Originally Posted by
Efrem
This mixes two issues: which is the best alliance, and which is the best FF program.
Some OW drawbacks mentioned here are more issues with specific FF programs. For example, several *A FF programs have similar fractional mileage earning problems. Geographical coverage, OTOH, is a true alliance issue.
Unfortunately, it's very difficult in practice for someone whose OW experience is as (say) an AA frequent flyer to separate these two areas, since everything they see of OW is filtered through an AA lens. It might be possible as an academic exercise, but people who fill out these surveys don't take the time to go through academic exercises. The bottom line is that comparisons such as this are essentially worthless.
Good points. The reality of course, is that only a tiny fraction of the people who voted in this survey probably have enough experience/knowledge to offer a meaningful opinion. I'm sure the vast majority of travellers -- and even the majority of flyertalkers -- don't have enough comparative experience to form much of an educated opionion.
I will say that my Oneworld experience is more limited than with the other two alliances (I'm plat in both CO and DL), but I HAVE flown Oneworld airlines a lot. Because of the fractional mileage accrual problem, I've even tried to "shop" my Oneworld accrual to different ff programs. And maybe because I haven't been able to earn elite status in Oneworld (because of this fractional earning issue), perhaps I don't fully appreciate the benefits of this alliance.
But I doubt it. For the majority of frequent travellers, I don't think Oneworld is the best alliance.
Although it seems like it will be getting better. I understand the BA/AA antitrust agreement is likely to be approved this summer, so it will be easier to use oneworld benefits over these 2 airlines.