Originally Posted by
CptnBarrySeal
Gotcha. Would united be a better program then? Or would you know of any programs that would best fit my situation? I could even switch to another airline in asia if they offer these sorts of upgrades and I can always fly out of somewhere like ICN and base myself in ICN. Goal is to be on business 50% of the time if possible.... or would it be better to just go the zipair route?
Upgrades (with ff miles/avios/points with at times cash copayment) are generally only available with the ff miles of your ffp on the airline of your ffp.
Cross airline upgrades are far less.
Star Alliance has scheme that requires a high cost base fare and onerous t&c's. Useless for most passengers
Oneworld is just starting a cross airline scheme.
Oneworld alliance-wide upgrades
Some airlines have there own cross airline upgrade scheme, out of an alliance. (e.g. AA-BA) But onerous t&c's.
Long haul upgrades is not a reason to choose a ffp. Upgrades are far from certain.