I will stick with Star Alliance for next year, banking miles with AP.

The following program items don't change and they are important to me:

- lounge access for me, guest, immediate family
- priority check-in
- increased baggage allowance
- priority boarding
- priority everything when things go wrong

While the kvetching will be about the front cabin access, I think these less sexy benefits are important things what people should consider carefully before giving up.

Since I will get that at 35k for the foreseeable future, I would be foolish to change alliance or bank with another Star member.

Which one would I go to that is better in Y, the cabin in which I almost always travel? Remember folks, you do have to get on the airplane eventually!