Originally Posted by
worldwidedreamer
I have been a CO elite for several years, right now I'm Gold Elite. I have earned my status through a couple international trips (one on CO, one on NW) along with domestic travel that is on AS, CO, NW, and DL in that order. I'm based in San Francisco which, as a major airport, works as a virtual hub with non-stop CO partner flights to something like 20 destinations. I am a life member of the AA and CO airline clubs. As well, my credit card is with WN.
It seems increasingly difficult for me to use my miles earned on CO...it seems as though most of the available seats require rule-buster double-miles which effectively doubles the cost. Perhaps 2/3 of my miles on CO are on partner flights which mean 50% EQMs, something that cost me platinum this year. As well, most of my "free" elite upgrades have taken place on NW flights because CO seems to have more full F cabins.
I'm seriously considering shifting my business to AS because I can earn EQMs on AS, AA, DL and NW, along with the possibility of an elite upgrade or two on NWA. Should I make the move?
Where are you flying? If more than 50% of your miles will be on Alaska's partners, it probably isn't worth it. Alaska's service from the Bay Area is very limited unless most of your flying is to PDX, SEA, SAN, SNA, PSP and a few Mexico destinations. It is sometimes possible to connect to transcons via SEA, but some destinations (such as BOS) just can't be done without overnighting in SEA. Also, the NW upgrades are virtually useless from SFO, so I wouldn't consider those when making this decision.