Thanks! I spoke to the travel agent today. She recommended American, as well. I think it probably is better to get three mid-level programs. What I'm thinking:

1. AA Platinum status
2. UAL Premier Executive status. United has convenient flights to Asia via Chicago, which may be useful. AA is rather weak in Asia.

I have to think for a third. US Airways can get me to places throughout the east coast, and they have frequent, convenient flights to Philly and Pittsburgh. Also, they have the Shuttle service, even though I now use Amtrak for most of my New York/Boston runs, because I find it more relaxing. Delta could be another possibilty. Also, since Northwest and Continental offer full reciprocal status, they combined have frequent service out of Boston. With CO's frequent service to EWR, there are easy connections to other cities.

I'll have to think about this some more. I feel pretty confident with AA and UA, but now I have to decide about US -vs- Delta -vs-CO/NW. A big part of the problem is that I'm not put on regional assignments. I don't have just about all my trips to one area and maybe only a few to other areas. My company can shoot me off to any corner of the world in a moment's notice!

Thanks,
Flyer