Originally Posted by
CatJo
Sorry should've included that in the original post - it's all in Coach. She's young, just starting "business" travel, so everything is gravy at this point - status, award redemptions etc. She's had a taste of lounge access with the Amex Platinum during some personal travel, and that's frankly all she needs lol - upgrades on 2-3 hour flights on "basic" aircraft is not a big deal.
The key is to build loyalty and points, perhaps status, on some alliance - not even sure what the desired redemptions are just yet (not premium cabin, perhaps LA to Hawaii, Mexico, or NYC to the Caribbean). I think Avios/One World is the program to be in, I like Ibeira Plus Oneworld Sapphire giving lounge access.
The problem is that, unless she'll be flying in full-fare Economy, it would take an awful lot of flying to attain Iberia Oro (OWS) status. But if she will be having overnight stays on her trips -- and perhaps renting cars, too -- those expenses can count towards achieving status in the AAdvantage program, as can spend on a Barclays or Citi credit card, AAdvantage Dining, AAdvantage e-shopping, etc. Even low-level ("Gold") status in AAdvantage would get her free Main Cabin Extra (extra-leg-room) seats at T-24 on AA. Those few extra inches of seat pitch can make a big difference in terms of comfort.
If she were going to be flying in domestic First, I would give serious consideration to crediting to Iberia. For Coach travel on AA/AS, I would credit to AAdvantage or Alaska MVP. AA and AS elites get some extra, reciprocal benefits on the other carrier, beyond what other oneworld elites get.
Note that AS status can be earned based on either miles flown or segments flown. If some of her trips could include a connection via SEA, PDX, or even SFO on AS, that might be one way of expediting achieving status. But her employer might not be keen about her taking connecting flights on routes where nonstops are available.