Originally Posted by
DownUnderFlyer
You only loose because almost every other program has a worse earn/burn ratio than AA and because you are not getting free WiFi in the AC...
If used in the right circumstances, other program miles can be more valuable than AA. Take BA miles for example. If I am going to South America in high season OR need a one-way anywhere, BA will cost me way less miles than AA. I disagree that I only loose.
While I do agree with AA being better in general, that does not mean I don't want to strategically diversify. I just need to plan the strategy right.
As for free wifi - I have a way to get T-Mobile for free already. So not much lost.
Originally Posted by
DownUnderFlyer
Since most programs enforce the 4 segment rule the OP should look for which airline he can actually achieve this.
I travel all over the world and plan my own travel. Getting four segments on any airline I choose should not be much of a problem. I do, however, find the BA requirement of 4 segments to get Silver, then another 4 to get Gold to be a little annoying. (I can make it work if I choose to.)
Originally Posted by
DownUnderFlyer
The other thing do consider is lifetime status if this is a goal as well (I know AA offers this as well).
I already have AA lifetime PLT, the highest lifetime status AA offers.
I really want to add a lifetime status on both Star and Skyteam. Star will be BMI if they survive or maybe UA if BMI goes away - but I am having a hard time convincing myself to fly UA metal a whole million for it. Skyteam might be AF - I am thinking of changing my Skyteam credit all to AF for to start this long process.
Earning a second Oneworld lifetime status would be meaningless unless an Emerald status were attainable.
Originally Posted by
pjoalfa
Personally I could see going for a different Emerald if you could not achieve it on AA, but only for that reason. As an EXP it's only $250 for lounge access. Weigh that against your 100% mileage bonus (or the difference between that and whatever program, typically 50% top tier) and the value of the miles just blows $250 out of the water by itself. Add earn/burn rates to the equation and it's sweeter still.
If crediting premium fares, other programs often earn 200% or better between the COS and status bonuses. All my coach fares will stay with AA.
What blows away the $250?
The earn burn rates are not always sweeter as already covered.
Originally Posted by
pjoalfa
I understand you want access to the Flagship lounge, but is it worth that much? If free drinks is the interest you could get a QF club membership instead of AC membership and I believe that problem is solved.
The beverage choices available to me at ORD F lounge are better quality than what I would get at the AC. I also appreciate the fact it is self serve.
I also enjoy the food available at the ORD F lounge. I like the selection of smoked salmon, shrimp, shish kabobs, and fruit options (usually including Strawberries, one of my favorites). For me this access means not having to buy lunch/dinner at the airport when flying Eagle or any AA flight without food service in the cabin I am seated in (usually F domestically).
Originally Posted by
ROW2Aisle
Is there a remote possibility that you may not be able to maintain your EXP in pursuit of Emerald on another carrier?
I wouldn't let that happen.
Originally Posted by
ROW2Aisle
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.
But I want access to the King of ACs and he says my money once a year isn't good enough to get in!
Thanks everyone for your contributions!
(I wasn't really expecting a debate as to whether diversifying is a good idea, but I have enjoyed it anyway. I think I can figure that one out for myself knowing my needs/habits. Rather I was wondering if LAN, IB, JAL, RJ, and MA might compete with BA/QF as the best way to get Emerald status. It sounds like the answer is no.)