Remarkable, but too late for me at least. I didn't realize that with the same flights and CC spend on an Executive card I get Platinum on AA when I could only get Silver on Delta even in the old system. That gives me business class lounge access internationally which Silver doesn't give you, plus Main Cabin Extra at booking which you don't get until Platinum on Delta which is totally impossible for me to earn every year. I always knew AA points were more valuable for international but pricing out our family vacation next spring I can already see some GREAT deals on AA.

I'm giving AA a shot for a year. First flight on Alaska is this afternoon. Gonna check out both the Admiral's Club and the Alaska lounge and see how they are.