hi. I’m MVP75K in my first year. Long time united elite - currently 1K but will requalify for either gold or silver depending on upcoming travel.

My sense is united has way more premium award availability than Alaska. And way more that opens up near date of travel, esp on partners. I keep looking and finding premium rewards on Alaska where the international leg is coach. Also sensing Alaska has an insane fees structure with partners like BA that erode the value of the redemption. Is that me not understanding how to play the game.

Have an an upcoming trip to Sydney from Seattle. I can either earn Alaska miles on qantas or I could use it to requalify for United gold. Prob earn very similar miles in either due to my 1K status. But prob means flying united metal at least one way. Maybe both.

Basically debating if I should just leave my United status behind and learn to play Alaska game better. Opinion?