Really, I didn't know where else to turn. The decision is such a minor one, but it has such significant implications in the long term - so I thought to ask here. The scoop is that I'm an MVP with Alaska. I live in Vancouver and used to travel to Los Angeles about 5 times a year. I love the direct flights. I love that if I'm willing to go at 7 AM, I am almost guarateed a first class seat upgrade. I love the fact that the upgrades are available on a space available basis rather than having "upgrade segment coupons" or some such nonsense. I like the fact that Alaska has so many airline partners that I can generally find a way to get from here to there on one of them. I will easily make MVP Gold in the next 60 days.

Now the problem is that I've moved for the next 9 months to Lubbock, TX. By all accounts its a temporary move, but I'm just not sure. Lets give it a 35% chance. Its arbitrary, but its as good as any indication.

American Airlines offers a challenge program to allow you to upgrade quickly to a elite status. If I decided to take the challenge, I'd be there in 60 days. Then, I'd be Platinum with American.

So there are benefits there as well. American has a much broader flight radius, so using miles go get around the US for a vacation is easier that way. I've never been a member of American's Platinum, but I just don't feel like I know all the benefits. I've looked at the web site, and it seems like upgrades are on an upgrade consumable basis (you have to earn them or buy them). Maybe I've got it wrong. For example, it seems like, even when there are unused spaces in FC, if you don't pay the upgrade fee you won't get moved to FC unless you buy 8-500 mile upgrades. I've read the web site information, but I'm not sure if that's the way it feels like in practice.

The truth is that I will continue to fly American and Alaska as I can. I especially like the service in Alaska (I remember the time they handed out apple slices as the onboard snack!). At that level, I'll earn 100% bonus miles on either airlines. The only thing that I can see being a benefit to American is the access to their broader network for reduced mileage awards. Again, maybe I'm wrong. I expect to be making the DFW-YVR run no less than 8 times next year.

So, the question is, what should I do! Thanks for any information/ideas on how I can make the decision. For example, how likely is a complementary upgrade (if they even do them) to FC on the DFW-YVR flight.