I can only speak for UA as that is the only US carrier that flies to SYD. Others above have summed it up well. The HUGE difference to me as I live at the "end" of the route network is the 6 x Systemwides that 1K's get, (12 this year due to a loophole it seems if you first qualify and fly 100,000 miles this year as I will do by next flight)

TWO of these certs cover upgrading way in advance on a 31,150 mile flight roundtrip AUST-USA-GERMANY-USA-AUST such as this one I make to the DUS "Altbier" fest next week. Twelve upgrades like THAT is quite a difference from Premier Executive (Gold )level and to me that one difference is worth about $12,000-$15,000 VERY conservatively.

http://www.chicago.com/cgi-bin/gc?PA...OR=&MAP-STYLE=




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~ Glen ~