After lurking at FT a long time and not being able to fly anywhere significant my future employee told me I will have to fly quite a bit and should prepare me (and my girlfriend) accordingly. So here is my situation: I am based at HAM and will fly probably once a month to LAX. Also later on there might be flights towards NRT. There will be also some flights in europe, but not so much, and some flights to the US east coast.

As a freshly founded company we are probably be expected to fly coach. We don't have a travel agent, I book my flights and don't have to justify the fares (within reasonable limits). I am 6 feet 2 tall and not exactly skinny.

So whats important for me?

• Legspace - Upgrades or being able to choose emergency exits.
• Lounge access with internet.
• Being able to work on the plane (so basically some sort of current for my laptop)

I don't care for upgrades on european flights and I dont care too much for CDG, but might be able to overcome my antipathy with this particular airport.

So what are my options?

• AA?
• M&M?
• FlyingBlue?
• What about BA, I don't really get their program, it looks like they are aiming more at persons with higher fares, is that correct?

I'd recommend UA's MP program. While the perks for the M&M card may be better, at UA, you reach Silver after 25K and Gold after 50K miles. Silver gives you free access to Economy Plus (you can also buy it for the first year - I believe that it is $349). Eco+ has 5-6 inches more legroom. I am as tall as you are, and the difference is immense, believe me! When booking at United.com, you can reserve your seat immediately when you have Eco+, including exit and bulkhead rows.

UA Gold gives you access to US's Red Carpet club for international flights, and LH's Senator lounge. You can check in at the 1st class counters. Lounges usually have wireless access. My company has negotiated a deal with OnePass, which lets you log in to all kinds or wireless providers. Very convenient.

And, IMHO, UA FAs are much friendlier than LH FAs.