Originally Posted by
myriadthings
I thought 5 segments only applied to qualifying via segments? (ie. that I'd have to fly 35 segments total, out of which 5 have to be on AC). If I'm mistaken and it applies to qualifying via miles too that would be great!
No; you must fly 5 segments or 10,000 miles on AC metal in a year to qualify for status with AC.
If for example I flew 99,000 miles on LH (20 segments) and only 1000 miles on AC (2 segments); I would NOT be awarded AC*SE status. I could fly an additional 3 segments on AC or 9000 miles.
As cow said, factor in check baggage or a credit card fee to get you acess to the lounge (in select airports) and you would be pretty near your 400$.
There are other options; 20,000 miles on Aegean = Star Gold; so you would have acess too Maple leaf lounges and priority services.
I am not familiar with UA's program but perhalps you should also investigate them; if you will fly a lot with UA internationaly having status with them to get upgrades to Economy+ or Buisness might make sence for you.