Interested in hearing from AS MVPG/75K who have made the switch from AS to AA due to a relocation from west to east? I've recently moved from PDX; now based out of RDU. I fly to PDX or SEA 8-10 x a year, a lot of mid-west flying, and internationally 2-3 x a year (annually to Australia).

I now spend a lot of time in Y, and most of my time on DL. ATL-SEA/PDX is available on AS of course, but usually more expensive and the timing is off for me. Also, the times I have done it are the only upgrades I've missed on AS in a few years. So, for the sake of in-flight bennies, DL seems like a good call, but I've heard horror stories about redemption to Australia (it's home, so the only award I really care about). I do realize that YMMV, but AS seems a much better option than DL for that award.

I can use AA pretty easily, and I like them a lot. It seems to make sense to move there on account of their intl awards looking relatively good. Upgrade chances would go from virtually 0 to at least >0...They've got a decent cc which can include AC access, and EQM accrual looks about the same as AS for me (no 50K bonus though). SWU's sound good, but not sure how usable they actually are in practice.

I've been on the brink a few times, but I get cold feet every time...being able to use DL and AA to earn EQM is great. It's pretty easy to get a QF C award to MEL, and I love the CX F award to Australia through HKG. Hopefully CX redemption will be online sooner rather than later. No 360 day access to awards is a little frustrating, but hasn't really stopped me in the past.

Perhaps I've answered my own question just writing it down, but I'd love to hear others thoughts if they've made the switch...or have considered it and not made it for whatever reason...

Thanks for taking the time to read...