I am now a plat on both carriers. If your travels will take you more than 100k a year (or if you can earn 100k points), AA's EXP is superior to Continental's Platinum. If you're flying less than 100k, I'd stick to CO; I think your upgrade chances are much better--unless you fly full coach fares (Y or B) on AA.

I'd have to say that the CO Y offering is marginally better than AA, particularly if you fly transcontinental. Granted AA charges $2 for headphones; I believe CO is $5--small things like this don't make a difference to me (I have about 100 headphones now anyway). CO does offer meals; a small point, but a difference. CO doesn't charge for blankets or pillows: rumor has it that American Eagle will start such charges in the '07. I find it very hard to get premium Y seats on AA: later today, for example, I have to fly a middle seat; in over ten years, I have never sat in a middle seat on CO (granted, I do fly on jetBlue if CO doesn't have window or aisle!). So, IMHO, CO gets the nod in coach. However, and I stress, if you fly a lot, over 100k a year, or pay a lot (full coach fares), AA is far superior.