Originally Posted by gpan
1) for non-US based member, its easier to achieve E+ status for frequent travellers on skyteam via FB. But this may not directly correspond to miles earned/usable.
Correct.
Originally Posted by gpan
2) FB is more yield based, and mileage only exists if the customer is paying a higher yield ticket - other fare classes earn nearly no mileage
Correct.
Originally Posted by gpan
3) DL upgrades are pretty much limited to the US and folk qualifying for platinum level, FB provides no official upgrades on transatlantic. But DL upgrades are only available to SkyMiles elites.
I was talking about free upgrades here.
On the domestic front, it is a toss-up between FB and DL as you get free domestic upgrades on either NW or DL, depending on the program you choose.
For trsanatlantic upgrades, there are no free upgrades in FB - but 6 systemwides on DL.
Anybody can upgrade using miles; the fare requirements (Y/B/M on DL, Y/B/K on AF) are roughly the same.
Originally Posted by gpan
3) FB has a bit more flexibility for folk doing transatlantic routing and not looking for upgrades - and more upgrade carriers for intra-US/intra-european markets (excluding DL).
Yes.