Originally Posted by instantoatemeal

I know this question is person specific. I have been researching but with the new changes for both programs, I am still a little confused. Here is my situation:

• I am based at LAX USA
• Most of my travel will be through CX (4x+ this year alone)
• I will be flying on W,R,E Premium Economy classes for the LAX-HKG route and Buisness on the Dragonair HKG-PVG routes
• all other travel will be in the western US via Alaska
• I am currently Marco Polo Silver (OneWorld Ruby)
• I prefer miles over status. The goal is to fly the family (3 of us) to Europe in 18 months.

Some things I currently dislike about Asia Miles/Marco Polo

• miles expire after 3 years (fine for now but I don't want to stress over this if I do not have too).
• the new point system seems more difficult to get to Sapphire Status through Marco Polo (Marco Polo point generated for roundtrip LAX-HKG-PVG will be 150 and need 600 for Sapphire, while AAdvatage I can earn at least 16,860 of actual miles flown per trip and gain Sapphire in 3 trips if my Dragon Air flight counts towards AA)
• I have heard that redeeming miles though Asia miles is difficult. I have no experience with this yet. Just what i have read.

So my questions are:

• Am I going to accumulate more (or similar) miles if I switch to AA? If so, would it be a mess to redeem 1 seat though Asia miles and 2 seats though AA for a future family trip to the EU?
• Can I use my current Ruby status at the Cathay lounges if I am using a AAdvantage # on that flight?
• Anything else I am not considering?