Originally Posted by
chunky649
Thank you both for your suggestions...
I actually do understand Drminn's suggestion. But in short, I have a very dim view of those other skyteam programs... thats also a big reason why I don't already have one of their credit cards..(I actively churn cards) ;-)
Since this one big (potential) trip is in business class, I won't really need any of the perks of having DL status. So its really a loss of MQM and putting RDM in another airline... To be honest, I find AA miles more useful for my purposes anyway... but personally, flying domestically, I really enjoy flying DL more than other airlines (mostly due to my status, but also due to familiarity with the nuisances of 'navigating' Delta's rules and practices.
All that considered, I think your idea of flying AA (or AA partner) J for your trip to China is sound. You could do a status match/challenge to take advantage of the elite RDM bonus for your trip, but this could be a waste of a status match/challenge since you don't need the other elite benefits with a J ticket.