Originally Posted by John Aldeborgh

I chose Split Alliances. Personally, I have an emotional goal to hit 5MM before I retire in early 2021. That should take me to roughly mid 2020, I know there is no added benefit, it’s purely a mental thing. After that my only goal is reducing wear and tare on my body (comfort and convenience). United won’t care as my annual flying will drop from 400K+/- miles to 20K+/- miles a year.


If your based in Japan, then a Japanese carrier is likely the most convenient for travel to both China or the US. ANA keeps you inside the Star Alliance network but JAL offers a good product as well. Both will give you a better customer experience, but speaking the language would be a big help. Given your based in Japan that may be true. Having flown both airlines a good amount over many years, I don’t have a strong preference, they’re both very good. Good luck.