Originally Posted by
diver858
While I tend to agree with the above, it does not explain why AS appears to spend so much time (and $$) establishing and maintaining alliances with a significant number of carriers worldwide, featuring this benefit in its marketing. It would appear to be MUCH easier (and less costly) to manage earning and burning within an alliance than separately, with several of the carriers in multiple alliances.
Easier and less costly? What are the compliance requirements and costs of joining an alliance?
I don't think AS can just go online and pay $99 to join oneworld like it's AAA or something.