New Star Alliance Comparison Chart
 

We are working on updating the Star Alliance comparison chart. Austman has kindly contributed SAS info which we are in the process of confirming some details on. Anyone who wants the chart (now in Word 6.0 for Windows format and always a work in progress) is welcome to e-mail me to get the latest version. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

yes please - as always. thank you.

How big is this document (I'm trying to find the download time over my modem)?

Thanks.

It's only 20K (small). Should download quickly.

If you are a frequent flyer with the Star Allilance, BlondeBomber's chart is a clear cut, easy to read way to understand and compare the members.

I would get it. Nice work B-B!

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:) CATMAN :)

me too! me too! Thanks!

I would also be interested. Thanks!

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Regards,
- Anna

I've got it, read it, and already feel tons more knowledgeable. Thanks BlondeBomber!

(This is not a paid endorsement.)

The chart crew (Rudi, Catman, BlondeBomber and our welcome SAS addition, Austman!) was glad to be of service. Hope it helps because knowledge is power (or at least a little less powerless).

It is as current as it can be. We will continue to refine and make available to anyone who asks.

Got the new chart and I think it's great! Only 1 small change that I see. For Premier Exec, as long as you maintain that status, your miles do not expire, same as 1K. Seeing all the goodies you get as 1K, I'm kicking myself (figuratively) for falling 8 segments shy last year! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif

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Regards,
- Anna

Thanks for feedback AnnaS -- if anyone else sees minor (or major) discrepancies or has additional info, please e-mail me or post here.

BlondeBomber:

I would also like to have a copy. Could you email one to me please. Thank you and all the others that make such info available to everyone.

Hung

The neatest thing about the chart (besides comparing airlines) is finding in one place the "bonuses" that often are not mentioned on the website or in the general program guides. Last year, Air Canada Super Elite members got 4 free 3 day weekend car rentals. I only found out about them when I became Super Elite (and used every one of them to good advantage). The 8 any fare anywhere in the world Air Canada flies upgrades were another surprise for Super Elites. It's still not on Air Canada's website or in their program guide. If I wasn't Super Elite yet, I would sure be inclined to make sure I became one once I knew about these features. Here's a sample of the Air Canada Super Elite info that is not in the program guide or website (but is in our chart):

 at 60,000, 100,000, & 150,000 status miles--free companion award anywhere in world any fare; 200,000 Q -- Air Canada Vacation package
 seasonal discounts on Economy, Executive/Executive First rewards
 Delta Hotels Privilege Gold status
 HHonors Gold VIP membership
 4 Maple Leaf lounge passes (to give to friends etc.)
 next to empty seat on UA economy

That's why we encourage other Star Alliance members to add their Airlines features for top tier flyers and also would like to see the same comparisons done for Oneworld.

[This message has been edited by BlondeBomber (edited 03-17-99).]

Hi BlondeBomber,

I've now done a BIG update of my SAS EuroBonus table and have checked it for accuracy. The only thing I do not know is what points levels are need to achieve Silver and Gold levels for residents outside Sweden, Norway,The Americas and the Far East. SAS revised these recently. Can anyone help?



[This message has been edited by Austman (edited 03-18-99).]

I'd like a copy as well, please. I'm thinking it would be easier if you could find a web home for the chart. That way you wouldn't have to be sending it out to everybody that asks for it. Maybe the mileage workshop, or the photo gallery could find a place for it?

Great work, guys!

edited out

[This message has been edited by BlondeBomber (edited 03-28-99).]

BlondeBomber,

What a work of art! I'm sure all of us thank you. Air Canada certainly knows how to treat its SuperElites.

Some additions for UA:

-- Under "1K", you have listed "confirmable companion upgrade." If this means that your companion is accorded the same upgrade privilege as the 1K member; i.e., can upgrade 100 hours before flight, then I understand. This also applies to Premier and Premier Executive.

-- Premier Executives can change flight times domestically on the same day without penalty as long as they keep the same routing. This is an "unpublished" benefit.

-- 1K's can change flight times and routings domestically on the same day without penalty. This is an "unpublished" benefit.

[Note: if you're traveling with a companion you're out of luck, as UA will not change the companion's routing, only the 1K's.]

thank you BlondeBomber - once more.

and thank you QuietLyon for those UA-details.

- 1K's can change flight times and routings domestically on the same day without penalty. This is an "unpublished" benefit.

The 1K desk does not generally folllow that policy. I always have to try to have a supervisor waive the $75 fee if I change routing (usually I get stuck with it). I often book flights through DEN for $ reasons but try and change through ORD for comfort reasons.

I would like the MS Word version please. [email protected]

Thanks!

[This message has been edited by auh2o (edited 03-18-99).]

Thanks everyone, the latest version was posted at 9:40 AM MST and includes Austman's, Quietlion's, AnnaS's and AuH20's helpful comments/corrections.

[This message has been edited by BlondeBomber (edited 03-18-99).]

