Originally Posted by
gemini573
As far as the miles go, it depends. LA, RJ, AY, UL, you're able to earn miles on a lot of fare codes banking it on MPC.
You look at AAdvantage. They are giving miles out like it's going out of fashion. It's good but look at the consequences. For example, you were able to get a seat for 55k in J class on a DFW-HKG flight. Now, if you want to be guaranteed a seat, it will cost you in excess of 170k and that's oneway!
You look at JL's program. It's VERY VERY HARD to earn miles on cheap fare tickets.
The MPC program is indeed more generous. AY is very generous to it's partners, they also offer 100% miles for all travel on AA. Of course, this way around, it's LA, RJ, AY, UL, .. in this case that need to buy the miles from MPC. So it doesn't cost a dime for CX.
Regarding JAL. Had a look at their program. Indeed lowest level 30% miles. Comes close to big EU programs like Flying Blue and M&M where deep discount economy earns 25% miles. Peanuts. You would excpect higher rates of success when booking awards but this is not true either. (at least not for flying blue).
JAL is stingy on miles for both it's own members and partners. (I compared with AA, earnings are same for JAL & AA members). CX's earning levels are higher for their own members than they're for partners.