*A Flyer - Move to CX or AA?
 

Hello!

I've been flying *A, specifically SQ for many years now and achieved PPS status with SQ. I am thinking about switching my TPAC routes to CX for future travels this year and next.

I was wondering whether it would be better to bank my miles on AA or on CX's program. My main J/F redemption route is SFO-India-SFO for myself and my family. I've seen some threads that indicate that OW partner awards using AA miles and booking on CX metal is cheaper than redeeming CX miles directly on their routes. Is that accurate?

Which program is going to be the best fit for my needs? Also does CX/AA offer status match with SQ?

1) You can always call AA and CX and ask for status match.

2) There are many things to say in MPC vs. AA debate, but the highlights are as fellows:

2A) AA miles have a much better earn/burn ratio in terms of ticket redemptions. Example: 60K AA for Y ticket vs. 90K MPC; gets more ridiculous when you compare J and F redemptive mileage requirements between the two.

2B) AA you get life-time membership after certain thresholds (1MM, 2MM), CX you don't, you stop flying they stop recognizing you.

2C) If you are high on op-ups and fly exclusively CX metals, being MPC DM and GO have high priority in op-up over OW Emerald.

2D) AA you get ridiculous amount of "bonus miles" just by being higher in tier, especially when you move up the tier. CX the only bonus miles you get is buying J and F tickets. (Excluding promotions)

2E) If you use AA for domestic American flights, you have more options to upgrade to "First Class", as CX, not as easy.

Many more can be said, but those are the highlights.

go for AA and bank all your CC's points into it.
As CB stated above, much "cheaper" to redeem F with AA.

Thanks for the pointers to both of you. However the question is it cheaper to redeem F on CX using AA miles OR redeem F on CX using CX miles?

You should really do your own research, it's simple clicks on websites.

But here is the answer: it's cheaper to use AA miles on CX F, since they are in the same alliance you can use AA requirements on CX metal. This is why many MPC people cry foul when AA people can only use 165K miles for CX F cabin, when CX people have to use 220K miles.

Do you usually travel in Y, J or F (not the award tickets)? If you mainly travel in discounted Y, only high booking classes in Y will earn you AA miles.

Let me clarify more:

- AA does not offer status match but challenge - you need to actually fly AA metal in order to get a early recognition.

- AA Elite status bonus are evil - 100% additional for what you have already earned (Plat and EXP).

- Only EXP are getting complimentary upgrade

There is one thing for sure AA is better than CX - mile expiration.

CX's expires in 3 years after earning. AA keep active within 18 months as soon as you have activities.

Watch out though--most Y class fares on CX do not earn miles on AA unless you book the codeshare. AA is definitely better if you intend to accure using paid J/F.

EDIT: Sorry, I just realized somebody already pointed this out.

I understand Challenge also applies to code shares, Platinum is often as easy as One TPAC Flight on a CX Flight with an flight AA Number.