Where do you want to fly during the course of a year? What's your home airport? How much flying do you expect to do (will you reach elite status)? Do the airlines you are looking at have partners you'll use for domestic or international? Any special deals on award travel?

A lot of things should factor into your decision who to fly. AA still has 500 mile minimums but other factors might dissuade you from flying with them. One of their best awards is an off peak award to Europe or South America for 40K.

Tom in Bellingham, Washington