Yeah from the conversation I had here I've kind of given up on Lifetime status because the one with good perks (UA) only accepts BIS and the ones that do accept partner flights (OZ, NH) have no desirable perks. So maybe I'll try to look at flying UA more even if they are more expensive.

Just to confirm, let's say I'm looking to do a FRA-LAX trip and I see Lufthansa flight LH 456 also has a code share UA 8845. Even if I book this route through UA's website and buys the ticket as UA 8845, it will NOT credit into the Lifetime count right?

correct

​​​​​only United metal = flights operated by United (or United express)

United is not operating that Lufthansa flight, just code sharing



It's best to get status on the airline you fly most on.

Eg, * gold only gets premier access checkin, priority luggage, priority boarding on UA, but UA gold gets those AND E+ seats during booking and upgrades/CPUs on some flights and more baggage allowance

A lot of these things can be purchased for a fee (premier access, e+, bags)

Etc.​ If you want to redeem on Swiss first, you need to be Lufthansa senator (gold) level and using their miles. I believe SEN = you can guest entire family to SEN lounge instead of just *A +1, and they block seat next to you where available on LH flights

Yes ideally I'd fly UA because I'm trying to get status there but sometimes it's both cheaper and shorter to do Lufthansa... I face this dilemma all the time that's why I was trying to figure out a good FFP that can accept all partners. I suppose I could focus on UA or even LH anyways, pay the more expensive flights and once I get status I could take advantage of the upgrades and miles... Haven't really worked the math out yet.

Also, what about this route: FRA-SFO-BUR

FRA-SFO = UA 8829 - Operated by Lufthansa
SFO-BUR = UA 5717 - Operated by United Express

I assume only the SFO-BUR segment would get credited towards lifetime in this case right?

Thanks so much for your input!

Correct. Codeshare flight numbers are basically irrelevant in Star Alliance. Every benefit is associated with the operating carrier.

In theory, for TATL flights, UA and LH should be the same price, but you may be getting differences of availability in the correct fare class, where LH has it open and UA does not. Same with NH and UA for TPAC (with the exception of mainland China, India, and Australia, those are exempted from NH's joint venture).

GU is correct. If I were starting today, I would not bother chasing Lifetime status. Perks are not what they once were, and I am saying this as someone who has 4 Lifetime's (technically a fifth as well, but it won't kick in for some time!).

I guess this depends on what one expects from their lifetime status. For myself, I will get UA soon enough and that gives my wife and I *G for life, which to me at least is a huge benefit. I don't expect much more than that, as UA Gold is not really such a valuable status for domestic travel (few to no upgrades, lesser luggage benefit than it used to be, no fee waiver for award redeposits, etc.). But *G for international travel makes life a lot easier and is exactly the same benefit package I'd get if I continue earning 1K (assuming non-UA travel of course). As long as the OP has their expectations in check, the certainly 1Million on UA is still worthwhile.

I have no grandeur Lifetime status expectations other than trying to have a little convenience when/if I retire from my extensive work travel one day. I figure since I'm already traveling a lot right now might as well save up for something down the line but I see that it shouldn't be a priority because of the diminishing returns. Really appreciate the perspectives guys!

Sorry to bump an old thread, but I was researching the same question as OP and I wanted to post here in case anyone else was looking. To meet the requirement of offering lifetime status while also counting partner flights:

• Star Alliance: Asiana only, but due to the merger with Korean Air this is likely going away. Therefore there will be no program within Star Alliance that offers this.
• oneworld: British Airways, American Airlines, and Finn Air all offer it to my knowledge; the most generous of the 3 alliances
• SkyTeam: Delta only