Originally Posted by
Anglo Large Clawed Otter
There are rumors spreading that LH will initiate a takeover of BD in the next few years, and likely merge DiamondClub into M&M. Here are the perks of the BD program that I really like:
1. Excellent Earning on Y/Q-UP domestic F fares (300%...up to 600% if I have flown 55Kmi in my Gold Year).
2. 4 Upgrade Vouchers Y->Y+ each year.
3. Part Cash/Part Miles Rewards (even in Premium Cabins).
4. One-Way Reward redemption (at 50% of roundtrip cost, even for Miles+Cash)
5. Ability to redeem for International F.
Assuming BD gets bought out and merges, which program is next best? I don't have any interest in UA, as CO takes care of me for all my domestic upgrading needs (without instruments). I'm really looking for a program that's closer to what BD offers (high mileage earning rates, part cash/miles, and ability to redeem for International F awards). I could even manage to live without cash/mi awards, if the earning abilities/rates were sufficient to mean I could still rack up beaucoup miles by flying creatively routed Y/Q-UP domestic F fares. I don't particularly care what alliance the back-up program is in, so long as it fulfills the criteria.
Any advice would be appreciated.
First, I am not sure that I have a suggestion for a program that is as lucrative or flexible as BD. BD is probably the best deal going for those who travel internationally and can make use of BD's US-UK flights.
If BD merges, it is likely (IMO) that the most lucrative aspects of the BD program will disappear, like numbers 1, 2, and 3 in your list above. Nonetheless, I think LH would not be a bad program to keep because of the ability to redeem for international F and access to reward avaialbility on other Star Alliance carriers. Being SEN, however, requires 100k EQM, a tough total to achieve while maintaining top tier in another program (CO) - you would end up flying UA quite a bit domestically to pad your LH EQM's.