First of all, I have read thru the forum -- just want some feedback from the community to help me make up my mind.

I am a Hong Kong guy based in Shanghai, and is currently CX Gold, MU Gold. Right now deciding on which program to stay on with. I travel mainly regional economy trips, with over half PVG-HKG. Maybe 3 to 4 longhaul per year going forward.

As far as I can see, I have 3 options:

(1) Stick with MU as main carrier -> MU has most routes originating from Shanghai, espcially for regional trips. Tickets are cheaper, and occasional walk-in paid upgrades are quite convenient. Great schedule flexibility on PVG-HKG route as it is basically hourly. 100% mileage for most economy fairs So it should be a natural choice. But it still does not belong to any global programs (+ the service is worst out of the big 3). It looked to join Oneworld (which would've been perfect, since I am with CX as well), but the recent strategic investment from Sing Air kind of muddles the picture!

(2) Stick with CX/KA as main carrier -> CX/KA has better service (albeit sometimes spotty on China routes). It meets my PVG-HKG needs (also basically hourly) and long-haul needs could be met via HKG or other Oneworld airlines like AA. Basically 100% mileage for most economy fares. But tickets are more expensive, and I cannot gain any status miles/segments from regional/China trips. On the other hand, if MU eventually joins Oneworld (don't know when, if ever!), then staying with CX would have been best.

(3) Switch to Star Alliance w/ CA or stay with UA -> at year end Shanghai Air (which obviously use Shanghai as a hub) and Air China will join Star Alliance. With that, I will get decent coverage out of Shanghai to China cities + and benefit of belonging to an global FFP alliance. However, schedule flexibility PVG-HKG is lower, and it seems mileage recognition for discounted economy is worse. Haven't really traveled substantially with Star Alliance so don't know how well airlines work together.

Any suggestions welcome!