Calmday

I am starting a new job and will be traveling from IAH to GUW (Atyrau Kazakhstan) monthly in business class. I will be traveling on KLM / Astana but my miles would be more useful on Delta. Status is a big issue for lounge access and upgrades. I am having some trouble figuring out which frequent flyer program would be the most beneficial to use. Will I acquire "MQD's" for the Delta Medallion program when I fly on KLM? If not, would it be better to enrol in the KLM program to get my status up then use those miles on Delta flight? If you were in the same situation, which program would you use?
I am platinum with United and in that program, the spend requirement for each premier level can only be achieved with purchases on United. Its also difficult to use United miles on partner airlines.

Thanks in advance. I am struggling to put this into words so please let me know if I need to clarify any of this.

Mwenenzi

Flying business class should get you lounge access.
Generally its only USA airlines that do not give lounge access due to status. But as is the way with ffp there are exceptions

The upgrade philosophy of USA and non USA airlines is very different. With non USA airlines always expect to sit in the class you pay cash for.
Upgrades on partner airlines will be hard to impossible. Check carefully. Cross airlines are not common and if possible can require an expensive base fare (which can at times cost more than a discounted business fare)

For earning to DL on partner airlines look the DL web site & FT DL forum.

Will the flights be on the airline prime flight numbers or DL/?? codeshares
http://www.wheretocredit.com/dl
http://www.wheretocredit.com/klm
http://www.wheretocredit.com/air-astana


Look here Which ST program should I sign up for?

Calmday

Thanks for the info
The lounge access and upgrades I mentioned were for personal travel, not When traveling for work on KLM. All work flights will be booked through KLM.
I guess I just need to know if I can get DL status upgrades if I only book KLM flights through KLM and put the miles on DL SkyMiles? I am not able to find anything definitive on their web site. I know that the United program requires you to spend a certain amount on United flights.

Mwenenzi

The words " booked through KLM." does mean much/anything.
Flight numbers (marketed) & operating airline matter.
With some ffp who issued the ticket (ticket number) matter.

Calmday

Flights are on KLM. Purchased from KLM. I thought that was assumed but I guess not.
You are an Aussie. Are you familiar with DL SkyMiles or are you just busting my chops? I understand the basics as I said in the first post, I am a Stare Alliance Platinum member. New job requires me to fly on KLM. KLM doesn't have many options to use points from Houston. There are more options to use points on Delta but I'm not familiar with the DL program so just asking the question to someone who knows.
Will I get MQD's on DL if I use my DL SkyMiles account while flying Business class on a KLM flight and the ticket was purchased from KLM?

Goldorak

In case you are not aware, KLM is axing this route soon.

Mwenenzi

A quick look at google flights show IAH AMS is flown by UA, DL, KLM & LH
AMS-GUW by Air Astana
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atyrau_Airport

Goldorak

Sorry, I stand corrected as you are indeed correct. I misinterpreted "I will fly KL / Astana" as "I will fly KL to Astana" (which is possible today but not anymore in a close future). Apologies to OP for the confusion.

DorsetKnob

& a lovely airport it is too!

Calmday

Which flight is getting axed? The IAH to AMS or the AMS to GUW?

Goldorak