Originally Posted by
graraps
The way you have to look at this is from an alliance viewpoint. There are only 3 alliances, so that's a start.
I'd say there are so many Skyteam and *A options that with a bit of flexibility you should be able to find something on either.
OW is not as good because there's only AA, BA, MA and IB you can choose from- the other two alliances have at least 8 different airlines (each) that fly the route.
No, you don't have to look it it from an alliance standpoint. Partnerships that are not part of alliances may offer better redemption than alliance partners!
I don't have a Europe example, but an easy Asia example: Anyone reading the AA board a lot knows that alliance partners Qantas and Cathay Pacific are stingy at making awards available, and the key to get awards to that the southern part of Asia/Pacific is to include in your consideration easier-to-get awards on AA non-alliance partners such as Air Tahiti Nui.
In Europe, AA's non-OW partners include Brussels Airlines (SN).
And btw in OW you left out AY (Finnair). Yes, on the map it looks like its at the far corner, but Europe is so compact it's not that far out of the way for a signficant chunk of Europe (and it's much nicer seats in economy than BA).