On UA, I (PE) have always been able to change the date on my return flight without the $75 fee (well, 2 out of 2). I think not only is this an "unpublished" benefit, it also depends one's altitude (being friendly and polite always helps) and the person one deals with.

- Ken Lin

I have posted some new updates based on Celestar's comments re: 100% miles on Thai and no access to Gold lounges for LH Frequent Traveller (only Senator) to:

members.home.net/deercroft/starall.html

Celestar has also indicated he has some info on Thai and Ansett. We might break this into top and next lowest tier on separate pages if we get all the Star Alliance airlines on here!

Thanks again everyone.

[This message has been edited by BlondeBomber (edited 03-25-99).]

[This message has been edited by BlondeBomber (edited 03-28-99).]

auh20-
I've had no problems changing routing/times when I go into the RCC and have them make the changes. I do the same thing you are doing to take advantage of the pricing differences. Another way to try is to ask them to put you on the standby list. As a 1K you will almost always be at the top. Admittedly this carries some risk. However, last year I did this a number of times successfully.

Thanks for the chart Blonde Bomber et al.
A few additions for the Lufthansa section.

1) Lounge Access - Senator also can access SAS RVC Gold Lounge. Other STAR Alliance Gold cards only access the EuroClass lounges.
Frequent Traveller do have access to RCC with same-day UA ticket and SAS Euroclass Lounge when flying on LH or SK between Germany and Scandanavia.

2)Miles needed for status - Frequent Traveller: 35K (non-German residents) 50K (German residents). Senator: 100K to qualify,80K to requalify (non-German residents)

3)% Bonus for Elite - none,if there is a 25% then its probably just for North American members. I've flown 180K status miles in 18months and there is no bonus.

4)Special Bonus Miles - Frequent Traveller: 10K (German residents) 7K (non-German residents). Senator: 30K (German residents) 20K (non-German residents). All on first qualifying and on requalifying each membership year.

5)Upgrade Any Fare domestic and International - Any fully paid fare ie commercial published fare. Senator: 2 One-way European upgrades can be used for 1 Intercontinental upgrade. Booklets of 4 upgrade certificates issued upon request and no miles deducted until each certificate is used - the miles are according to the standard chart and the certificates can be used as confirmable or standby upgrade and for international or domestic travel.

6)Minimum Miles - 1000 everywhere except flights under 500m within Scandanavia on SAS, 500m domestic on Air Canada (1000 on all other AC flights including To USA), 500m all TG flights, 500m LH domestic flights and short-haul flights to Eastern European countries.So basically, except on TG and LH Germany to East Europe flights all international flights are 1000m minimum while domestic flights are 500 m minimum except UA and Varig which are always 1000m. Ansett and Air NZ I have no idea about at present - they probably don't know themselves. I know its complicated but I didn't design the program.

7)Equivalence of Awards - 50% off companion awards only for Senator not Frequent Traveller

8)Other Bonuses - Senator: 40kg baggage allowance,First Class check-in when flying economy. Frequent Traveller: 1st class baggage allowance, Business class check-in.
BothSenator and FT: benefits at partner hotels eg guaranteed LH corporate rates at Hilton,Inter-Continental,Marriott and Sheraton, upgrade at Inter-Continental,Kempinski and Ramada,late check-out Hilton,Holiday Inn (2pm), Inter-Continental (4pm), Kempinski,Ramada (3pm) and Marriott (3pm)

9)Other Minuses - awards for immediate family only but can be for anyone if they travel with the M+M member - no difference with status though.

Sorry about the length but I'm sure you can distill out the essentials.

[This message has been edited by 3544quebec (edited 03-18-99).]

[This message has been edited by 3544quebec (edited 03-19-99).]

[This message has been edited by 3544quebec (edited 03-19-99).]

BlondeBomber: Trying to find out how Air New Zealand qualifying levels will change after 28 March (day NZ and AN oficially become members) seems to be extremely difficult.

At the moment it goes something like this:

Qualifying period: 1 November to 31 October

Jade: entry level

Silver: 18000 points or 20 international flights or 50 domestic flights

Gold: 28000 points or 30 international flights or 75 domestic flights
Gold includes complimentary membership to Koru Club, which has reciprocal lounge access with all Star partners.

For those unfamiliar with the points system used, 10K pts=J class AKL-LHR return

Will update as more infor comes to hand

Rudi: note 3544quebec's post on % LH Bonus for Elite flyers. To whom does this % apply to? We presume it at least applies to non-German European members still.

3544quebec's post: none,if there is a 25% then its probably just for North American members. I've flown 180K status miles in 18months and there is no bonus.

3544quebec: I presume you are based in Australia based on e-mail address? (perhaps everyone else gets this but not those down under?) Anyone else get their bonus (Celestar? Rudi?) and where are you based?

Gekko: Thanks, before committing it to the chart, I will wait until the new scheme is unveiled, in case they have gone to a radically different point structure that is more in line with other Star Alliance partners -- keep us posted!

[This message has been edited by BlondeBomber (edited 03-19-99).]

