First Time Poster, Long Time Flyer, Loyalty In The Air
Stuck in an interesting predicament if I want to stick with Southwest Rapid Rewards (Current A-List Member), or switch my Loyalty to either AAdvantage or Delta SkyMiles Medallion. I'm within striking distance of going all in on one or the other, and likely need to make that decision at some point soon. With that being said, I have points all across most major programs, and in the Big 3 Banks as well. (Citi TY, Chase UR, Amex MR)
- what is your definition of best? - Best overall program in terms of flight flexibility, being treated well at the gate, upgraded boarding,
- do you value miles/points (or equivalent) for redemption over gaining status? - I would say it's 50/50. I prefer to use my points/credit for Vacations and larger redemptions, while paying cash for Biz trips as needed.
- do you fly enough to gain any meaningful status? - Enough to clinch at least Low/Mid-Level in a given year.
- what do you want to use the miles/points for (award, upgrade, hotels, what ever)? - Award Flights for myself and to surprise family/significant other from time to time.
- what sort of flight award is of interest (destination, class of travel)? - International and at the very least Premium or Business.
- are you interested in topping up by paying cash for miles? - If needed yes, but prefer to transfer over from UR/MR/TYP if available.
- which airline and where do you normally fly? - Mainly domestic, just varies on what's cheaper. Historically SW for point to point, but have family in areas where it's not available and Delta is the preferred carrier.
- are you primarily a leisure or business traveller? - 60/40 split between the two.
- where do you live? Columbia, MO. STL is less than 2 hours of a drive for me, MCI just over two, so flexible on flying out in whichever location. (Prefer STL of course.)
- do you have other ways of earning points in the various programs, e.g. credit cards, shopping, etc,? - Credit Cards across the board.
- If I decided today, Leaning towards Delta for their new promotion to Fast-Track to Status, but already have made some progress with SW and feel some sort of loyalty to them (13 Segments to go), and American is just a few flights for a international trip and work trip away for meeting Gold, in theory. While I do enjoy A-List, I am looking to go abroad next year and having some sort of status with an international alliance could help. Just trying to see my options is all!