Originally Posted by
OnTimePlease
So are you suggesting that Star Alliance would be a better alternative to SkyTeam? My US travel, especially out of ABQ, would definitely not be LH metal. Are you also suggesting that I join LH anyway and then fly Star Alliance partners for my domestic US business? If so, how good is the partner integration and loyalty to each others programs?
Well, Star Alliance (LH/LX/SA) is better generally with respect to your EU / S.Africa travels. (and CO/UA/SQ/NH for US to Asia).
From ABQ you may have to connect elsewhere (e.g., PHX, LAX, SFO, Etc).
If you feel that your US Domestic flying will be much more in percentage than the international, then you can go for US or UA-CO as your choice program. With US, you will reach Chairman status, and almost always get upgraded on domestic flights.
With UA, you will reach 1K status...however, higher-fare paying elites (especially anyone on Y/B fares) will have higher priority for domestic upgrades.
If your international travel will be much higher than domestic US, then choose LH. You will get chance for international op-ups on sold-out flights, etc (especially since you are on Y/B/M fares).
If you can reach 100K miles for sure and another 50K more, then, you almost have the option to choose two programs.
LH and CO-UA have a Joint Venture. So, most fare classes earn 100%; and some of the lowest fares earn 50% on international itineraries. This is one big advantage in my opinion...because AF/KL are very stingy in giving miles to many of the lower fare classes.
On the other hand...you can reach DL Diamond with 125K miles (correct?)... Then you are top-tier there......Dont know much about DL. But the DM folks sure are happy in the DL forum!