Hot off the press from bmi Diamond Club:
Now that bmi is a part of the Lufthansa group of airlines, we are evaluating being part of Miles & More in the long term. A final decision has not been taken and such a move would not happen in 2011. For the foreseeable future we are firmly focussed on ensuring that our Diamond Club scheme meets the needs of our loyal customers. Therefore we will continue to improve and develop Diamond Club. We will be launching Star Alliance Upgrade Awards in Q2 this year, which will enable Diamond Club members to upgrade on the majority of Star Alliance airlines using their miles, as well as bringing a number of new partners on board.
As you might recall, I wavered over whether to credit my last 40K miles to bmi or United last year and ultimately chose British Midland, thinking I would be matched to Senator status for at least a year (which would have been very nice while living in Germany). Today’s announcement indicates that minds have changed: recall that Wolfgang Prock-Schauer, bmi’s CEO, stated last June that Diamond Club and Miles & More would integrate this year. Oh well, my gamble did not pay off this time.
To look on the bright side, though, British Midland has a much more attractive award chart than Lufthansa and now we’ll have at least another year to burn our miles at better rates. Star Alliance upgrade awards will also be a nice added perk.
Sadly, I suspect that “continue and develop” means lowering the earning rates and raising the redemption rates on Star Alliance flights.
I guess it’s time to suck it up and deal with the India Call Center.