Six of one half a dozen of the other. I have only ever used them for travel in N. America (including Hawaii).

Since they are not upgradeable (although my companions have been upgraded about 50% of the time once we have gotten to the gate), I wouldn't subject my companion (or me) to Y class across the pond unless I could be sure the flight was empty and I got 4 seats in the back (like I did for Altbier last November).

I am happy with whatever AC gives my I guess since there are so many other good things about being SE, not the least of which is the upgrades from V fare and higher. People groused about that last year but in the end, I see it as a good deal.

What I would like to see and what I did ask AC for was the ability to use miles (the difference between an Aeroplan award Y and an Aeroplan J) for the companion ticket. They did it for their Hawaii program when the family went to the PiP in HNL a year and a half ago but then those were different types of companion tickets (didn't say not upgradeable).

The same should be true (but isn't ) for the North America free ticket at 70k, ie it is not upgradeable even if you wanted to spend some miles to do so. I would think it would be in AC's interest to get people to use more of their miles on unsold seats anyway. The upgrade could be limited to a time window to make it easier for other SE's to book their upgrades.

I think Aeroplan is a solid program. Compared with the other Star programs, you get a lot. LH is better in miles (status and total miles) earning ability if you fly in paid First and Business a lot. UA is better for benefits if you are flying in the US a lot but sucks when it comes to points earning ability for status.

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BlondeBomber's Star Alliance Gold Comparison Chart 2001: http://members.home.net/deercroft/starall00.html

Dorian's Star Alliance RTW Price Chart: http://www.informationlab.com/rtw.htm
flyers'places - restaurant, bar & hotel recommendations: http://www.flyersplaces.com