Originally Posted by
Calmday
I am starting a new job and will be traveling from IAH to GUW (Atyrau Kazakhstan) monthly in business class. I will be traveling on KLM / Astana but my miles would be more useful on Delta. Status is a big issue for lounge access and upgrades.
I am having some trouble figuring out which frequent flyer program would be the most beneficial to use.
Will I acquire "MQD's" for the Delta Medallion program when I fly on KLM?
If not, would it be better to enrol in the KLM program to get my status up then use those miles on Delta flight?
If you were in the same situation, which program would you use?
I am platinum with United and in that program, the spend requirement for each premier level can only be achieved with purchases on United. Its also difficult to use United miles on partner airlines.
Flying business class should get you lounge access.
Generally its only USA airlines that do not give lounge access due to status. But as is the way with ffp there are exceptions
The upgrade philosophy of USA and non USA airlines is very different. With non USA airlines always expect to sit in the class you pay cash for.
Upgrades on partner airlines will be hard to impossible. Check carefully. Cross airlines are not common and if possible can require an expensive base fare (which can at times cost more than a discounted business fare)
For earning to DL on partner airlines look the DL web site & FT DL forum.
Will the flights be on the airline prime flight numbers or DL/?? codeshares
http://www.wheretocredit.com/dl
http://www.wheretocredit.com/klm
http://www.wheretocredit.com/air-astana
Look here
Which ST program should I sign up for?