- FB Elites are treated on par with WP Elites for upgrades on NW (I am upgraded 80-90% of all NW flights) but seem to be considered after NW/CO on CO and not at all or as sporadic ST Elite+ on DL.
- FB Gold will get you lounge access at both CO and DL with international itinerary.
- FB not subject to 50% eqm restrictions as between CO and NW
- AF WILL only upgrade for operational reasons but gives priority to own members and higher fare classes. AF upgrades can be arranged with miles for FB members but not for NW/CO/DL members.

Key disadvantage of FB: if you fly economy in the very cheapest fares you will earn 0-25-50% miles.

Key advantage of FB over other programs if you plan to fly for the next decade is that 10 years of Platinum gives you Platinum for Life.