Originally Posted by
StatusHound
I've currently got status on Star Alliance, but SA don't have much of a presence in Australia. I will be traveling to Australia quite a lot for work soon, between Australia and the US West Coast. I want to status match to another alliance. Which is better? OneWorld or SkyTeam? And through which airline?
Does your employer have a corporate travel policy/ preferred airline?
What class will you travel?
Where in Australia will you be going? SYD is not the only international airport in Australia
Any Aust domestic flights? No Star Alliance airlines in Australia for domestic flights (RIP Ansett)
DL (skyteam) fly LAX SYD.
UA (Star alliance) fly LAX - MEL; LAX SFO IAH – SYD; SFO - MEL.
NZ (Star alliance) fly LAX via AKL to a range of Au airports.
And AA, QF & VA.
Within Australia QF Qantas, JQ Jetstar, VA Virgin Australia, TT Tiger and some small regional airlines
The chances of a status match are low.
AA will offer a challenge for a $ fee.
QF are not know for matches, but may offer a challenge
What do expect/hope from a status?
For non USA airlines do not expect upgrades.
Upgrades on AA for LAX SYD are hard to get. Dedicated AA thread on that topic.