Getting back to the original posting I'm still happy with FB and can't complain really, but then again I pay for all my flights myself and have a choice...

I think you can divide the FB frequent flyer into two camps, the ones who pay for themselves and those who don't.

Belonging to the first group, it is easier to get status with FB based on level flights which is more or less impossible with carriers such as BA as not all flights qualify for tier points, whereas most (if not all) AFKL flights (including some of their codeshare) gives you level flights points. This is a very nice gesture by AFKL as frequent flyers DO actually get something out of it. I'm very happy to get cheap flights and still be able to use the higher level of service on the ground due to my status.

The second group of frequent flyers who doesn't pay for themselves usually get the more expensive seats on the carrier (whether these are full Y or discounted C) but might fly a little less and therefore are counting on points more than level flights. For the persons flying months every year what difference does it make if you have 500K miles or 700K miles a year? You haven't "earned" these yourself by paying for it. This is in general so don't get offended if you do pay for yourself.

The question is then, is the second group really more of frequent flyers than the first group? I'd say no even though a higher price have been paid, but don't forget that a Bis seat takes up about the same space as 3-4 seats in Monkey so price wise it's a comfort choice.

I'm staying with FB and have no complaints except their useless CS call center but hey, what can you do?