Originally Posted by alect
So it seems LH gives better COS bonus while UA gives better status bonus. If I went with LH would that restrict my award redemption availbility on non-LH * partners (ie is award availbility on a * airlines first offered to its own members before other * members?).
This UA
changed their program too , making a distinction between Elite Qualifying Miles and Redeemable Miles. For travel booked in C and D, you earn 150% EQM, but only 125% redeemable miles. With LH there is no such distinction. Also note that the UA status bonus only applies on UA and US metal, as well as LH transatlantic. What makes most sense will depend on your travel pattern. For instance, flying LAX-FRA in J will give you 2.25*5806 = 13064 miles on LH M&M (assuming you're FTL or Senator), whereas on UA you'd get 1.5*5806 = 8709 EQM, but the number of redeemable miles would be the same as on LH. Note that Z fares on UA earn only 100% redeemable miles. If you fly F, LH comes out ahead.
You also mentioned you might be flying to Asia at some point and if you'll be flying SQ (which you should
), then the LH program is more generous with redeemable miles awarded. No status bonus on either, but here LH's base earnings put it ahead.
I guess the questions are what routes you'll be flying most and on what carrier. If you'll be doing a lot of intra-European travel on LH or OS for instance (to destinations such as BRI), then you're probably better off with LH. If you'll be doing a lot of domestic flying as well, then having the UA upgrade benefits will weigh more heavily.
As for award availability, SQ is notoriously difficult about for non-KF members. Other than that, I'm not really sure, and I'll leave it to more experienced *A travelers to answer that.
