Originally Posted by
jsguyrus
I think the one major thing we are forgetting is AS has the best loyalty program hands down... As long as they continue to have a miles based program I will continue to use AS.
I think people underestimate the (now weakened) role of the FF program in keeping people outside the west coast glued to AS. When I moved to Chicago last year I thought, well, AS/VX has pretty low utility from ORD -- but I'll fly AA when heading east, south, or to Europe, take 4-6 AS trips per year to Hawaii, YVR, or SFO, and maintain status. With AA exiting the program, though, I'll just fly AA all the time and build my AA or Avios accounts. I expect AS is off my radar next year.