based in CDG - considering AS switch
 

I've been with Delta/SkyTeam for a long time...but now that I live in Paris, I'm thinking its time for a change. Sometimes the best fares are on AF/KL, but more often I find BA/LH and FI with lower fares for where I need to travel.

Status perks aren't as important to me as the ability to use my rewards to get back to the states. With Delta's unreasonable international origination fee ($400+ per reward from Europe) I've decided that I can do without them. Alaska MP looks appealing because of the potential to earn miles with so many varying partners...but I'm curious as to how easy/expensive it is to book rewards from Europe back to the US. Thanks for any insight.

And happy Thanksgiving! So sad that this is just another Thursday for the French.

BA awards will have fuel surcharges like any other program. I dont think they charge fuel surcharges for other awards. AA for 40k off peak in coach r/t is a good value.

One note though. Alaska's award chart is US-based which makes sense since most of its members are US-based. If your award travel is only US-EU its fine but if you want to do anywhere else you might have to do two awards and connect in the US. I would personally credit DL/AF/KL to Alaska and credit BA flights to its own program. Its distance based and very valuable for short flights within Europe.

Wise words...

If you already have status with DL, why not just stick with them?

There are some cheapie fares on KL/AF that do not earn miles on AS but they do on DL. You will also not get any lounge privileges with AS elite status but yes on DL elite+.