Hey All, I am considering switching to *A from Delta SkyTeam. I am Gold Medallion on skyteam now, and will be taking four more trips (at least two business) between WAS and ACC this year. I may also have a trip from WAS to JNB as well. Thats about 10K miles each trip which is ~ 40-50K miles for the rest of the year.

I am interested in points redemption to off the beaten path countries, then intl business upgrades, then lounge access. Any recommendations for which *A program to join?

Thanks! JKB
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Can you provide:

(1) What is your home airport? DCA or IAD
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? Z, K, and Y
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? 50-75k
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? Delta Gold (looking to switch given south african air's direct IAD-ACC flights)
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? Good award redemption rates, then Frequent upgrades on travel (int'l upgrades?!)
(6) Which routes do you fly most often Trans-Atlantic
(7) Preferred Airlines SA, AC, and United domestically
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? Work mostly. Can choose the airline, usually a mix of fare types, but often economy or economy comfort with 2-3 business transatlantic per year