Originally Posted by
dcAA
Under normal circumstances, this would be correct, but if he is only desiring to redeem YUL to JFK, than BA would be a better bet. Without status, you will earn Avios at about the same rate as AAdvantage miles. AA charges 12,500 miles each way YUL-JFK, where as BA is 4,500 each way.
Fair enough; however the kicker with Avios is the cumulative "cost" of connecting trips. If it's YUL-JFK, you're right, it's 4500 Avios or 12,500 AA miles. If it's YUL-xJFK-LAX, it's 4500 + 12,500 (17,000) Avios vs. the same 12,500 AA. Connecting really adds up.