Yea, I've been researching the best FF program for a LONG time. It's just its hard to find one which fits our needs. That's often the problem that one airline has some great pros and then it gets crushed by a couple of cons. I like UA's award system, but then there is the upgrade system which suuucks. I bought a $900 ticket flying EWR-IAD-LHR-IAD-LGA, it's a pretty low class economy but still, a one way upgrade costs 20K miles and $550, still makes it lower than some discount biz class tickets but a one way reward.
Also, on a separate note, I was thinking of flying FRA-NYC on first class to experience the first class terminal there and just to experience first class itself . So I had multiple questions, I would be let into the LH First Class Terminal with a UA First Class ticket, correct? Also, if there are any two-cabin flights operating would I be let in with a BusinessFirst ticket to any of the First lounges, including the terminal. Finally, how big is the jump between BusinessFirst and First, I'm talking seat-wise, food-wise, and service-wise. Is it worth the extra 17.5K miles for the bump from BF to 1st?
Cheers
Zoui21