Hello all! I'm a recent college grad that will start as a consultant in the Fall, flying out of Chicago on a weekly basis. I've already earned ~10,000 EQM's/PQM's for 2016 in both AA and UA, respectively. Trying to decide which alliance to commit to once I start my job. I'm assuming I should choose between AA or UA since I'll be based in Chicago.

1. What is most important to you in a frequent flyer program (FFP)?
upgrades, priority services, baggage allowance, good award redemption rates, better award access, lounge access, etc.
>>> Reply: upgrades, good award redemption rates, priority services

2. How many miles do you usually fly each year? How many flights/sectors?
less than 25000 miles, 50000+ miles and 20-25 flights, etc.
>>> Reply: 50,000+

3. What fare class do you usually buy?
first, business, premium economy, economy
>>> Reply: Economy

4. Are you able to choose your airlines and/or class of service? Do you travel for work and/or pleasure?
>>> Reply: Work, I can generally choose my airline of preference but am restricted to selecting economy except on international flights.

5. Which routes do you fly most often?
transatlantic, domestic USA, intra-Asia, etc.
>>> Reply: domestic USA

6. What is your home airport?
>>> Reply: ORD

7. Do you have status in any FFP? What is it? How miles do you have banked in each FFP, if any?
>>> Reply: No status so far, about 10,000 PQM miles in both American and United, respectively

8. What are your preferred airlines, if any?
>>> Reply: I've always had the impression that AA provides better service than UA, but would be interested in hearing arguments to the contrary.