Most FF programs have been revamping their Award Charts, or modifying accumulation levels. Few of these changes have been welcomed by many here, as these have tended to revalue awards for the worst. Though many of us Old Timers have been through worse devaluations, and can raphsodize over the unbelieveable awards we used to get for half the current levels. But those days are long gone.

STAR carriers brought out their unified award chart over the past 12-months, though actual redemption levels can vary from program to program given their various accumulation and other perculiarities. Among STAR awards, UA's Indian subcontinent from NAmerivca appears to represent the best deal: still under 150K for a First Class ticket, I believe. On Aeroplan's chart, it brought down significantly the "price" of premium class awards on TG and SQ, if one can actually secure First or Business seats on the latter carrier.

AAdvantage has just posted their new award chart, which consolidates all its partner carriers, oneworld and otehrs. Biggest loss is the ability to get from NAmerica to SAfrica on CX over the Pacific for a single 140K award in First. [Up to 29K of travel on one of the best carriers in the world!] This trip now can only be done for a single award using AA/BA combo for about 200K in First. Or using two separate awards on either CX or QF for 265K or 295K respectively!

I am not familiar with many of the other STAR and oneworld partner programs, or those of the other alliances, so would be curious to know what you value as The Best Award in your main program.

Perhaps you could post two such entries:
before recent changes, after recent changes.

I have already indicated my choice for best "old" award: CX in First, NAmerica to SAfrica, 140K AAdvantage miles. [Almost as good, on the defunct CanadianPlus program was NAmerica to SAfrica, via BA in First over Atlantic, 125K CP points.]

Best in the "new" awards: not sure yet.