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.
What is your take between IB and BA FF program? Which one do you prefer? I mostly fly with AA/JAL so I mostly will just be looking for Sapphire/Emerald status (and the benefit attached)
I think Sapphire/Emerald is easier to achieve by BA but harder to maintain (12 month rolling) while IB makes it a bit hard to achieve but it lasts longer (2 years) making it easier to maintain.