Originally Posted by
pbarnette
I looked at AA, but ultimately decided against it, though mostly due to scheduling more than anything else. My impression is that, if you can make EXP, then AA is easily the best program.
Pluses:
- Better award availability
- EXPs are treated exceptionally well
- MM status counts all earned miles, not just EQMs/MQMs
- Int'l lounge access at mid-tier
- Lots of partners and redemption options
Minues:
- No elite bonuses on several OW partners
- Upgrade coupons for all below EXP (though some view this is not a big deal)
- No earning or burning (yet) on BA TATL flights
- OW is a minefield of partial credit fares
- 25% elite bonus at lowest tier, 100% bonus at top tier
Yep, after researching this, I came to the same conclusion. I fly about 90K a year, so I think it may be a bit of a stretch to get EXP without doing a couple of Mileage Runs. Also, BA/AA situation, and elite bonus absence on some partners is a no go for me. It may the wisest idea to sit this one out and wait for what the new program will be like? I think many of us may be worrying too much too soon.