Hi guys!
I will be moving to MKE from Germany. Currently I am a *S with LH. I am not really a frequent flyer, but would like to, if possible, achieve *G somehow, mainly for lounge access.

My main traveling will, most likely, be 3-4 TATL from MKE via YYZ to ZRH in nonflex eco, as AC seems to be the only carrier that allows me to connect to international flights in the evening, after work (there is a 7:20PM flight to YYZ, from where I could connect to the last LHR flight of the day).
Apart from that I will fly domestic occasionally.

I just realized that AC increased the threshold for *G to 50000mls, which might be doable in a year with 4 TATLs, but difficult if I only do 3. Are there any good alternatives? I am a bit relucatant regarding A3, as I would like to redeem the miles at a certain point. TK only credits 70% for AC Y.

I think your life will be a notch better if you just suck it up and drive to ORD and fly direct with better planes, backup options, etc. MKE is fine for some domestic flights but I'd always avoid the connection on an international route on crap metal.

DL is good for domestic routes out of MKE. I've done some international travel for leisure and there are good 1 hop connections to ATL or DTW. I do know a few MKE locals who fly UA internationally and generally hop down to ORD for connections, or drive it.

I do the hop to ord from mke a lot. Quite easy but mke stinks if there is bad weather.

Flying that ~67 mile segment though will 1) drop the price a good bit most likely, and 2) add an extra 1K PQM every trip

And cut the PQD which defeats the PQM boost.

It is also a horrible connection .

In addition to what the other responders have mentioned ... does MKE even have a *A lounge?

cheers,

Henry

STOP!!!

Do not go with AC. Do not go with A3. Go with MP.

Nonflex eco means Tango. With AC and A3, Tango credits only 50%. Yes, I repeat 50%. You will never reach 50K miles. Not even A3's 20K.

Stick with MP. MP credits 100% for AC Tango flights.

No- just a DL Skyteam lounge in D concourse far as I know.

Thanks to everybody's replies!

I have considered driving to ORD, but I fear the rush hour. Plus I hate driving, especially after a flight. Apart from that I would have to longterm park my car somewhere.

Thank you hydrogen for the advice!

MP is the best option to earn and redeem miles, but it will not allow lounge access on domestic flights. (I know the OP mentioned most of the flying will be TATL) also things to consider about MP would be the upcoming spend requirement that is being introduced next year, and that *G is also 50k miles

Even though MP credits 100% for AC Tango flights, however OP seems to be buying cheap tickets, for the new MP spending requirement, 3x TATL a year would be hard to get to $5000 spend requirement for UA*G.

OP wants miles that can be spent, so MP seems like the way to go. OP even admits that s/he is not a frequent flier. While OP may not make UA*G, s/he will still earn miles, which is what s/he wants.

OP mainly wants *G for lounge access, and UA does not allow UA*G to enter the UC, unless on an int'l flight. This could easily be solved if OP purchased a *A lounge membership.

Thanks for everybody's input.

Regarding UA MP: Would it be possible to register with my German address and then circumvent the $5000 minimum spend?

Many in your shoes will be doing the same thing for next year