Even if the deal closes in September like they hope, US can't bail from *A immediately. It will likely occur 3-6 months AFTER as it's going to take time to disconnect from *A systems, end codesharing agreements, and interface with OW systems.

When BA took over BD, there was a clear date when BD was leaving the Alliance and when miles could no longer be used for BD awards.

My guess: US will exit *A at the end of the year and start fresh next year with OW. It's a good time for a clean break, and it makes the most sense to begin the new FFP right when the year's going to start.

To the OP: there's a lot of metal you can take, depending on where you want to connect. The middle European carriers (LH, LX, OS, etc) don't make sense for BCN but can for VCE.

Also keep in mind that a lot of *A carriers offer a hybrid C: it's better than typical C, but not as good as first. These can be a good value for the miles.

I wouldn't pay for international F on UA under any circumstances. Last year, I flew a 2 class UA (PMCO) plane on EWR-NRT, new C on UA for NRT-ICN, and F on ICN-SFO, so I got to experience them all in close proximity. I've done long haul in UA's new C before as well.

UA's C on the PMUA 747/777 is more cramped with 2-4-2 (unless you get UD on the 747). Service has been pretty meh on virtually every C flight I've taken on UA. The seat's comfortable, but the soft product, IMO sucks.

UA's C on the PMCO 777's is actually pretty nice. It doesn't feel cramped like PMUA planes do, and I think the soft product is better - better food and better service. The seat seems to be a mixed bag. Some people love it, others don't. For me, I thought PMUA seats were more comfortable, as my back was sore sleeping from EWR-NRT on the PMCO seats. PMUA didn't have that problem. PMUA has better IFE as well.

International F on a UA 747 - what can I say. I wish I would have saved the 30k miles and rode on the UD. Riding in 1A - pretty much the nose of a 747 - was pretty cool, and the seat's very comfortable. Soft product sucks. You get C service with a soup added to it. It's a quieter and more private cabin. I also got to listen to a GS give a US exec an hour-long earful about how UA's gone down the tubes too. UA's boarding process is a chaotic scrum. There was no call for F. I had to fight with all the other C and elite pax all trying to get on the plane. There was really nothing first class about the experience.

US C in the A330's is supposed to be pretty nice. I haven't had the opportunity to use my CP certs yet - still hoping work sends me to Europe sometime this year.

I liked AC's C product a lot. The 777's aren't very old, and the cabin's very nicely done. Every seat is pretty private thanks to the herringbone set up - seat was also very comfortable. Soft product was very good, with FAs even offering seconds on dinner! Crew I had was great - they couldn't do enough for you. They even put on crazy hats to make it more fun.

I've heard good things about LX. LH seems to be a mixed bag as people either love or hate the German style of service. Some think it's more professional while others find it cold and mechanical, but generally good quality.

For PHX-BCN, I'd pick US, then AC, then UA.

VCE-PHX I'd pick US, then LX/LH/AC, depending on which you prefer. US is probably the simplest leaving/going the US.