AA has a far more generous upgrade policy then CX - and status with AA gains entry to CX's great lounges in HK. Also, AA offers lifetime gold and plat levels - and the Executive Plat level is by far one of the best products around. Don't let the million miles for gold scare you, it's amazing how traveling trans pac, charging, and other offers add up.
Good luck.

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Askworldtraveler, EXP,4 million AA miles+++Hilton Gold (thanks to EXP)