Originally Posted by
CatJo
A family member is starting a new position that requires employer-paid flights from LAX to mostly west coast (some Seattle, some short haul like Sacramento, more details to TBD). Thinking Delta for now, though not a fan of their award chart (not that AA/UA are any better); perhaps Alaska is a good option?
Would also like to consider getting a premium airline credit card that grants lounge access and other niceties that make traveling easier. She's already had an Amex Platinum (recently cancelled), and currently has a Chase Sapphire Preferred. So getting a Delta Platinum might be a good way to go, coupled with great flight options out of LAX.
Appreciate any thoughts and suggestions, thank you!
In what class of service will she be traveling, First or Coach?
The combination of AA and AS offers excellent West Coast coverage from LAX. AS even offers some West Coast service from BUR, in case that airport would be convenient for the traveler.
The airline one flies does not necessarily have to be the airline to which one credits. AA and AS flights can be credited to each other, or to any other oneworld frequent-flyer program. Achieving mid-tier (oneworld Sapphire) status in a foreign oneworld program like Iberia Plus would give the traveler AA Admirals Club and AS lounge access, even when traveling in Coach on domestic flights.
What would the traveler's intended award redemptions be? Domestic? International? Coach? Premium cabins? Depending on the answer to this, AAdvantage miles -- or in some cases, even Avios -- could be much more valuable than DL miles.