Switch from AA to Cathay?
Sep 28, 2013 | 5:23 pm
#16
formerly gemini573
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: LAX, HKG, and BKK
Programs: CX Emerald, WOH Globalist, Marriott Platinum, AA Lifetime Platinum, Virtuoso, Prive, STEPS, STARS
Posts: 2,233
True, however the end of soft landings will likely cull the ranks of many AA elites.
Of course the only reasonable expectation the OP can have, regardless of with whom they are flying, is that they can expect to be flying in the cabin for which they have paid. However, there is a greater probability of being upgraded on AA as one can use instruments, whereas with CX, they are by all accounts infrequent and reliant upon other factors (i.e. an oversold cabin).
Of course the only reasonable expectation the OP can have, regardless of with whom they are flying, is that they can expect to be flying in the cabin for which they have paid. However, there is a greater probability of being upgraded on AA as one can use instruments, whereas with CX, they are by all accounts infrequent and reliant upon other factors (i.e. an oversold cabin).
As a DM, I've been upgraded quite a bit lately on CX. I've been very lucky. If you're a DM flying AA domestic, the good thing is being able to use the Flagship lounges.
Sep 28, 2013 | 6:53 pm
#17
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: SIN, PIE
Programs: AA-EXP, SQ-PPS, Marriott PP
Posts: 210
Sep 29, 2013 | 6:29 pm
#18
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Tokyo, Singapore, Seoul
Programs: CX DM, OZ Diamond+, JAL JMB Nobody
Posts: 78
I fit the same profile as the OP and made the switch from AA->MP six years back. As others have mentioned, the primary benefit for me has been guaranteed seats. For business travel it's a godsend.
On regional routes I get opup-ed around 30% of the time, long haul more like 15%. Like the OP I usually book in Y.
On regional routes I get opup-ed around 30% of the time, long haul more like 15%. Like the OP I usually book in Y.
Sep 30, 2013 | 1:37 am
#19
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: YVR
Programs: LH SEN/AS Gold/BA Silver/SAS Gold/Hyatt Globalist/HH Diamond/Marriott Plat
Posts: 481
Keep earning to AA if you don't need the seat guarantee. You get the bonus miles, even in Y, and that means you're more likely to be able to earn enough to redeem a premium cabin ticket, which seems to be your goal.
Op-ups aren't common on CX even for elites anyways.
Op-ups aren't common on CX even for elites anyways.
Oct 11, 2013 | 2:53 pm
#20
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: LAX, NYC
Programs: AA EXP, SPG Gold
Posts: 79
I would stick with AA and book codeshares to earn 100% EQM and double RDM. If you want to fly in J and don't mind connections I would recommend this route: LAX - NRT - HKG where the LAX - NRT is on AA metal and will be upgradable using systemwide upgrade.