When are the FF programs in * going to merge?
 

Couple months ago I read here that they are going to merge.Anyone know for sure when?

My guess is the next Millennium sometime! Cannot EVER see it will happen.

Be like trying to get 15 Governments in 15 diverse countries (which is basically what * is) to agree to exactly the same tax laws! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif



[This message has been edited by ozstamps (edited 10-27-2000).]

As discussed then already - I can't see them merging the programs.

The programs are so different, and local competition for the different StarAlliance-members is so different, the airlines and their frequent fliers would loose.

If the programs would merge, what do you think would become of the 'regional' specialities, like:[*]UA's (and AC's) North American upgrade vouchers (UA: 500 mile-upgrade-vouchers, confirmable one-way-NorthAmerican upgrade vouchers). UA (in competition with other major US-carriers on their local market), can't give up on these, all other *partners can't afford and have no interest in giving out such vouchers.[*]LH's upgrade on any fare rule. LH only introduced that rule in oct-17-1998 to better compete with other European carriers like Swissair (Qualiflyer) who also allow upgrades on any fare[*]The different (local, Inland-flight-) lounge-access rules. UA still want's to earn money for US-RCC access from NorthAmerican's and so do UA-s local competitors, European competition always offers free Lounge access for all status members and for all non status members travelling in business or first class.[*]the different miles needed for upgrades on different StarAlliance carriers. If the same amount of miles would be needed for first class-flights (award tickets or upgrades) on all *-carriers than nobody would choose UA on long-haule segments where UA competes with SQ.

[This message has been edited by Rudi (edited 10-27-2000).]

Can't see it happening. Rudi said it best above. A combined ff program could not possibly offer all of the "pluses" of all of the individual ff programs. People would be upset about any cuts - so it's better to have many different programs that people can pick and choose between. (Something that Rudi has down to an art when he changes between LH Miles & More and UA Mileage Plus on a seemingly flight-by-flight basis. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif)

Yes, yes & YES.

PLEASE leave the programs alone, so I have a chance to follow the Wise Sensei, Papst on exploiting the many available loop-holes.

Ive just joined M&More, but am booking all my flights as either a UA1K or SQ-PPS (to maximize waitlist priority and obtain upgrades), then swapping selected segments to either Krisflyer or M&More, (albeit leaving some to Mplus). I do the last minute swapping at the gate. The objective is to get to FFlyer Nirvana (they say Papst owns a plot or two of land there), where you maximize the UA kiss-up bonus, get 325% LH credit for flying domestic F with a D RTWSTARx fare, while at the same time racking up enough PPS Club segments on SQ to make sure you still get past the barking guard-dogs at the gates of the coveted Silver Kris lounges... http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/rolleyes.gif

Why do I put up with all this....? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

So, Papst, when do we start our raid on the One World carriers ???

Dont you think BaGold & Merry could use some company ??

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Gaucho100K


[This message has been edited by Gaucho100K (edited 10-27-2000).]

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

You guys are all sick! I'm happy to be part of this http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif (*mad laughing*)

Perfect idea for a new thread...I'll start it!!!

Dorian



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Dorian's Star Alliance RTW Price Chart: http://www.informationlab.com/rtw.htm
Blondebomber's Star Alliance Comparison Chart: http://members.home.net/deercroft/starall00.html

Sick....???? are u kidding? Im terminally fflyer ill !!!! LOL !!!!!!

So Mizu, I see u want to join Papst & I on our raid against One World. Now let me see, we almost have our Militant Fflyer Brigade ready for action. We have 1 swiss reservist, 1 latino guerilla, 1 asian ninja, what else do we need....

Yes, we now need a crocodile wrestling ozzie... any suggestions ??? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

Maybe we should all report to Oberst Martel for boot camp & basic training after the DUS gathering?

(sorry, OMNI post)


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Gaucho100K

I reas an article around the time Aer Lingus joined One World in which their Head of Marketing said that there was no way the BA was EVER going to get its hands on the Aer Lingus FF database.

If you looked at recent movements (SQ and DL used to be best pals, KL and AZ etc) a partner one day can be a competitor the next and if they know who all your best customers are.........

Oberst Martel?

well, just reservist 'major'

Asian Ninja? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif Gaucho, you'll be surprised when we meet... But I did wear a green beret in the German army...

. . . any room for a beer-swilling Canuck? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

...or two? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

wow...!! a Major... (that's still very senior in the Swiss army, my sources tell me)

sorry Mizu, I dont know why I had you associated with Asia... http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

Canucks?? Yeah, you two are drafted-eh !!! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

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Gaucho100K


[This message has been edited by Gaucho100K (edited 10-28-2000).]