ijgordon - thanks. I need the Platinum benefit mostly for the premium class travel (first and business class) with lufthansa and continental. You mentioned this is mostly for flights operated for Continental - does it spill into Lufthansa and United as well though?

Do you know if it will it be the same post merger? I think I know another way to get this is buy my Platinum Medallion on Delta @ the end of the year I can request Status Match so i can carry my gold for 2011 - and in December do the status match for 2012 so I can be K1 with United.

Basically I have around 10 million miles I need to transfer before Sept. 30 from Amex to CO - to take advantage of the miles on continental. Once that is done. I guess I need to be 1K to take advantage of availability of seats in premium cabins on Lufthansa and Continental and other Star Alliance partners. What would be best way of doing this the delta platinum route or purchasing elite qualifying miles?

PS - I am delta platinum by way of Amex Centurion