Originally Posted by
Bison9073
My apologies if this has been covered before.... I have just recently taken a job in Doha, Qatar and I am a Delta Silver Medallion. Looking at the flight schedules, Star Alliance is the best for me to fly back to my new home in Phoenix, AZ. My question is, do I join Qatar Airways program or do I join US Airways or United/Continental for my Frequent Flier miles to accrue status?
I'm not that familiar with Star Alliance as I grew up in the Dakotas where Northwest/Delta was about all we had, so any help is greatly appreciated. I try to avoid ORD at nearly any cost, but I don't mind making a connection at IAD.
Thanks for your help in advance!
I may sound like an employee of BMI Diamond club with me recommending it so much, but in this case Qatar is an airline partner (though non-*A) of BMI. ESPECIALLY if the bulk of your flying will occur outside the USA. To me, BMI presents one of the best programs for ease of use and integration into star alliance. If you are going to put on a lot of miles, go with Diamond Club. Even with a merger into LH miles and more (slated for next year), if you fly substantial miles, LH will take care of you nicely with Senator status and LH's reach into europe and the mid east in my opinion is about the best there is. But to make the best of it, especially with Miles and More taking Diamond Club into its fold, you need to be flying a considerable amount.
Another option maybe air canada's AeroPlan. Its been reviewed favorably as another star alliance options for FF'ers. On knock that I've observed on US is that redemptions for non US metal can be a challenge sometimes.
joining UA/CO FF is almost certainly going to guarantee you will be visiting ORD against your will!