Hello everyone,
Apologies in advance about the long-winded post - I tried to do my homework and research but there are so many moving parts! And, so many wrinkles that may be obvious to a *A insider and I fail to see...
I have a question, and I could really use the assistance and opinions of a global group of folks - thus, *A forum
Background:
I am based in New York, and my trips are predominantly domestic (multiple transcons a year) plus other shorter trips. I also take one or two trips to Europe and an occasional South / Latin America trip (1x-2x / yr)
I have never traveled TPAC - but I am open to it
Also, most of the time, I do not travel on OPM, so I book in the lower/est fares.
I have flown SkyTeam (e+ there) and have been pleased overall with the experience (upgrades including op-ups, lounges, IROPS handling, AVOD, Customer Service, fleet)
Current Predicament:
I have an upcoming (work) trip on OZ in the C cabin (J fare) from JFK to PEK. This is about 15K miles and variable status miles...
Challenge:
What would be the best *A program to credit those miles?
Options Considered:
I see OZ has a nice feature set, including a two-year validity of elite status plus a nice qualification period (2 years but odd dates)
TK offers a two-year status and a the lowest qualification for *G (as far as I am aware) - 40k miles. However, OZ J class earns only 125% status miles, vs 150 or more elsewhere.
UA is 125%
CO is 150%
Factors:
I would like to be (close) to *A elite upon completion of these flights. I would take additional *A flights to make up the gap to *G as lounge access would be nice.
I also value domestic upgrades, so it may make sense to stick with UA/CO. Status is more important than redemption but it would be nice to have decent redemption availability and options...
However, I doubt I will be getting [m]any upgrades as a mid-tier elite, on the lucrative coast-to-coast routes.
I could also get CO to match my DL status so I am a top dog on OnePass
This may be good if I decide to switch alliances and move my traveling to *A exclusively. Yet, I am not too keen on CO's AVOD-less and upgrade-less experience. I've read that platinums often sit in the back on EWR-SFO. Oh, and I am not a huge fan of EWR
UA... not much better upgrade chances-wise, and limited reach from JFK nonstops perspective...
European programs - sure, *G is easily attainable, but I would get no domestic benefits whatsoever... aside from the occasional E+ seating on UA/CO if I charm the people at the airport...
So, this is my predicament. What program would you suggest I use?
Also, should I fly on OZ as a *G (say, Continental Platinum) and hope for an op-up into F? That would be nice :-D
Thoughts?
Many thanks for reading and sharing your insights
-v