Originally Posted by
moa999
It depends on what you want
Purely earn-burn ratios and lower fuel fines - probably can't beat AA
Gaining status - AA under a Challenge
Quickest way to top-tier status - given J class flying, probably QF
Want to upgrade your flights - in OW can only do this on the metal of the program you are on, so most likely CX
choices... choices
I can second that but would like to add two things.
The OP might have difficulties getting AA status through a challenge as he needs to fly on AA or an AA codeshare. Oneworld points do not count anymore.
If your goal is lifetime status (and you fly J), then QF is also the easiest program to achieve this.
Summary: AA is the program for easy award travel (but not that easy to qualify), QF for easy status (when traveling on $$$ tickets) but the worst earn/burn ratio on the planet.