What is the best frequent flyer program out there?

What is the best frequent flyer program out there?

• Answer:

  In the United States, Continental Airlines has long been recognized as having one of the best frequent flyer programs. You can earn elite status with segments or miles (most airlines only give you miles), and you are upgraded to first or business class based on your elite status, not the price of your ticket. On Continental if you are Platinum Elite and bought a $300 ticket, you will get upgraded to first or business class before a Gold or Silver Elite who bought a $500 ticket. Delta airlines is the opposite. They upgrade elite members based on ticket value first. This makes no sense because the Platinum Elites fly far more than Silver or Gold. As far as Star Alliance goes, BMI (British Midland International) has the lowest Silver Elite threshold 16K, and 38K for Gold Elite, and Thai Airways has 15K for Silver Elite and 50K for Gold elite but very little bonus miles and many program have expiration date. Gold Elite member obtains free access to most airline lounges in the world. Avoid many Asian airlines who have very stingy rewards and offer miles based on the price of the ticket only (Singapore only give miles only if you are a full-fare paying customers, China, EVA, Asiana all have high requirements).