Originally Posted by
guv1976
Welcome to FlyerTalk, mvc22!
As long as you will continue to have Admirals Club access via a credit card, then I think crediting your flights to, and seeking status with, AA makes the most sense for you.
If you expect to lose credit-card lounge access anytime soon, I would consider:
1. getting a credit card that gives you Priority Pass lounge access; or
2. seeking oneworld Sapphire or Emerald status with a foreign carrier like BA or IB. Such status would give you lounge access when flying AA domestically, as well as free checked baggage and MCE seats. But status with BA or IB would not likely get you upgraded on AA. And BA and IB have their own redemption rates, rules, and fees.
Okay, that's about what I expected. I just got my card lounge access, but I do plan on applying for a card with Priority Pass access sometime within the next year. I really only considered Alaska status because of the segment and earning schemes, but I'd need to fly quite a bit on AS metal (or in general), way beyond what leisure travel allows, at least for earning meaningful status. Thank you!