Originally Posted by guv1976

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry: BlackBerry8530/5.0.0.1030 Profile/MIDP-2.1 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/417)



Even if you are going to continue to fly BA, you should still consider whether to credit your BA flights to BAEC, or to a partner program, like AAdvantage.

It's true that upgrades will still be no easier to obtain, but there are some advantages (no pun intended) to AA's program. The biggest are: no carrier-imposed surcharges when flying on award tickets, except when flying on BA or IB metal; more favorable redemption rates to certain destinations -- especially in premium classes; additional partner carriers not available with BAEC (including EY, GF, LY, TN, and 9W); no extra mileage charge for connecting flights on redemptions; and no charge to change dates or times on already-ticketed awards. (There are some disadvantages, too; AAdvantage is not better in all respects.) And to achieve elite status with AA, you must also fly at least four AA- or US-marketed flights per year. Codeshares operated by other carriers -- like BA -- count, as long as you buy the flights with an AA or US flight number.

Even if you decide to go with AAdvantage, you would still want to keep some Avios, as RFS redemptions provide excellent value, and can be used to position yourself outside the UK for longer-haul award travel, thereby avoiding the UK APD and LHR/LGW PSC.

What are your mileage redemptions likely to be? The answer to that could go a long way in helping to decide which FFP would be most beneficial for you.