Originally Posted by
Tartegnin
For a dozen years I was Swiss-based and flying LH/LX (and other airlines) a lot,....
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Have now relocated home to the US, and unsure whether to keep in with LH or move over to UA. Need to decide soon, as there is a big Japan trip coming up! If it matters, I already have a UA account post merger (ex Continental which itself was ex Eastern - that's how old I am), but not many miles in it. Several hundred thousand miles in M&M account.
(1) What is your home airport? IAD/DCA/BWI
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? C
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(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? (Can you choose your airlines, class of service?) Mostly for work, a lot for pleasure. Can choose airline for business travel up to a point. Class of service for work determined by company policy but generally C (flights over 6 hours). Always travel C with family long haul for pleasure.
If back in USA for the long term and flying C in my opinion better to move to the UA ffp. (Others may have a different opinion) With revenue based ffp's paying for premium cabin should get to top status. There is also AA (to replace the BA ruby ffp), which is soon moving to a revenue based ffp.
USA based airline ffp's tend to be more generous (status benefits/earn/burn/upgrades/award cost/award cash surcharges/expiry/affiliated credit card ff mile earning/promotions) compared to non USA based airline ffp’s (even after the recently announced changes to some USA ffp’s). But if you are not flying the airline of your ffp the useful benefits are somewhat limited.
The airline you fly most or an airline of the country you live is the best ffp for many people. Generally however you are better earning on your primary airline due to greater recognition, better service when disruptions, ability to upgrade flights and possible operation upgrades.
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