I vote for AS. (If you live in Seattle, or Alaska, it's even more valuable!!

The big plus is 20K awards all year long... including transcon. While not much presence on the East Coast, they do have EWR, BOS, IAD, DCA, ORD, and MIA.... works for me!

Plus all the Mexico destinations.

As was mentioned before, they are partners with QX, CO, AA, QF, NW, KL, BA, LA (Lan Chile) and now CX!! My award travel has allowed stopovers, open-jaws, flexible routing, etc. Not many places I can't go!

Then there were the wonderful AS50 awards... but sadly, not as valuable as they once were (no free class upgrades allowed anymore).

No wacky fraction miles either... full miles per mile on all partners. (Double miles for me since I'm MVPGold), numerous miles promotions, etc. Very easy to accumulate miles, and with 20K awards, you don't use them as quick.

Again, YMMV. Extremely valuable program for those who live in Seattle and Alaska. Not as good if you live someplace like Atlanta.