This is if I was to select *A over OW. I have posted the same question on the *A board but related to *A carriers. I think it might be best to keep the topics separate and under the forums they apply to. But one of my general questions is which program would be better for this scenario.

I’m only considering AA, MH, CX in OW for the following reasons:
1). If I reach Ex Plt then I can get SWU and could get first class for the AA flight out of PVG to LAX.
2). MH provides me a great choice of destinations in Asia.
3). CX is the only J-class lie-flat seat carrier.

I’m leaning to AA as I think I would receive all the same benefits as OW Sapphire or Emerald earned through my AA status as MH Gold or Plt or CX MPC Dia/Gold (plus it seems easier to earn status faster with AA compared to CX). Are there any benefits which are offered to MH Gold/Plt and CX MPC Dia/Gold which are not offered to OW Sapphire/Emerald that I should consider when choosing between these FFP? I didn’t see any in my initial review of MH CX programs.

I’m not sure I should considered joining any other OW FFP as I would expect to fly at least 60K per year and would move back to IAH in about 4 years.

I see the AA J-class out of PVG-LAX does not have lie flat seats, anyone know of plans to upgrade the seats to lie flat soon? J-class seats are important for my selection as I will have 1-2 flights back to the U.S. a year and is how I will earn majority of my miles. I’m guessing MH has no plans to upgrade its 777-200 to flat seats for the KUL-NRT-LAX route?

For Dragon Air and MASwings would my OW benefits be extended if I flew these carriers but did not have the parent carrier Status CX-Dragon air and MH-MASwings?