Originally Posted by tinyanyanya

A bit of my background and travel habit:

Based in the bay area where UA has its hub in SFO. Currently has 1K status from UA because of business trips in the past year. This year I have no chance of maintaining this due to the ridiculous PQP requirements from UA, so I am considering moving away from UA and Star Alliance. Also, I am beginning to get more and more upset about UA as (1) the recent devaluation of the miles and (2) that 1K is nothing from SFO based flights, like 9 out of 10 flights you cannot use PP to upgrade, even on domestic, because there are always 9 GS ahead of you.

That said, I am considering a status match to either OW or ST, and I am open to recommendations. Here is my flight habit:

1. Will have multiple business trips a year, mostly to EU zones or Japan. For these trips I cannot use my own credit card but can still earn miles.
   
2. Will have one or two Japan/Asian leisure trips a year due to family visit.
   
3. Will have a few other leisure trips internationally, to different places of the world, i.e. EU, Africa, South America, you name it. Time is relatively flexible and can book ahead.
   
4. Not many domestic flights.
   
5. Like lounges but it is not a deal breaker (I have Priority).
   
6. Also, prefer to book either award flights or cheap (has connections) business classes for long haul flights, as it is really painful for my legs in economy..
   
7. So upgrade to business can be a big plus to me, especially if the flight is from SFO..
   

Now the question is, which airline should I choose and when to switch? Someone on another forum recommends SkyTeam and especially Delta, as there (1) SkyTeam seems to have lowest business cash tickets, and (2) elite status allows access to many lounges and (3) the miles do not expire(?)

Thoughts about OneWorld airlines such as Alaska, AA or even JL?

Thanks!