Gurus,

Im a newbie to world of airlines mileage plans. I have a NWA WorldPerks account with 21k miles and am contemplating switching to Alaska Mileage Plan as I recently moved to the Seattle area. My new job location will allow me to fly on either Continental or Alaska and accrue approx. 120k miles annually.

My mileage utilization plans include:
1. Trip to Asia: NWA asks for 90k – 180k from NA to Asia whereas Alaska asks for 60k – 90k (although I will be booked on a NWA flight as a partner airline).
2. Trip to Hawaii: NWA requires 35k and Alaska requires 40k (via NW flight again)
3. Trip to Mexico: NWA requires 35k (no direct flight from Seattle so will need to be booked on Alaska) and Alaska requires 30k – 60k coach (and if booked on NWA 40k)
4. Free First Class Upgrades: NWA edges Alaska on this criteria.
5. Companion First Class Upgrade: Don’t know which one has the edge on this criteria.
Important Consideration: Wife has NWA WorldPerks with 60k balance (no Elite status) but will not be traveling much in the next year or so.

My dilemma: Option #1 seems too good to be true and I’m real skeptical about getting a booking. Should I just continue with the NWA worldperks and hope that I will get free first class upgrades and forget about a trip to Asia (take a trip to Hawaii or Mexico) OR risk it all and hope that the Asia trip comes to fruition with Alaska? Reviews on other websites rate Alaska Mileage plan as #1 but it may not fit my needs.

Your advice is much needed and is appreciated. Thx.