Originally Posted by
docbert
LAX-CLT shouldn't cost you much more than than US$100 one-way, so points probably aren't the way to go.
QF points are great within the US if you're after short expensive flights (especially sub-600 miles), but the longer flights generally aren't great value for points.
The annoying thing is that the major US FF programs are the opposite as they are a fixed 25,000 miles return regardless of distance.
The issue with CLT is that it's the last big-time fortress hub for US Airways. No other carrier has much more than token operations. While you might sometimes get seats reasonably priced, on average the fares to CLT are considerably higher than to similarly sized non-hub cities. Also, the US Airways experience at LAX can be horrifying as they share a terminal with Southwest.
Meanwhile, the domestic carriers' frequent flyer programs are evolving. AA has converted over to all one-way awards, so a 49-state/Canada award is 12,500 one-way regardless of distance. Alaska Air (AS), has a similar system for its flights. Continental (CO), offers a 20,000 round-trip for trips under 750 miles one-way. In recent years AA has offered a seasonal "short hop" award for shorter trips, so it pays to watch the promotions.
Anyway... Would I spend 18,000 each way for LAX-CLT in Coach on AA? No, it would just grate me knowing AA only charges 25,000 each way for the same trip in First.