Originally Posted by
77WBoeing
The most valuable benefit, to me, of a FFP is premium cabin award redemption.
So that is AA
BA has sky cash surcharges on most awards.
Originally Posted by
77WBoeing
A close second would be the ability for some long haul upgrades from economy to biz - AA system wides still decently valuable.
As for upgrades the general rule is you can only upgrade a flight marketed (flight number) and operated (metal) by the airline of your frequent flyer programme (no codeshares) with your airline ffp upgrade instrument (e.g. SWU, miles) or complementary with status (if applicable) or ff miles/cash co pay. All subject to the t&c's of your frequent flyer program and your paid ticket. Low cost tickets are often not eligible for upgrades.
BA & AA have a limited cross airline upgrades system. They tend to require a very expensive base fare and have t&c’s.