Currently flying NW pretty exclusively. I'm Gold Elite, with 76 segments. I'm based out of BUF.

Starting a new job Monday, and I'll be flying every week. It turns out, I can get to either DCA or BWI on NW, but the flights are not so convenient, and involve up to 3 hours layover in DTW each way.

I can also fly BUF-BWI direct on WN (ugh) but I'd rather not.

I can fly direct BUF-DCA (most convenient) on US.

My prime interest in choosing an airline FF program is upgrade availability and award travel to Europe (mostly).

1. Should I bite the bullet and do the required segments left to get to Plat on NW?

2. I'd jump to US (I used to be CP there, and their *A association is very attractive), but the new changes with the merger with HP are not moving in the most desirable direction. However, it seems that, so far, the European factor won't be changed that much, but I have to admit I haven't studied it all that closely.

I was thinking of splitting the difference next year: as a Plat on NW, I could get the required 100 segments in 25 trips, and for the remaining trips use US (and try for a comp to whatever the new levels are). I know this is not the best technique (dispersing miles), but with everybody merging or bankrupt, I'm not sure which way to jump.

Currently have ~125K w/NW, and ~50K w/US.

What would you do?