International FF Plan
 

I am currently gold on Delta and have had my account with them for about 5 years or so. I am going to be increasing my international travel between PDX and Amsterdam to about 4-6 times a year. I was thinking of switching to NWA because of their KLM and Alaska partnerships which will help me in my within Europe trips and right here around home. But, I am seeing negative feedback about their WP program and international travel. So, any recommendations? Why not Delta? Because I have to pay so much more for an upgradable flight with no guarrantee that I will upgrade. The difference in price is getting significant.

Thanks!

WP isn't that bad IF you can get KLM flights to AMS. I travel to Amsterdam quite often and find that most airline business classes are pretty much the same to de Dam. The kicker is which type of aircraft are you going to get.
I've flown UA 777's (very nice plane), US 767-200's, NW/KLM 747-400's and once a Sabena A320, then a US FF partner and I really prefer the Boeing aircraft. Anyway you shouldn't have too many issues with KLM, but avoid NW if possible. Toot Ziens.

A lot depends on how you value time vs $. I would take a hard look at One World and AA - where you could fly to Chicago, and via Chicago on AA metal to a number of cities in Europe to connect to a OW airline (BA for example) to Amsterdam. Aadvantage to this...AA allows upgrades from any fare, and I believe with their new configuration across the atlantic, they will have more, not less award seats in J available. Read the AA board - you'll see a largely happy group. Good luck - spent 4 years working in AMS -

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Askworldtraveler, EXP,4 million AA miles+++Hilton Gold (thanks to EXP)

Northwest will match your Delta status. I've been very pleased with their platinum benefits. (Versus Delta)

Upgrade any fare
Companion upgrades at gate
Upgraded to Gold Elite in Starwood

If you are tall, the WBC gives the most leg room. However for transatlantic, I think Delta has the most comfortable seats and best food/service. (Of the US Carriers.)

Actually the best for JFK->AMS is Singapore Airways.

The only drawback to NW vs Delta is lounge access. Delta gives a free Crown Room Card to their Plat members.



[This message has been edited by jgoldman (edited 08-16-2002).]