Originally Posted by Sjoerd
As for a "crap frequent flyer program", this year (2005) only, I have been able to get flights AMS - PRG - AMS for myself and my partner at exactly the dates and times that I wanted, as well as upgrades to C class both ways for myself and my partner AMS - CUR - AMS. One return trip to the Far east in C class, and I already earned some 38,000 miles. Now you try to get a flight on CX if you have many miles with them (as I do), and see how the frequent flyer programs compare.
I agree that KLM makes mistakes and they are not perfect. But I have had issues with CX, BD, LH over the last couple of years that prove that your claim of "top level service with OneWorld or Star" is simply ridiculous. (for instance, I have been fighting with the Marco Polo Club (CX) helpdesk for almost a year now to get missing miles credited, and I am still waiting for these miles to appear.)
In spite of frequent issues with KL FD, I'm with Sjoerd in that things ain't that bad with the current FD programma. And even if many of the rumoured 'Chocolat' changes are true, it still won't be such a bad choice.
Have been a UA MP member for years with most activity in 2002 (both UA transatlantic C/cl and SQ to Asia). Mileage earning possibilities are a joke (C/cl earns a staggering 125% i.e. a 25% bonus compared to M/cl) and if you can even use the mileage, for upgrades you need to have booked in the more expensive buckets and are charged a ridiculous amount of miles.
Keep my UA account current by the occasional intra Asian flight on SQ, but spend my money where I get more oomph!