Another one joins the rank of GGL/CCR .. with a whole of 4 BA flights
Oct 26, 2015, 9:59 am
#31
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 496
I agree.
Of all the undoubted benefits BA Gold endows, the value of domestic lounge access in the US is the most consistently overstated on these boards. With the exception of a small number of what are pretty ordinary FL's the same access is available to Silver members anyway. In addition, as already pointed out, AC membership can be purchased for very little money and, for those with a substantial AA mileage balance, almost nothing at all.
Of all the undoubted benefits BA Gold endows, the value of domestic lounge access in the US is the most consistently overstated on these boards. With the exception of a small number of what are pretty ordinary FL's the same access is available to Silver members anyway. In addition, as already pointed out, AC membership can be purchased for very little money and, for those with a substantial AA mileage balance, almost nothing at all.
Also, Avios remain an excellent value for short-haul redemptions in the U.S. even post-devaluation.
Basically, as a regular AA flyer, you'd need to get to at least Exec Plat status before you'd be better off in AAdvantage, and that's assuming decent luck on the upgrades.
Oct 26, 2015, 10:06 am
#32
Join Date: Jan 2005
Programs: BA Gold, AA Lifetime Gold 1.8mm, IC Spire Ambassador, Hilton Diamond, SPG Gold et al
Posts: 4,350
As always, whether anybody is 'better off' as a whole will depend upon individual travel patterns. I will just say that, in my own case, I haven't found your point to be valid.
Oct 26, 2015, 12:28 pm
#33
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 44,624
Someone regularly flying between LHR and DOH ( with equal status in either ) that wants to redeem for that route would be better off credited to BA ?
AA : redeemed on QR is 30k business and 40k 1st . Redeemed on BA 30l/40k plus fare-disguised-as-tax
BA : redeemed on peak on BA 50k/60k business and 68k/80k 1st class plus srcharges. Redeemed on QR , 60k business / 80k 1st plus surcharges
I have trouble seeing how paying double the redemption cost in miles plus GBP134 (each way) in surcharges is better off redemption wise
Oct 26, 2015, 12:57 pm
#34
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2007
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 12,046
Really?
Someone regularly flying between LHR and DOH ( with equal status in either ) that wants to redeem for that route would be better off credited to BA ?
AA : redeemed on QR is 30k business and 40k 1st . Redeemed on BA 30l/40k plus fare-disguised-as-tax
BA : redeemed on peak on BA 50k/60k business and 68k/80k 1st class plus srcharges. Redeemed on QR , 60k business / 80k 1st plus surcharges
I have trouble seeing how paying double the redemption cost in miles plus GBP134 (each way) in surcharges is better off redemption wise
Someone regularly flying between LHR and DOH ( with equal status in either ) that wants to redeem for that route would be better off credited to BA ?
AA : redeemed on QR is 30k business and 40k 1st . Redeemed on BA 30l/40k plus fare-disguised-as-tax
BA : redeemed on peak on BA 50k/60k business and 68k/80k 1st class plus srcharges. Redeemed on QR , 60k business / 80k 1st plus surcharges
I have trouble seeing how paying double the redemption cost in miles plus GBP134 (each way) in surcharges is better off redemption wise
Oct 26, 2015, 1:37 pm
#35
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: UK
Programs: BA Gold / Hilton Diamond / IHG Diamond Ambassador / Marriot Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 2,537
As the dominant force in the UK in terms of FFP combined with their unassailable position at LHR there is no one else in one world who come close. I have looked at AA and QR but AA is hugely restrictive and QR seemingly unintelligible.
Now should AA offer family accounts I am off like a shot.