With over 160k in my account ( which I had hoped might be useful for LHR-HKG Cathay 1st return ) it seems we must now migrate to some other scheme. I have no special loyalty or travel pattern, but I do like to achieve best value. Any clues from members re which way to go from Qualiflyer gratefully received.

I believe the deadline for influencing where you end up was 15 October. At this point, you are stuck with the programme you were assigned to, unless the rules have been changed lately.

Depending which of the successor programmes you have chosen or have been assigned to, your LHR-HKG on CX may still materialise.

Swiss is now very likely to be joining OW in the first half of 2003, furthermore the Swiss Travelclub already states CX as a partner airline.

SN Brussels Airlines is moving closer to BA and OW, with the new Privilege programme allowing even the accumulation of status/club miles on BA as has been posted here. Probably no redemption (yet) on BA codeshare operations (eg. CX) but that might follow as the mutual status miles recognition indicates that the two airlines/programmes might integrate further, possibly with SN also joining OW, who knows.

If you've been assigned or have chosen TAP Air Portugal and its new Navigator programme, than there's is currently no scenario to be foreseen that would allow you to redeem miles on CX.

Finally, if you were sent to LOT Polish Airlines (with no chance to switch) and thus join Lufthansa's Miles&More programme, then you could look forward to LH F to HKG, one of the best three F Classes in the skies, IMHO.

Great response Hajo - You've given me enough to jump on the telephone and see whether I can influence the outcome. The CX and BA references were particularly useful - thanks due.

I do hope Swiss joins Oneworld next year. At the moment, the spread for earning club miles looks a bit thin (though what's left of the combined Swissair Crossair route network isn't bad).