Originally Posted by
aw82
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We live in MSN, extended family is in DFW. Me, spouse, two kids. Most mile earn will occur via credit cards and I'm only interested in redeeming for award flights. AA is an obvious choice, but BA distance-based comes out ahead with CC spending (assuming award tickets are available).
Award availability is pretty much identical between AAdvantage and BAEC. AA is nicely generous with releasing award seats to partners.
In your case, I'd go with BAEC and create a
household account, bundling flight activity and non-flying activity (cc spend for you and spouse) all in one account. That will build up a mileage balance much quicker than with individual AAdvantage accounts. Also, a MSN-DFW award ticket requires 25% less Avios than AA miles (7500 Avios compared to 12500 miles) which more than offsets the slightly better non-flying earning options and higher CC sign-on boni that AAdvantage offers.
edit: I'd also look into the US Airways program, specifically the affiliated cc as long as it is still available. The companion certificates this card comes with are ideal for your family travel redemptions.