Star Alliance Upgrades

So far only LH, SQ and NH are participating in the scheme. Not particular generous terms. Each FFP can set its own mileage requirements.

So far it seems to be only mid to high economy fare class and the usual business fare classes, no waitlist but if space available is confirmable in advance.

 

One of the regional UA sites actually mentions the impending introduction of *A upgrades for UAMP members, but there's no actual date stated (sorry, I can't remember which site it was). Given the relatively low mileage required for some upgrades on UA metal, the *A upgrades will probably be a bit of a shock.

 

Yes, and due to the limited fare categories (e.g. For NH it's Y/B only or C/D respectively) and expensive redemption costs, the practice (although a good idea) has limited appeal for me.

Also OS (Austrian) and LO (LOT Polish airlines) are now participating.

Also redemption is limited by codeshare restrictions.

IMHO there are better ways to use your points.

 

Other *A carriers are scheduled to join the scheme in summer 2006 (northern hemisphere) meaning July/ August this year.

 

Sorry LH was short hand for Miles and More. To be pedantic it is LH, OS, LO, OU, JP (and from 1 April also LX). However Air One, Air Dolmiti and other LH-affiliates are not included AFAIK.

On Miles and More the upgrades are ridiculously expensive - sounds like it is also for ANA Diamond Club.

Its not too bad on Kris Flyer.

I expect Mileage Plus will be the best of the lot, and indeed I am mulling over whether or not I should earn miles there. I suspect I wont - if only because availability of SQ upgrades will be less than using Kris Flyer miles.

 

Thats the first time I've seen a specific date given for the other *A FFPs joining the *A mileage upgrade program. Thanks.

 

You are right in that 5 are now participating, but I'm not sure where OU and JP comes from :? . AFAIK between our two replys the list is exhaustive, being LH, OS, LO, SQ and NH.

Yes, awards cannot be used for code share flights operated by other airlines. AND awards cannot be used for code share carrying other airlines operated by LH, OS, LO, SQ and NH.

 

OU and JP are the regional *A members Adria Airlines and Croatia Airlines, or perhaps the other way around. Anyway they belong to Miles and More and participate fully in the upgrade scheme. Of course they only have shorthaul flights so whether or not it is worthwhile is another matter.

 

Can't redeem upgrade awards on OU & JP in the NH program (though this may change in summer). Or perhaps regional airline upgrades will only be offered by some *A FFPs, or even limited exclusively to sponsoring airlines (e.g. LH allowing OU & JP upgrades) :?:

Had lunch Saturday with a NH department manager. He mentioned *A upgrade award info was already on the NH web-site. I checked this morning and indeed it was - not sure when it was loaded.

 

Not sure where you're coming from Kiwi, my friend.

As you know, I am UA MM and never have a problem getting SQ redemptions (I am flying SIN-CMB-SIN bus class in May on mileage plus redemptions - 30,000 miles).

Tell me where you can do better.

 

Its well known that SQ has better award and upgrade availability for Kris Flyer than for partner FFPs. I dont expect the *A upgrade scheme to be any different.

Its good you can get awards for the dates and routes you want on SQ. Not every is as lucky.