Originally Posted by ratypus

if your travel pattern is largely transatlantic, then I don't see how using Star Alliance (or having Star Alliance status) will be that practical for you, unless you plan on flying United a lot...

LH business is nothing to write home about

Swiss business is very nice, but I wouldn't think worth the stop-over in Switzerland for transatlantic flying

For short-haul in Europe, all you really need is BA Silver or "basic" Gold anyway: only at LHR/LGW is there any difference between Silver and Gold in terms of check-in, security, lounges etc.

And BA Silver/Gold is easier to earn and maintain (I think) that the equivalents on Star Alliance. I looked at switching to Star Alliance and realized it would be a much closer call every year to earn and maintain Star Gold than it is BA Gold, especially based out of London

In short - I don't really see the point of building up a second FFP for your travel pattern. If you want to take some 'wild-card' flights without chasing status, then go for it - Swiss business is a nice change from Club World! but given the offering you don't really need status on Star Alliance to enjoy business class travel on those airlines...