the support has been brilliant. i think my last reply didnt post. the reason i use LH is that beimg here in Germany its the one with the best conections out of my local airport. that said my alternatives are airberlin eurowings turkish klm and AF. i sogened up for LH m&m also for the lounge access. now my rules for bookimg are as follows. anything in EMEA has to be econom. anything longer than 6hrs can be business. hotel wise. using IHG was a simple suggestion BUT im free to choose +3 stars and between 80-120€. it is understood that in some cities that isnt going to get you much ( im looking at you sto kholm/helsinki/copenhagen). i plan on using the miles for vacation trips or atleast upgrades o. those trips amd the points well scoring a free night here and there isnt to shabby formthe vacation budget.