Originally Posted by rayonline

These sort of questions, it is really best if you go to the programs and calculate it all out realistically. Like don't be too ambitious.

Take me - for me to get Gold it was only Asiana or Aegean.
AirNZ is a local carrier, so I look that up under Asiana and Aegean. I tend to book the economy W fares. So looked that up. For me Aegean gave only 70% miles while Asiana gave 100%. So for me Asiana was easier after taking into account that 20k is needed for Aegean (per year) and 40k for Asiana (per 2yrs).

I am more interested in awards than upgrades. I want something free than paying for econ and then getting a better seat.
Awards for me was 80k for Aegean or 78k for Asiana but Asiana gets a 10k discount when you get to Gold.

Whereas for my mum. She said she is not interested in lounges etc. She I put her with Air Canada b/c that has it set at 60k for a free flight. For her W fares, she gets 100%. It also has a 7yr expiry which is good for he non regular travelling. But at the same token, she looks at these FFPs as optional. If she gets a good deal which happens now/then for us here, she will just fly and flogg the points and if she doesn't get a free flight in the 7yrs, well then too bad.

I don't know the specifics, but if you want Gold - have a look at what is required of you. Can you get it with Aegean or Eurobonus? All I know is this. If you do get 100% of miles. Aegean Gold is set at 20,000. Just to give you an idea, London to New Zealand (or Australia) return is approx 28,000 miles.

I am just guessing here. If you can get Silver with Eurobonus - you check it out. You could get the more local benefits if that is local to you. While if you just got Silver Aegean if that is not local, you may not appreciate any of the benefits. Guessing again, normally if it is local to you, Silver can give you more baggage allowance, bonus mileage earning, discounts etc ... maybe even a upgrade voucher and of course generally you may get 2x vouchers to enter the lounge but only if you are flying their carrier (not a partner). Silver benefits are more benefits at the program's own discretion. B/c Silver Star Alliance internationally with partners etc .. may only give you priority standby and waistlisting. That's all. Internationally you don't even get priority checkin or lounge access. Those need Gold.