Welcome to FT Broadwayblue! FT is a great forum and has been a blessing to me.

Before choosing a programme you have to evaluate your flying patterns and how you are likely to use miles.

Some things to consider:
Do you fly on discount economy fares or business fares?
I find that AA is really nice if flying on discount economy for a couple of reasons...
1. you can upgrade any fare using miles. many other programmes such as Delta and United restrict which fares you can upgrade. Although, AA does charge for expediting upgrade awards which the other programmes do not. So, it depends on your flying.
2.Also, AA has more room throughout coach. So if you are stuck flying in the back of the plane, you will have legroom and won't have to worry about it if you can't upgrade. United has economy plus but unless you are an elite you probably won't get one of these seats.
3. Most fares earn miles and count towards elite status.

Do you fly domestic or international?
Then you want to consider the alliance members. I am AA platinum and find that oneworld handles most of my needs since I fly to western europe (though I do often have to make a connection in LHR -that's London Heathrow). Star Alliance has broader international coverage.

Some other hints.
Try to concentrate your flying to one airline or alliance so you can get elite status faster.
If you plan to fly alot, you might try a challenge on your airline of choice to earn status sooner than you would otherwise.
Check out the FewMiles' site on AA's AAdvantage programme and the other sites that some FT members have made on the other programmes.

Here is fewmiles site:
http://plaza.powersurfr.com/fewmiles/AA/index2.html

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I Love New York

[This message has been edited by Redhead (edited 12-29-2001).]