Originally Posted by
Jaimito Cartero
Much of what program you join depends on what airline you like. I like NW/CO so the NW program is a very good fit for me. As a Platinum, I get 125% bonus miles, free upgrades in North America, and a lot of good promotions.
You won't get free upgrades on AA, only 4 500 mile upgrade e-certs once you fly 10k miles. As a Platinum on AA, I found their phone agents unhelpful when mechanicals occurred. They do have good award availability, but their Gold level only gives you 25% bonus miles, not 50% of NW/CO/DL and others.
I'd research the various threads before you jump in. If you do go for the AA program, I'd go for the Platinum challenge (Or register for both Gold and Platinum if that's still possible). Make sure you read the current thread, as there have been changes about what flights qualify.
Jaimito -
I'm in a similar boat. Do you find that being elite (gold/plat) on NW gets you upgrades on CO? I was plat on KLM and used to get upgrades frequently on NW, but never on CO. As a CO Plat I get them on NW, but don't find that CO seems to return the favor to other skyteams parters- hey it's rare enough that I get an upgrade on CO as a platinum. Would appreciate your advice - I too value battlefield upgrades - domestic and intl - on skyteam partners - the highest. Similarly, it's a royal pain to get only half Q miles on partner flights, so the ideal ff program would be a) one where upgrades are given on the airline and partner airlines and b) one where they actually allow you to fly and earn. Thanks!