Originally Posted by
guv1976
All you really need for lounge access is OWS on BA (or maybe IB). If you are unlikely to achieve OWE, I would just concentrate on attaining OWS. BAEC is not bad for nonstop Economy Class redemptions on AA/AS within the Americas; no cash surcharges apply. And BA has a generous policy for cancelling such redemptions: you only forfeit the $5.60 September 11 Security Fee you pay each way when you book. But both BA and IB charge extra Avios for each flight flown, so connections are not free.
IB, on the other hand, has relatively low cash surcharges when you fly IB between the U.S. (including LAX) and MAD. So I think it's really a question of how you plan to redeem the miles/Avios you earn on paid travel.
Originally Posted by
ChocolateFactory
Keep in mind that you can freely transfer Avios between BA and IB. So there's no need to choose one over the other for award redemptions. If you're considering BA vs. IB, you should focus on the status earning parts of the programs.
Interesting. Never thought about IB. I'll need to look into how they do qualifying. With my already booked travel I have enough for BA Silver. They don't a challenge or match though right? So I would have to leave my AA number on the reservations for OWE benefits up to the flight and then change to BA number for earning.