Originally Posted by
DownUnderFlyer
The OP is traveling in business class, so the better programs will be LH and BD. And if they achieve *G, it is also better to be with a non US carrier for lounge access in the US.
Two good points: US lounge access is often better for non-US elites and LH is good for BC mileage credits. Not at all convinced that BMI is a good option for anyone outside the UK, but I'm willing to be corrected on that.
Originally Posted by
red star
Travelling in BC on M&M will get you pretty soon to the Frequent Flyer status (BC= double miles on M&M). No more milage expiration then.
Originally Posted by
DownUnderFlyer
If you can get a LH credit card, then your miles do not expire, either.
Yes, there
are ways of preventing M&M miles from expiring. But it's not as straightforward as it is, for example, with most US programmes. Unless things have changed then only a German credit card will do the trick that way. And having status, of course, only works for as long as you are flying enough to retain that status.
I agree that the OP should consider Miles & More, but only after carefully reading their terms and conditions. If her/his travel pattern fits, then M&M is an excellent programme. But it's not as forgiving as others and in general I'd only recommend it for very frequent Lufthansa premium class flyers.
Originally Posted by
kling
We are booked on SAS,United, Thai, Singapore Airlines, South African, and New Zealand airlines.
I still think United would be worth looking at. Maybe someone can add informed opinion on membership of the Thai, Singapore, SAA and NZ programmes for people based in Europe?