Trying to set up a trip JFK-IST this August/September.

Looking to go Business class, and in the process help build up UA elite status, or build up my AA Gold status, which I just got via a challenge.

Fares are $2500 for Iberia (long layover on way back) or $2800 for United (operated by Lufthansa) or same for Delta direct (don't like DL's J, though). Also have a sense that I'll get cheap fares for LOT (maybe around $2200). I might also be able to snag a UA award ticket in C on LOT.

Wondering what people's perceptions are regarding those three J products.

In particular, has anyone flown LOT J recently? I've tried doing a search, but not much luck.

Going forward by the end of 2005, I expect at least one more JFK-IST round trip (most likely in Y) in November, 3-4 LGA-ORD trips, and possibly one JFK-LHR trip. Might do a third JFK-IST round trip (also in Y) in December/Jan.

Currently have 7966EQMs on United, 5687EQMs and 5473EQPs on AA.

Well of course if you challenged to AA Platinum you'd make it easily using AA or IB over the water then connecting on any OW carrier in J to IST. That'd be my choice - you'd have Plat status until 2007, then fall to Gold if you didn't requalify (but could probably re-challenge Plat then.) Lots of bonus miles on OW flights if you're Plat.

The TK codeshare (AA flight no.) would get you there too, and nonstop at that.

Iberia now offers a very classy brand new J product between JFK and MAD. As far as the seats are concerned they are excellent and IMO the service is much improved. In short, IB is now, IMO, highly competitive across the pond.