I fly both LH and UA a lot.

In F, the service, food, and wines are significantly better on LH. The seats, however, are a LOT better on UA. You just cannot compare a suite on UA to a 2x2 seat, albeit lay flat, on LH. LH seats are ok if traveling with someone you know and want to sit next to, otherwise, forget it. That's not first class. It's a business class product.

In business, right now, United comes out ahead. The seats are much better on UA and the food/beverages are only a little better on LH. However, LH is introducing a new, lay flat, business class product. What is funny is that it looks just like the first class product, and there are no announced plans to upgrade the F seats. When that seat is available, LH will be ahead of UA.

UA lounges are far better than even the First Class/Senator lounges on LH, which are pathetic. Ground handling on LH is non-existent. Boarding, particularly in Germany, is a free for all (think April 30, 1975 in Saigon).

Yes, there is no doubt in my mind that the LH product is better. The only category that UA is slightly ahead of LH is the seat department, but, this advantage will fade soon as LH continues to upgrade its C product with the new business class. If you compare the top of the line UA C product to the new LH Business Class, its a blowout in favor of the German product.

I agree with Gaucho100K. LH flys to FRA from ATL, and from there a direct flight to anywhere in Europe you need to go.

With BA, you may have a LGW - LHR transfer issue for connecting flights.

The triple miles for paid F and double miles for paid C are hard to beat.

United also gives 6 upgrades a year to 100,000 mile flyers good on all routes on all but the lowest international booking fares (W fares and above international). The new changes in UA Mileage Plus allow bonus EQMs for higher fare economy tickets. UA and the Star Alliance network will get you to all those places you mentioned.

There are good arguments for both Star Alliance and One World. On UA's side the upgrades can be used on UA and on standby basis with LH. On AA's side they give 8 upgrades per year and less restrictions on booking codes. One disadvantage for AA is no mileage accrual for flying British Airways across the Atlantic and that is a real disadvantage at times for someone who frequents Europe. On the other side, UA now allows Mileage Plus elite members to receive their mileage bonus when flying Lufthansa flights which means more miles on European flights when connecting to LH for flights to Nice and such.

E-mail me if you really want to develop a detailed analysis of the best frequent flyer program based on your travel preferences. I have similar traveling preferences (upgraded international 6 to 8 times a year), but I achieve it at a much lower cost.


[This message has been edited by satori (edited Jan 26, 2004).]

In the Star forum you will find Blondebomer's Star Alliance comparison chart which was recently updated. Look at his good work!

LH

I dont disagree with what is posted above, but in my personal view, its not only how many times you can upgrade, but also what sort of premium product you are being offered. If the central issue is NOT flying in coach, regardless of what quality of C and F (if available) one gets, then perhaps UA is a feasible choice.

In any event, lets not forget that even if one chooses to park mileage to LH, if you really want to suffer the pain on UA you can still use your mileage to purchase your penance. Just make sure to document your transaction and have the proper docs to proove your flights, perhaps you will get this credited against a probable temporary stay in Purgatory...?

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Gaucho100K