Hi all,

I've been an Aeroplan Elite for many years now, but moved to the UK a couple of years ago. For various reasons, I've become less happy with AC/Aeroplan lately. I also fly them fairly rarely, but fly other partners . I have lots of miles with AC, but they'll last. I have Elite through Feb 08.

In the last year I've flown UA (Y and J to the US), LH (Y to Germany and J to India), Swiss (Y) and AC (Y). I am not sure how long the J will last, but it is definitely not the majority in business class, which is why I decided not to look at BA.

I know that in the next year I'll have at least 2 trips to Canada (Y), 2 to the US (probably Y and J), and India (I'm booking tomorrow in J).

So what do people think about ST? Are the airlines generally of similar quality? I've read pretty bad things about Alitalia and CO (trans-atlantic), but don't really know much about them.

A big potential advantage for me is that CO and KLM fly out of BRS. Not much, and sometimes (like for my India trip) much more expensive, but occasionally it would work OK and save a trip to London.

How do the ST elite tiers compare to *A? Similar benefits? Better? What about the lounges? Lounge access is a big one for me - I like a drink beforehand and a quietish place to do some work, preferably with free internet (MLL lounges are pretty great!) Arrivals lounges are also nice.

Finally, which FFP should I choose based on the above travel? Would anyone comp me status based on Aeroplan Elite?

Am I crazy to even consider it?

Thanks,

Dr. PITUK

Edit: I am less worried about the J trip to India this year. I may just try something completely new, like Jet, Emirates or Qatar .

Oops. When I posted, I thought I was in the ST forum. Mods please feel free to move.

Thanks.

What bad things did you read about CO?

You have to clarify what sort of Y fares you'll be flying on. Cheap discounted ones or the more-expensive ones? CO and NW give you 150% EQMs (but only 100% award miles) for more expensive Y fares. FB only gives 0-25% miles for the cheapest fares.

Lounge access: you get this E+ level and whether this is starts at top or mid tier depends on FFP and sometimes which country you're domiciled in. Lounge access is only for same day international flights (connecting on or from). Some airlines are more liberal lounge access but not by much. FB gives you NW lounge access when flying NW, even on domestic flights. If you can use an east Asian address, NW gives you complimentary WC membership at the Gold level.

If you can demonstrate earning status, CO and NW may comp you. I do believe AC E is (or was) only 35k miles so they may not match you to mid tier.

Most ST airlines give you a loyalty bonus for flying on alliance airlines unlike most *A FFPs.