Originally Posted by slawecki
On Feb 15, We fly rt IAD-VCE on AZ in C. Got to make a program commitment now.
I fly out of IAD/BWI mainly to Europe, in C.
SkyTeam airlines have far and away the best fares for this travel. $1800 to $2200 rt for most anywhere they fly. Will go to MOW in May for $2200 in C on AF.
Total mileage credit by then will be about 35-40k for the year with CO, less with most European partners, and would be orphan from the CO miles, which must be worth something.
Fly very little in US, so comp UG is not really a factor. Get lounge access with the tickets.
None of the European lines would issue a comp UG for my LH FTL.
Discovered wife & I had a total of 225k miles in CO. Called, and will get a silver elite(which immediately gives me 200% of miles flown) & they have a credit card of some kind.
Delta would probably also give silver. We have 110k there & they have a credit card. Think that is 175% of miles.
Is there an advantage to any one of the partners for me? Is there anything seriously wrong with CO? Or if there is, what about DL(bleeding money)?
Without any credit card, CO gives 50% bonus miles for silver while DL gives 25%. However, Song flights don't get mileage except with DL Skymiles, but since you said you don't fly much in the US, I guess that's not a worry. There's nothing terribly wrong with either CO or DL, but both aren't in a terrific shape either. DL is trying to do an image makeover with Simplifares and route network redeployments right now, hopefully that'll help boost the bottom line. I don't think any of the business matters directly impact your FF programs though.
Personally I like DL but that's because of my MCO/BOS location. I guess it really is up to you to choose a program. I'm sure others will chime in with their respective opinions as well.
