Originally Posted by
Gardyloo
In terms of advantages of one over the other, a couple of things come to mind
AA EXP doesn't automatically get access to AA lounges on North American itineraries while BA Gold has access to BA (and other Oneworld) lounges on any itinerary.
AA EXPs get unlimited (space available) upgrades on North American flights; BA Golds don't receive any automatic upgrades.
I can't speak to BA Gold, but the dedicated AA EXP desk people are miracle workers in cases of IRROPs or things going sideways. They're the best customer service people I've encountered anywhere, by an order of magnitude.
But the SWUs and - to me - better redemption characteristics of the AA program - cheaper mileage requirements for most flights, more partners - are the main advantage.
Currently I'm in the middle of a DONE4. I'm at about 75K I think, given the clear as mud terms. So I hate to lose another big chunk of miles if they limit me to 75K, which they will do if the computer sorts it all correctly. So I entertained the thought of crediting to another program, probably BA. But wait! That means no more EQM too, so my achieving EXP for 2018 and LT plat will be jeopardized, depending on what other travel I do, and whether I use my Elite Citi card for the 10K EQM. I need about 27K EQM for EXP, so 17K from flying. The value of LT Plat has just fallen, as has, to a lesser extent, the value of EXP, but I think I'll make the effort one more time this year. Once Plat forever, though, I'm seriously considering crediting to BA. I agree that the EXP agents are one of my most valued perks. The SWUs are nice, but with a 12K spend requirement, I see myself buying up instead. It will be freeing in a way since I can purchase by price, not loyalty. I've been on one other carrier one time in the past 10+ years, other than partners on RTWs. And this almost always at a premium price when I've bothered to check.
Has anyone else wrestled with this? What would be worth more to you, another 75K RDM in a partner FFP, given they credit the same as AA, or EXP for next year?