AB: there are many significant benefits over Elite from my perspective:

-- upgrade confirmed at time of reservation, no need to wonder if you made the cut and spent a $100 or more for a V fare that turns out to be non-upgradeable. Not a benefit if you fly paid J.

-- systemwide upgrades. I "regularly" fly on $900-$1100 V fares to CDG/LHR and LOVE the upgrades. (not a benefit if you only fly in N. America but a Super Deal to Oz, Europe and Asia).

-- 1 system-wide gets you from point A to B in N. America. Elite require 2 certificates to get from A to B if long haul (e.g. YYZ-YVR) (not a benefit if you fly paid J)

-- access to MLL lounge even when not travelling AC (has been quite useful for me)

-- access to J seats if not oversold for reward travel, Elite only get Y guaranteed now?

-- no blackout dates

It may not seem like much but when you start adding them up . . .



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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