Back in 1989, I enrolled in AA, UA, & Delta's FF programs. Since then, I have never flown Delta and only flown UA a handful of times, the most recent when I was scheduled from SNA-ORD on AA and the flight cancelled.

From 1995-1997, I had occasion to fly Southwest and enrolled in their program. I do not like anything about the airline and the program worked as a disincentive; I would earn the right to earn more torture for free. No thanks.

I am Platinum with AA. They go everywhere I need to go. Obviously, I do not travel to Asia much (actually, I do, but that is for military travel; I am an Air Force Reservist) and if I did AA would limit me.

I believe in putting all (or most) of one's FF eggs in one basket.

Also am enrolled in Marriott, Hilton, and Radisson hotel programs. Marriott gets the lion's share of my business.

On the airline side, my decision does not revolve around price or schedule. The question is, "can I get where I am going and earn miles on American?" If I can, off I go.

The oneworld alliance fills in most of the gaps for me.

Welcome to the boards. I hope this helps.

[This message has been edited by FlyAAway (edited 09-15-2000).]