Originally Posted by
malmostoso
Originally Posted by
Rowyourboat
I have enough spend to hit top-tier on pretty much any program (except M&M HON), so I'd like to now just pick a program that gives me the best chances of international upgrades. Any thoughts?
Define "international upgrades". If you are referring to op-ups, just remember that it's a US-only idea that people will be upgraded just to fill seats upfront.
If you are talking about paying for upgrades, UA remains your best bet since their upgrade instruments can be used on LH as well. You seem to fly in premium cabins a lot, so it's clearly not a matter of status. I'm not sure what the situation is for UA, but LH lets you upgrade on their metal also from lower economy classes. It's probably no use to you though.
Realistically on cheapo fares the airline of your ffp is best hope for upgrades with ff miles/ff instrument/cash co pay.
On other airline ffps' unless there is specific agreement, like UA-LH, selecting a (new) ffp in the vain hope of getting upgrades on other airlines for long haul and/or international flights and/or non USA air lines is unlikely to happen.
Star alliance has a cross airline upgrade system, but you need expensive YB (and other?) booking class fares.