Originally Posted by
Fanjet
While I would give Star a slight edge in Europe, it is really because of LH. Most of the other carriers have a much smaller footprint. TP, LO, OS, SK, SN, LX, A3. And putting aside the YQ issue, BA is close to LH in size. AB is the 6th largest carrier in Europe IIRC, and LH is the only Star carrier larger than it. Well, unless you consider TK to be a European carrier. And Star's edge over OW is mainly in eastern Europe. For western Europe, BA, IB, and AB provide a lot of destination options.
And Star redemption is better with UA than with US, given that UA allows for one way travel, and the absence of an automatic $50 award redemption fee.
BA & IB does not even come into consideration because of it's YQ. Take that away and you have hardly anything. Plus add LHR's high taxes. Include them and you have carriers at the edges of the continent, not in the center.
And SK and LX are pretty decent carriers with long haul flights and reasonable availability in Y at least. The other carriers provide decent coverage within Europe. 1W does not even hold a candle in front of Star when it comes to Europe.