I doubt if its just Australians that are so discriminated against. In none of the senator or Frequent Traveller booklets I've been sent is there any mention of this. I doubt very much that Miles and More publish seperate stuff for Australians. I mean we are not even an on-line LH country - no local webpage or anything.


PS Sorry BB but I keep editing my last post as I find another bit of info re M+M - I'm "autumn cleaning" at the moment so I'm uncovering all sorts of stuff.
By the way do you want any Ansett information or are you going to have a rest? Personally I think Ansett will change a lot of its elite qualifying stuff over the next month or 2 eg At the moment you can get top tier status with just 75000 domestic Australian points (kilometres and class of service bonus) but you need 300000 international points for the same status.

Thanks 3544quebec, I have posted changes to website. I will wait on Ansett NZ until programs officially launched. Celestar and Gekko have also agreed to help on other programs like Ansett, Thai, NZ. Greatly appreciate the help.

BlondeBomber: looking at my LH-account, and into the miles&more guide (online):

Rudi: note 3544quebec's post on % LH Bonus for Elite flyers. To whom does this % apply to? We presume it at least applies to non-German European members still. NO BONUS% ON FLIGHTS AS FF OR AS SENATOR, ONLY BONUS FOR REACHING FF LEVEL (7'000 NON-GERMAN / 10'000 GERMAN) AND SENATOR (20'000 NON-GERMAN / 30'000 GERMAN). IT MAY BE DIFFERENT FOR US-BASED-LH-PROGRAM-MEMBERS (25%)?

I AM BASED IN ZUERICH, SWITZERLAND, 33 KM (18 MILES) FROM THE GERMAN BOARDER.

Just a picky question of semantics I know but you have to be careful Blonde Bomber when you write something like "I will wait on Ansett NZ until programs officially launched"
The other New Zealand domestic airline besides Air New Zealand is called Ansett NZ and its actually affiliated with (?now owned by) QANTAS not Ansett Australia. Now if that's not designed to confuse I don't know what is!! - the result of Air New Zealand buying 50% of Ansett Australia and the Competition watchdogs not being thrilled that Air New Zealand would own 100% of one and 50% of the only other NZ domestic carrier.

3544quebec: Just affiliated to, not owned by Qantas. Although there was some talk about the current owners News Ltd allowing Qantas to franchise the Ansett NZ network, repainting planes etc. Ended up that somebody wanted too much money...

Should have written Ansett (i.e AN, Ansett Australia) and NZ (ie. Air NZ) but I presumed the Star Alliance readers would have picked that up.

Doing some clean up and then I will post another round of revisions this PM.

Been in Edmonton all day. So far I am still batting 1000 -- 25 upgrades for 25 flights in 1999!

Thanks again for the updates everyone. And thanks Rudi for the URL tip on other threads.

[This message has been edited by BlondeBomber (edited 03-28-99).]

Just reminding about the Star Alliance comparison charts above now that I have learned a good way to put URLs in my messages on Flyer Talk. http://this won't get you anywhere b...t and go there .

thank you very much.

Ever-changing ff-world: UA 1K: the newest "one-way confirmable upgrade vouchers" I got from UA (those valid till march-00) are now good again from/to Puerto Rico for All.

BB: A couple of observations...

SAS Gold: Access to British Midlands EuroClass Lounge at Heathrow.
AC-Elite: Hhonors Silver VIP.
AC-Elite: 2x Maple Leaf passes.
AC-Elite: Delta hotels, as SuperElite.
AC-Elite: Crown Plaza, as SuperElite.
UA-1K: Comp RCC for Euro members.
AC-Elite: 4x System Wide u/grades.
AC-Super: Additional 4x US U/grades for Euro members.

(AC comped Simone to Elite, but the pack only arrived today).



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Nick

Thanks Merry and Rudi (from Lufthansa post), I have re-posted the top tier star alliance chart at next post.

[This message has been edited by BlondeBomber (edited 03-28-99).]

Thanks Celestar for 1998 Thai info, I have added Thai info and re-posted the top tier star alliance chart at: members.home.net/deercroft/star99hi.html
the middle tier at: members.home.net/deercroft/star99md.html

The combined middle and upper tiers can be found at
members.home.net/deercroft/starall.html
although this is getting harder to do reasonably in an .html format. I have gone to a slightly different format.


[This message has been edited by BlondeBomber (edited 03-28-99).]

I finally got around to viewing this and what a great job you have all done! Thank you so much for your efforts!

BB: Have you thought of putting a link on the page so people can download the Word document? Easy/faster than email -- takes some of the load from you.

Thanks again -- WELL done...

Thanks for the tip. I am a cyberclutz at file download from my webpage but here goes. This seems to work. Essentially by clicking on the link at the page your word processor should open and then you can use your "Save As" to save it to one of your directories. Alternately you can right click on the link and it should ask you where you want to save the file to.

http://members.home.net/deercroft/download.html

[This message has been edited by BlondeBomber (edited 03-28-99).]