Originally Posted by jackal

Just because you don't plan on flying AS doesn't mean you can't use their program!

AS has a wide variety of partners that crosses alliances, including a couple who are fairly strong in Asia (DL/NW, KE, CX, and AA, BA, and KL when you need them). Check out the list of partners at http://www.alaskaair.com/as/mileagep...rs_Airline.asp and check the award chart to make sure the routings you need are offered.

One downside of AS is that you can't (yet) combine multiple partners on a single itinerary (unless you book two separate awards). Not sure how much that would affect you, though.