Originally Posted by
whisperjetL1011
HaleiwaFlyer thought about your question. After getting to 2MM on American I was traveling to Asia quite a bit either through NRT initially or via DFW to HKG. So UA/Star Alliance LT status was possible. But I was able to use SWU to upgrade to first quite a bit so I would have given that up. Would be nice to see AA expand their LT status options like UA and DL have. Other than bonus mile multiple though not sure the level of status is really material as some have noted.
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I will say because AA has excellent and perhaps better short term loyalty benefits than UA/DL, I would actually recommend sticking with AA. Being retired, you have an advantage of having flexibility, so redemptions on JL F and Etihad F will be a lot easier and attainable.
I view retirement time as taking advantage of programs that offer you the best bang for the buck from a short term perspective as the long game is no longer on the board.
Enjoy retirement and may many awesome travels be ahead of you.