For those interested... the alliance news so far...

BA top marks (yes, can hardly believe myself saying so, but kudos where it´s due)

CX - The Wing is the most superb lounge; knocks spots off the LHR Concorde Room. Inflight service: obs so far for SH flights (eg NRT-HKG) fantastic; LH (eg HKG-AKL) about as exciting as eating out in AKL (sorry in advance if I´m offending anyone!!)

QF - well I´m biased as a member of its FF program but what a hard working crew on the 2 recent LH flights MEL-AKL. Didn´t even need to look at my goblet to find it overflowing, so to speak.

LA - gone very downhill. Lost one of my bags for 4 days so not the best start but inflight service in J stinks. I´ve had better experiences in Y, on many occasions.

More soon.