AAdvantage:
- Customer service (phone and airport) at the low-elite level is humane. Not great, but not bad either. This is something that is very unique among US carriers.
- Lifetime elite status after 1MM (partner miles count)
- I can usually get exactly the award I want on the dates I want (including tougher ones like Hawaii, Europe, and Asia)
- Accruing bonus miles (both in the air and with partners) seems to be easier than in any other program
- Strong global alliance provides plenty of interesting award destinations
- Upgrade privileges aren't quite as strong as they are with a few other programs, but they are good enough. Even as a low-elite (Gold), I can usually get the upgrades that I really want.
- You can upgrade cheap int'l fares with miles, something that a lot of other programs won't let you do.
- During the years when I'm mid-tier (I tend to go back and forth between Gold and Plat), I get lounge access on int'l trips even when I don't upgrade


Not really related to the program, but AA serves my home airport well and entirely with MRTC aircraft. And their fares are competitive where I need to go. So they are a no-brainer for me.

[This message has been edited by pinniped (edited Feb 18, 2004).]