Originally Posted by thomwithanh

You have to keep it in perspective though.

European Frequent Flyer Programs are much more difficult to earn in and the focus is much moreso on premium cabin and full fare economy customers. On Miles & More most discount economy fares do not earn any miles, and middle buckets (M, H, etc...) only get 50%. With the push for the high value market their elite thresholds are significantly higher and do not correspond to the tiers of any US Carrier. On Lufthansa, the basic FO tier would be reasonable for most business travelers, but even the middle tier would be difficult unless corporate is paying for J or he or she is flying transatlantic more than once a month.

• Frequent Traveler has similar benefits to our Silver at 30,000 miles but does include lounge access on the LH network (Star Silver)
• Senator the next level up is equivalent to Chairman's at 100,000 miles and has similar benefits to CP (SWU's, guaranteed reservations, etc...) plus access to Senator Lounges and any *A Lounge (Star Gold)
• HON Circle at 600,000 miles (in 24 months) is for ultra high value customers and includes things such as a personal escort to the plane, limousine pick-up on the tarmac at certain German Airports and the First Class Terminal. It's closest equivalent would be United Global Services or American's Concierge Key, but it blows both those programs away. There's probably more 100 HON members but I doubt its much more.

It's a far cry from anything we have in the States - even those traveling primarily for leisure can usually earn enough for an award ticket or upgrade over time and sometimes snag Silver or Gold with nearly all fares (except for unpublished and non-rev fares) earning miles and PQM's.