Originally Posted by kiam
From what I know, AF will NOT match status for sure while DL, NW and CO should (only up to Gold from what I know) but they may offer you a challenge, e.g. flying 15-20K miles within 60 days, then you will get Gold Status. Contact respective airlines directly to find out more details. I know someone who needed to fly 20K in 3 months and get Gold status out of Delta.
The most controversial question regarding which program is the best, I don't think anyone here could or should answer you that question unless it is strictly their own personal opinion, and I don't believe there is such a thing as the BEST program because each program within SkyTeam is quite unique of its own. All really depends on who you fly the most, how you fly (routing and class of service wise) and what kind of benefits you are looking for. Are you looking for US domestic upgrades? Are you looking for the easiest way to achieve Elite Plus Status? Are you looking for a club membership or Upgrade Coupons upon reaching Platinum (75K miles)?...etc You can search elite benefits info on each of the airline's forum to find out, or just go directly to their own website to see the summary then decide which one meets your needs the most.
Ta
kiam and
slawecki and everyone for the info., very good of you.
Will look into programmes, just was interested in general opinions on merits of SkyTeam airlines programmes - there may have been one or two that is generally prefered/avoided !
But in answer to your question
kiam, top status benefits and upgrades are my priority. I fly a LOT each year - short, medium and long haul, about half in Economy half in Business, mainly Europe and Asia-Pacific, little bit to US - and want best 'rewards' for this.
And specifically, do any of you know for sure which airline will comp. me status without me having to do a 'Challenge' ?
And
slawecki wrote "Seems US will comp, Europe will not" - does this means that NONE of the Europe based SkyTeam carriers comp. status in your experience ?