So I am pretty new to this whole frequent flyer/elite program game. Trying to figure out which program is really the best for me. I travel out of LAX a ton doing a lot of trips up to SFO (at least 12 a year), a few trans-cons (4-5 a year) and a couple long-haul international trips a year (Western Europe). Currently I am pretty locked in to DL and I'll hit GM this summer. I am wondering though, with UA and AA both offering status match challenges, are either of those programs worth looking at? For me I enjoy the random upgrades, priority security lines and boarding, increased baggage allowance and lounge access.

What I am really wanting to better understand (and this is where I need some help) is which airline will make it easiest for me to spend my miles? I've got about 150k DL miles, but I am finding those to be pretty useless in finding fare options (even with the awards calendar) - and those would be for a couple J tickets international - looking at South America.

AA has already hit me up to come status match with them. Is it worth taking. Would I have an easier time redeeming miles for reward travel on UA and AA vs DL?

Really appreciate any feedback you can offer. Thanks!