KE's FFP used to be much better (I would get a C upgrade every other Europe-Asia flight 10 years ago, vs. every 5 flight these days). The second round of 'enhancements' kicking in this March make it mostly unattractive.

However, if upgrades to business on KE flights is what you are after, your options are limited, as other Skyteam FFP's do not offer upgrades on KE, IIRC.

In the past (pre-Skyteam), I've always been able to get a miles-based upgrade to biz when a seat was available. KE is not like SQ in that regard. I believe the increase in mileage required for upgrades, disqualification of discount fares, and lack of upgrades from partner FFP's, are seen as natural counterweights for an excessive proportion of upgraded pax.

I don't know what fare classes consolidators in the US sell. If you can find one who issues what looks like a full-fare Y ticket (including the correspondingly high dollar amount printed on the ticket), but charges discounted fares, you won't have any trouble getting full credit for your economy class trips.
If not, KE looks intent on denying full credit to lower fare classes starting 3/1/04; these classes will also not be eligible for upgrades to business.

What remains attractive in Skypass:
- ability to pool mileage from your family
- easy to achieve base elite level, with priority check-in and luggage handling; next level up is hard to reach, though.


Personally, I have liquidated or am liquidating my balance in AF, DL, and KE FFP's, and will accrue Skyteam miles on my KLM FD account.