Originally Posted by
gojko88
Note that deep-discount Y yields 25% in most mileage programmes and even 0% in others, so hitting the Gold threshold on this alone will require a LOT of flying.
SAS Eurobonus is probably their best bet if they want to have lounge access in the US.
I'd say Aegean Miles + Bonus might be better if there is a lot of United/LOT travel and possibly achievable faster, especially if the contractor can fly 4 Aegean segments. Or Turkish Miles & Smiles (40,000) which is valid for 2 years, just avoid certain LOT booking classes.
Regardless your contractor needs probably to fly initially a minimum of 80K miles to get status on SAS, Aegean, Turkish. It's easier to maintain for Aegean and Turkish after, especially Aegean if the person can fulfill 4 Aegean segments.
Note that in 2024, Miles + More (Lufthansa, LOT, SWISS) is changing but likely would have to fly a lot discount economy to get Senator.