First, check out the
*A Useful Reference Links and in particular
BlondeBomber's *G Comparison Guide (2005.
Originally Posted by AndersB
It is fairly easy to be a top tier OW flyer with a single carefully crafted RTW in D. Would you guys please help me narrow down my research into what *A FF program to consider?
Likewise on *A for most (all?) programs too.
Originally Posted by AndersB
1) Around 10 Australian domestic flights. These are are so short and provide so few qualifying miles that they don't really matter.
No *A currently for Australian domestic, except between SYD and MEL on TG and UA; both of which have no traffic rights (ie need to be part of an international itinerary).
Originally Posted by AndersB
2) 1 RTW in A or C/D to visit family in ICN, TXL, CPH, ARN, FRA, ZRH, and DFW.
All of these are readily accessible on *A. From Australia to ICN via BKK or SIN. Plenty of options to get to and around Europe - *A very strong there. UA or US for DFW.
Originally Posted by AndersB
3) 2-4 return trips in Y or D to the US.
UA flies directly from Australia, also NZ via AKL or CHC.
Originally Posted by AndersB
4) 1 return trip to the Philippines in discount Y, most often with SQ.
SQ is *A, although the cheapest economy fares are non mileage earning.
Originally Posted by AndersB
So far I have looked into the FF programs of LH, UA and SQ. LH seems good, but it seems difficult to achieve top tier status with them.
LH has the highest requirement for *G, but also the best earning rates for business and first class (alongside BD and NZ). You should have no problem qualifying SEN (*G) based on this pattern. (Their top tier is HON but requires a ton of flying on LH/LO/OS/UA/US/AC.)
UA has particularly good earn/burn ratios if flying mainly on UA metal. Not so good when flying mainly other airlines.
SQ is good if flying mainly SQ but earning in business and first is not as good as say LH, BD or NZ (or UA) and awards aren't so cheap as to offset this.
Originally Posted by AndersB
I think lounge access, award flights, and upgrades are of similar importance in a FF program.
All *G status gives lounge access when flying on *A same day. Some FFPs also provide access for status members when not flying or when flying other airlines, to their own lounges only.
Originally Posted by AndersB
What are the chances of status matching a QF Platinum / OW Emerald with any of these programs?
Reasonably good (but YMMV).