America West FlightFund (Discontinued Program) - Phoenix Silver: Thinking of Switching Elite Programs

I've been silver or gold on America West for 10 years now, but I feel ready to bolt. I realize that many airlines are devaluing miles, but HP's lack of mileage-earning opportunities to Europe have me frustrated.

I'm in Phoenix and appreciate HP's non-stop flights to the east coast.

I'm wavering between HP (it's my hometown airline, after all and it hurts to switch), American, and Northwest. I mainly fly to Boston, Chicago, DC, or NY. Does anyone know of any silver or gold challenges for AA or NW, or will they comp status?

Any advice would be appreciated.

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I'm wavering between HP (it's my hometown airline, after all and it hurts to switch),...
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I know how you feel. A month ago I couldn't imagine switching from HP, but now I pretty much converted over to AA/AS with 30k so far this year. I only use HP for PHX-West Coast flights.

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I mainly fly to Boston, Chicago, DC, or NY.
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You can do JFK and ORD non-stop from PHX on AA.

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Does anyone know of any silver or gold challenges for AA or NW, or will they comp status?
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AA has a Gold and Platinum Challenge. Head over to the AA forum for details. Don't hold your breath for a comp.

I just got comped Gold on NWA from America Worst Gold, so yes, they will comp you. I personally e-mailed beth shultis (VP of Marketing and Loyalty) beth.shultis@nwa.com and she took care of everything. it was actually quite painless.

American and Northwest are both very good choices. I don't think you'll have a problem with European travel on either carrier (or its partners).

American has the "AAdvantage" of the new JFK nonstop, with access to New York City as well as onward connections to a variety of destinations on the East Coast and throughout the world. American Airlines AAdvantage also has a reputation for easier award redemptions than Northwest WorldPerks. The biggest drawback to American is only earning 25% bonus miles. Also, you'll sit in coach more frequently on American than on Northwest.

Northwest offers good opportunities for complimentary upgrades (even for Silver Elite members). Connections to the East Coast via the new Detroit World Gateway are very easy. WorldPerks also offers the most extensive domestic partnerships, including Alaska, Continental, and Delta. Silver Elite members earn a 50% mileage bonus.

I jumped to UA and AA

I took the PLT challenge on AA ,used that for the comp to UA and have already flown 18K on UA this month

I have a trip to go to SAT - and HP goes nonstop unlike the other two - however HP goes non stop on an RJ - 2.5 hours on an RJ does not excite me - I would rather fly WN (who also goes nonstop).

It hurts after years as an HP PLT - and they really did take care of me - but sometimes you have to look at options

[This message has been edited by jan_az (edited Jan 25, 2004).]