Hi.

I am seriously considering switching from BAEC to AAdvantage, and I was hoping someone could either confirm that my choice is right, or suggest an alternative.

I fly a mixed bag of airlines, on the cheapest possible tickets (i.e. discount economy fare classes). Up until now, I have been using my Avios for RFS redemptions between MUC or ZRH and MAN, via LHR. Now that the free domestic connections are no more, these flight now cost double the number of Avios. My earnings potential on cheap fares has reduced from 100% to 25% miles. Therefore, with BAEC I now need to fly 8 times as much to get the same redemptions (an 87.5% devaluation).

(1) What is most important to you in a FFP?

Good points-earning potential on very cheap fares. Good earn/burn ratio. Economy class redemptions. I'm not bothered about status (not brand-loyal enough) and I don't value upgrades anywhere near as highly as most on FT.

(2) How many miles do you usually fly each year & in what class? How many flights/sectors?

3 or 4 flights within Europe. 1 or 2 flights from Europe to either USA or Asia. Europe to Australia every 2 or 3 years.

(3) What types of fares do you usually buy?

Cheapest possible economy. Often "special offers" (intentional or otherwise, if you catch my drift).

(4) Can you choose your airlines and/or class of service? Do you travel for work and/or pleasure?

Pure pleasure. Total freedom of choice.

(5) Which routes and airlines do you fly most often?

A real mixed bag. Whoever offers the best deal. I am fortunate enough not to have to work for half the year, and I am very flexible about which destinations I visit. The aim is to see as many different places, as cheaply as possible. Quite often, I just spot a cheap deal and go for it.

(6) What is your home airport?

FDH/MUC/STR/ZRH in the summer. Usually BHX/MAN/EMA in the winter. I am also happy to fly from other European airports and use points or LCCs for positioning.

(7) Do you have FFP status of any kind in OW or other airline? What is it? Do you have any miles banked in a FFP?

About 30k Avios, picked up from flying and credit card spend. I am trying to figure out some meaningful way of burning these, now that MUC/ZRH-LHR-MAN costs 18k. Domestic flights in the USA or Australia maybe?

About 20k in LH M&M, which are about to expire, and pretty much useless for the kind of flying I do (I will probably burn them on a hotel gift card).

7,400 Icelandair Saga Club miles. God alone knows what I will do with these!

(8) Preferred Airlines? Most common Airlines flown on?

Cheapest deal. No brand loyalty whatsoever.

My own thought are that AAdvantage is probably the best OW program, given the 100% earnings on cheap fares with several airlines (if it lasts). Any other ideas?

Another FT member kindly suggested AS as a back-up, due to the high number of partner airlines.

Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.