I know this has been discussed many times. But last week with Mexicana being ousted out of the Star Alliance program and Delta increasing the reward levels in Business-Elite after March 20, 2004 to India, it would be a good time to re-evaluate the best program to redeem miles on, if India is where you wish to travel too.

From the US Carriers only NW & DL are the 2 actual carriers that fly their planes to India themselves. Both have a decent product and now the mileage required in Business Class is 120K for both after March 20, 2004 for Delta as well. DL had a great 100K reward in Business Elite but that will end soon. Basically if you have DL/CO/NW/AF miles you can use them to travel Business Class for 120K next year.

BA & LH both have extremely high rewards of 180K in Business & over 240K in First. In fact BA is at 270K. A total rip off in First. But that has been discussed enuf already.

BA & LH probably have superior products in Business & First. I suggest if BA is what you want the use the AA award of 135K in Business and travel AA/BA to India. If LH is what you prefer then i suggest people go with UA now and not MX. I was a strong advocate of MX via the Star Alliance reward chart cause you could use 120K and fly First Class on LH to India. You can still do that till Mar 31, 2004. I think thats the maximum bang for the buck.

I think most carriers now are in the 120K plus range to India. So I personally feel AA might be the best bet with 135K in Business Class, or you can even fly on a cheap ticket on AA to London in Economy and use a VIPOW to upgrade your self. Then use only 60K miles on AA to travel from LHR to BOM/DEL/CCU/MAA in Business on BA. More so date changes are free and there are various AA offices including one in Bombay.

Please feel free to add more information here.