AC do not participate in *A Upgrade Awards (but AC does participate in AmEx Rewards... there's a bonus)
- BD has higher initial requirement for *G but lower renewal requirement
- OZ requires *G renewal only every two years, not every year
- NZ will probably be my preferred carrier for SYD-SFO from now on, if I find their cabin is any good next to UA come the RTW in a month's time... but their AirPoints seems lousy, especially for Australians

Thoughts?

Take care... and SMILE!!! =)


P.S. For those who are interested, my RTW is as follows:

25AUG08 - NZ0704: SYD-AKL
25AUG08 - NZ0008: AKL-SFO
30AUG08 - LH0455: SFO-FRA
04SEP08 - LH4135: NCE-FRA
04SEP08 - LH2582: FRA-MAD (operated as JK0118)
06SEP08 - TP0725: MAD-LIS
06SEP08 - TP0608: LIS-BRU
09SEP08 - LH4251: CDG-MUC
09SEP08 - LH0730: MUC-HKG
13SEP08 - SQ0863: HKG-SIN
15SEP08 - SQ0221: SIN-SYD