With the changes just announced from AA I'm thinking of switching from AA to UA, but I'm completely unsure of which way to go.

First, the questionnaire:


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.
>>> Upgrades, 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.
>>> 8-12 trips per year (30-48 segments), at least one to Japan or China and at least one to London or somewhere else in Western Europe, but most all over the US

3. What fare class do you usually buy?
first, business, premium economy, economy
>>> Economy (will usually pay to get into Plus for the legroom); might get to buy business on some overseas trips occasionally

4. Are you able to choose your airlines and/or class of service? Do you travel for work and/or pleasure?
>>> Yes, I get to choose, trying to get lowest airfare but convenient day/time is more important to me. Mostly for work.

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

6. What is your home airport?
>>> Austin, Texas (practically all my flights go through DFW or IAD though there are now more direct flights from AUS)

7. Do you have status in any FFP? What is it? How miles do you have banked in each FFP, if any?
>>> Silver on UA. Nothing on AA at the moment.

8. What are your preferred airlines, if any?
>>> AA or UA.

I flew for work for a few years and earned and kept Platinum on AA. During that time I really liked flying on AA - they took good care of me (I got upgraded about 50% of the time and if I had problems they always got me right). On top of that, I actually *like* the MD-80s over the newer 737s (when I'm in economy, anyhow). I prefer DFW over IAD, as well, though it's not a huge difference.

However, I switched jobs and lost status completely. So I'm starting over again from zero. With my new job, I will be flying enough to earn/keep gold/silver, at least.

I have BOTH UA and AA mastercards, and I use one to pay all my regular household bills every month (plus other stuff, which adds up). So far this year I've been using my AA card exclusively, which is why I have about 70K on AA and 10K on UA at the moment.

I also have more than 200K earned lifetime miles on AA, and only about 70K lifetime on United.

Oh, and United recently "gifted" me silver status (out of the blue - I guess as an enticement to try them again).

With the changes in AA's program I'm torn. I've been researching this evening and it seems like:
* UA's program will be *slightly* better than AA's.
* The alliances look similar to me, although AA has Qantas if I ever go back to Australia. Austin does have a non-stop flight to LHR via BA, as well, but then you get smacked with the fuel surcharge, and those flights are early in the day for my usual needs.
* In doing some looking, I found better award flights (at lower miles) on UA, but I found better pay flights (i.e. less expensive and better times/airports) on AA.
* Generally speaking I prefer AA's fleet as I find them more comfortable (seat-wise), though both airlines are hit-and-miss for overseas economy flights.

So, what I'm thinking so far as that without any status at all, I'd probably stick with AA, but with that free silver status UA might just be edging out AA.

What do you think?

Thanks for your help!
Peter