Originally Posted by
ckidder331
on AA I would earn either
(7000*2*1.0)+(2500*2*1.0)= 19,000 EQM (elite miles)
(7000*2*1.5)+(2500*2*.5)= 23,500 EQP (elite points)
You've identified a weakness in the AA program--you really can't mix and match discounted and premium fare classes if you intend to qualify on points. If you're doing all first and business it works out much better (66,667 miles in business gives you 100,000 points and EXP). Start adding in discount economy that gives you 1/3 the points of business and you can see how long a trek it would be to qualify on points with a combination of the two.
Your AA mileage numbers look good---19,000 miles of flying in any cabin will give you 19,000 EQM. The fact that you're in business or first doesn't factor into the qualification side. I have an SFO-DFW-HKG RT coming up and it's 19,000 miles. (see
flyerdude88's post below correcting this section)
AA and UA just don't have identical qualification requirements. Hopefully you'll take a look at some of the other AA benefits, such as first class lounge access on international itineraries and 8 systemwides good on any fare, to see if things balance out for you. If not, stay put. You might also consider an EXP challenge once you reach 1K (I know a Platinum challenge is 10,000 points in 90 days but not sure about the EXP challenge--might be 25,000 points in 90 days---AA will put it all in writing should you reach that point).