FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - Benefits/Pitfalls - Miles & More vs Miles & Smiles
Old Jul 28, 2011 | 1:45 am
  #2  
Travelite
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Istanbul, Turkey
Programs: TK Miles &Smile Elite, Star Alliance Gold
Posts: 232
Originally Posted by syd_tlukec
Hi all,

Currently OW Emerald (QF Platinum) but about to make "the leap" to *A thanks to competitive J class fares ex Australia to Europe which I use 2-3 times p/a. I'd love your feedback as to which is the better Program - Turkish or Lufthansa? I see benefits in attaining *A Gold quicker (and keeping for longer) with Turkish, but Lufthansa offer a higher points earn for J class Intl travel. Any feedback on redeeming miles on *A partners withTurkish?

Is either more efficient/easy than the other? Any major pitfalls or benefits to consider?

Many thanks!
It all depends actually what is your goal. If primarily is to achieve *A Gold Status than TK is the fastest way. The overall benefits are the same when traveling across Star Alliance carriers I personally never had a problem accessing lounges, baggage allowances, fast track, priority check in usually F class check in desks, SEN lounges in FRA -MUC and ZRH, priority boarding ;I must say LH last winter during a terrible snow storm treated me as TK*G like a royalty and with great respect and professionalism. Once in a while I got an op-up as well.
However I do fly LH and LX cause their rates in Business Class are quite often 50% off the ones on TK.
It is true that usually in C Class you earn more miles on LH but you need more miles to redeem a flight. On TK award tickets are not a big problem and to redeem on other *A carriers there is a standard chart anyway for all.
Considering that you will be doing 3 times Australia to Europe in J class that means you could be even with LH quick on their high level.
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