Thanks reLAX and Seb, some great local advice.

I checked out the Status Match thread earlier, and already sent in a request to NW. I am going to try out a couple of DL routes once I get my NW Platinum Elite (should take a couple of weeks). I am also going to sign up for the AA challenge the next time I find an AA flight wide open and don't care if I am stuck in coach. Will decide then which is best to South Florida.

Since I set my own schedule for travel, I have been successful 80%+ getting upgrades on US. I just book flights I know have seats in 1st. Definitely better than coach, but not the best out there. Like I mentioned before, no more power in first class on any domestic plane.


Based on my research, it looks like I am best off sticking with US / Lufthansa for Germany. I fly to Europe enough to keep my status on US by taking advantage of their promotions for double / bonus preferred qualifying miles. But if I do that, I doubt I will have enough to get to EXP on AA.

I will have to try and find the LA Sub Forum you mentioned, parking tips would help. I use a car service now just to avoid parking at the airport.