I agree - great thread!
First off - Wish everyone and their families a Very HAppy and Safe Holiday and a Happy and Prosperous New Year!
For 2000 I have decided to pursue the following elite levels (barring any last minute changes in programs / travel plans)
BA Global Exec Club Gold - Since they have a rolling qualification period my flights from Oct 99 - Oct 00 will count. Should have this wrapped up by April 00.
United Premier - I have found no real benefit beyond this level since my travel is either already in business / first or else on fairly light routes. Since I don't really fly UA itself too much these days the bonus doesn't really help either.
LH Senator - Once again a rolling qual period to Sep 00. At present I have 75000 miles so I need 25K more for what appears to be 2 years of status. This should be done by March. Thanks to class bonuses counting for status this is a great program. (200% Business / 300% for First) ANyfare upgrades w/ miles is useful and reasonable b/c of the ease of earning miles.
CO Gold - After having been NW Gold for a long time (still valid till 2001) I'm going to switch over as I don't see much traval on NW anymore. The addition of KL as a full fledged partner will also be nice. This will be a yearlong mix of domestic and intl flights.
So for 2000 it looks like LH Senator, UA Premier, CO Gold, and BA Gold. I expect easily 250000 + actual flight miles plus class bonuses so it shouldn't be that hard
Hotels - I have SPG Gold till 2001 already and will try for Platinum this year. Hilton has comped me to Gold for next year so I'll give a little to them as well. I hope to stay more with Hyatt so maybe something there. And finally in India the Taj Group has started a loyalty program which is based on amount spent and offers free upgrades, airport transfers, food and drinks, etc.
Maybe we can do an update quarterly or something and see how far everyone has progressed towards their goals.
Until then I wish everyone safe and enjoyable travels and hope to see some of you in the new millenium.