On a similar theme, a friend asked me about swtiching to AC from UA. They're both UA PremEx, fly USA/HKG about 2 or 3 times a year (discounted economy) and 5 or 6 E/W coast returns.

This year the bonuses they've got make UA well worhtwhile, but after reading through the posts, seems like might be worth them considering switching to AC next year.

Important considerations for them are (in order of importance) (A) cheap fare (B) bonus miles (C) availabilty of WAS-LAX reward tickets on UA with AC miles (for last minute travel) (D) access to the lounges.

(A) is a definite plus (WAS-HKG consisently cheap on AC thru TISS) (C) I've never had a problem, but have only done this a couple of times, (D) obviously a plus...what about B ??