Originally Posted by
KenJohn
If you pay to fly premium cabins and would like lounge access, fast track security, etc, then the BA scheme is better.
However if you always fly premium cabins, then lounge access, fast track etc is included in the ticket..
Originally Posted by
FlyerChrisK
BA can devalue as well.
Of course, but with the AA/US merger the programs will merge and possibly devalue in the near future, removing some 'sweet spots'.
I also think the zone-based system AA/US uses is more likely to have big changes than the BA segment based award system.
660,000 AA miles is a high target to reach, and at the OP's earn rate assuming 125,000 from CC spend per year (mix of Amex and Visa) and 160k purchased between two per year, that is just over 2 years.
It is a good question and comparison though.