Originally Posted by 1k-all-the-way
After a 3 year long distance romantic relationship between SF and GVA, i know your options like the back of my hand. In short - UA to FRA gives a good LH connection and I have been 100% UPGRADE success as a 1k. The route was changed to 747 so it usually works.
Second best, is LHR. Tho that's anightmare now. Since I was paying and doing this every other month - you can save by flying to LHR then buying cheap separate tix on BA or LX. Tho now you have to allow plenty of conenction time.
CDG and train I've done too but only if you want to layover in Paris - always the right thing to do - but otherwise not worth it and CDg fares are highh from SFO plus no non-stops.
The LX flight and UA flights to Zurich are actually not worth it time wise and involve 2 layovers.
What about LH 459 through MUC? I know it's not UA metal, but you can still use an SWU on this. The connection is three hours in MUC, but there are worse airports to spend a few hours in, plus the evening departure out of SFO gives the best chance to sleep on the flight, and C in a LH A340-600 is a pretty nice ride. Just another option I would think, especially if the chances to upgrade on the UA flight to FRA don't look good on the day you're flying.