I am very happy about my two major frequent-flier programs (UA Mileage Plus and LH miles&more), regarding: [*] miles and status-miles earning abilities: the inclusion of the Austrian Airlines Group (for me, swiss, in the first place, plus British Midland and Mexicana) in spring 2000 helps earning those status miles much easier/faster; plus the 25&/50%/75% eco/bus/first status bonus miles for flight with all Star-carriers that LH introduced per sep-2000 help too.[*] upgrades: the introduction of (6) confirmable systemwides for 1K, good on practically all fares internationally (even'D' upgrades to first), was THE major improvement of UA's ff-program I ever experienced since I am a member.[*] lounge-access-offers: so many lounges now accessible for free for european StarGold-members = better than ever.[*] the elimination of 'W' fares not eligible for upgrades and mileage credit was abandoned by LH in late 98 = a major improvement too.