Hello, I am thinking of making a change after years of loyalty to American. Thank you in advance for your input.
1. What is most important to you in a frequent flyer program (FFP)?
Reply: Upgrades, Priority service, international lounge access, quality of aircraft and flying experience, (meaning comfortable seats, wifi, IFE, cleanliness, service), availability of First Class award seats internationally.
2. How many miles do you usually fly each year? How many flights/sectors?
Reply: I fly about 100K a year, about 60 segments.
3. What fare class do you usually buy?
Reply: I buy economy and hope to get upgraded, on occasion I will buy Business or First. I also use miles to book business or first class.
4. Are you able to choose your airlines and/or class of service? Do you travel for work and/or pleasure?
Reply: I can choose my own airline and class of service. I travel for pleasure.
5. Which routes do you fly most often?
Reply: My travel has been evenly divided between domestic and international, including Europe, Australia, Asia.
6. What is your home airport?
Reply: SEA
7. Do you have status in any FFP? What is it? How miles do you have banked in each FFP, if any?
Reply: I am an AA EXP, and lifetime platinum. I will re-qualify for EXP for 2016. I have 900,000 AA miles. I also have about 100,000 Alaska Airlines miles, but no status. I just got the BA visa and will spend enough to get the 100,000 avios in 2016.
8. What are your preferred airlines, if any?
Reply: For the past 12 years I have been fiercely loyal to American. I spend more time and money in order to travel with American than I would if I chose Alaska, or probably a number of other airlines. I always did this because I enjoyed the perks of being EXP. However I am questioning if the benefits of that status are still worth it. Upgrades are harder to come by. 3 out of the last 4 SWU's I tried to use did not clear despite booking more than 6 months in advance. I was told it doesn't look good for my flight to LHR this week either. There are very few non-stops out of SEA, which I didn't mind in the past since I liked the EQM's I earned by connecting. Now, in addition to all upgrades being harder to get, most of the aircraft are dirty and lack amenities, the customer service is spotty onboard, as well as at the counter or on the phone, the Admiral's Clubs are overcrowded, and American's fares are usually higher. I wish Virgin America offered more routes and flights out of SEA, I enjoyed traveling with them the few times I did in the past. I will admit to getting spoiled after spending time in Australia and flying Qantas both domestically and internationally. The aircraft, service, and clubs were always enjoyable. I have had the same experience with Cathay Pacific. I don't think we have anything comparable in America, at least that I am aware of.
Currently I am thinking of switching loyalty to Alaska, and mostly using miles to fly first class internationally on their partners. I have never belonged to one of the other alliances so I don't know if the "grass is greener" with Star or Skyteam. Do I just have to lower my expectations, plan all trips 330-355 days in advance in hopes of getting the upgrade or award ticket, or just travel a lot less and only purchase first class tickets? I spent so many years loving the AA EXP benefits, I definitely got used to the nice treatment I received for my loyalty. I'm sad to see it changing for the worse. I am hoping there is another airline that is better, but is there one? Is this as good as it gets?