Originally Posted by cover point

I am a first time EXP (and a relatively new FF). Seems to me that AA has a very good FF program for domestic flying. Specially domestic flying on very cheap fares. Upgrades to first on domestic segments for EXP's are very good and supposedly easier to get than their United or other counterparts. But even this advantage if reduced once the fare is not the cheapest class (if you are a 1K on united on a decent fare, your chances of upgrade have got to be similar to those of AA).

But on everything else, specially on International segments they lag behind their counterparts. My status was earned mostly on international flying in Business and some (once a month ) domestic segments for work ... and i really dont see AA beat its competitors much on anything.

Comparing purely from my perspective.

1) Their business product, specially their seats are inferior to most of its competition (including United)
2 ) One world is an inferior alliance to say star just by its sheer number of participants. The choices between here and Europe are very limited (specially since there is no mileage redemption for TA flights on BA).
3) Lack of Economy plus is a huge deal to many with mid level status. Many times flying with colleagues I have had to pick United since they (and I) could easier get into E+ than all be upgraded to First (and before EXP ... first cost upgrades).
4) For personal domestic travel specially with family, Bag fees etc start becoming an issue (and sometimes can price AA out).

I have personally stuck to AA because of their ORD-DEL non stop. With 4-5 trips a year .... not having to make an extra stop on the way to India is big. But if United or another similar carrier started the same route ... i could easily be tempted.

Their lounges etc have not really been an issue ... since internationally i am already in business and typically rarely get a chance to use the lounge anyway.

but to me it seems that for premium class international passengers AA does not have much to offer.