Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: LAX, SAN, ORD, MAA & COK
Programs: AA LT EXP 6+ MM, AC, DL (MM) & LT SkyClub, All Airlines 10+MM, Hilton LT Diamond, Bonvoy LT Plat
Posts: 761
I'd stay with AA and get AC membership at discount
Is there a remote possibility that you may not be able to maintain your EXP in pursuit of Emerald on another carrier? As long as you are able to maintain EXP on AA I'd still do the overage on AA for the valuable AA miles. If you were to give up EXP I think you will be walking away from a lot of complimentary domestic 500 mile upgrades for your domestic trips. If you do a bit of domestic travel and were to buy those 500 mile thingies you may end up paying a lot more than what it costs as EXP to get AC membership.