Yes, EB is a viable option, but keep in mind that some business class fares only gives 100% miles (and not 200% like on DC), especially on TK and UA.

Do anyone know if the new "enhanced" LH earnings (on M&M) will have any impact on other *Alliance FFP?

Just made it to US*G a few days ego... Even as a Silver I was upgraded to F on 50% of US domestic flights (but I have to admit, I used to fly mostly between ORD and FLL via CLT - not elite-heavy routes). So far, so good...

I am very confused. I spent 20 minutes on EB website and cannot find the miles earned on *A airlines. Where did the other posters get the info on the % multiplier for Z, C and other fares?
Also the website lists qualification level for Gold at 70K (at least for Asian members).
can anyone enlighten me? EB is attractive because if offers status match in China where I am based.

Your status list sums it up nicely: for many of us BD*G really is/was very, very Gold indeed.

IMH
BD*G (ret.)

Indeed; and I wrote it several years ago
DC was a small operation with a low-cost feel but profitable, especially for its members. Sad that it had to go down with its associated airline.
I wish to thank all of DC staff for making such a great program.

Hi all,

Just wondering if anyone else has considered Virgin, or is it just me?

Like many of you on here, I'd like to stick to *A airlines if possible. And being UK based, Virgin seems to be a good option for the following reasons:

1. Virgin has a few of the *A airline partners, ie Air China, ANA, SAS and US Airways etc.
2. Virgin flies to pretty much everywhere we want to go, so it's not limited to just Asia or US.
3. Many other *A FFP do not have family account, Virgin allows combination of miles from multiple accounts for redemption
4. Pretty good earn rate: 50% on discounted Eco, 100 - 150% on Prem Eco and 150% or 200% for Upper Class
5. Burn rate is no where near as DC, but then nothing is. Compared to other *A redemption chart, it's not too bad: 35k eco for US, 80k for Upper Class. 100K for Upper Class to Far East. Not tried to redeem myself, but a friend told me it's easier to find availability than DC!
6. Airline partner redemption chart also reasonable in my opinion.
7. VS is not part of any alliance, so maybe less unstable and no danger of going through what DC is going through right now
8. Miles valid for 36 months and will always be valid if there's transactions within 36 months period
9. Status is determined on tier point system, 4 points for a return in Eco, distance doesn't matter, and 15 tier points for Silver status.
10. Earn tier points even when flying on air partners' aircraft
11. Using miles to upgrade available, at a fairly reasonable rate of 20k or 30k
12. Easy to rack up miles. SPG Amex has a 10k bonus miles offer on, AMEX MR can be transferred to VS at 1:1 ratio, plus Virgin AMEX gives you 9k bonus miles too. HHonours points is also transferrable to VS, both ways.

So, overall, it's really winning my vote compared to any other options out there. I would very much like to hear you guys opinion?

Cheers
Jake

I already posted on the other thread that SAS is offering a status match program for China/Hong Kong. Could come handy to those that just need a Star Alliance Gold status fast. You can always credit the flights to other program. I already have a lifetime *G through United so personally don't have need for this.

Thanks, but the EB website provides very little detailed info on earning rates for *A arilines (actually none that I could find). Also Gold qualifying level seems 70K, quite huge.

I think that this is the easiest and fastest way currently to get a match, and it is publicized. Like I said, you can use this purely for getting the Star Alliance Gold benefits while crediting the miles elsewhere. Can come handy when it comes to business class check in, lounge access, and extra luggage allowance.

US is unique in that flights by VS count towards elite status. If you wish to stay within Star Alliance, then it does make sense to go with US.

Thanks! But does US allow family account or combination of multi accounts for redemptions? And does flying on US count towards VS elite status?

Dear all, for me DC's most important feature was the ability to redeem one-ways on any Star Alliance carrier for 50% of the price of a return ticket. Do you know any FF programme that allows the same?

UA offers one way redemptions at half the cost of a return redemption. LH and SQ availability won't always be as good as you may be used to from DC.

Miles and More with starting on 1st of September 2012

The things I need most are *A redemptions in J from Europe to Australia, and the ability to earn a significant percentage of the required mileage through UK credit card spend. I haven't been super-diligent but from what research I have done there doesn't seem to be a better option than US, with a price tag of 120k/150k for F, earning through the SPG Amex, topped up through buying miles.