switching programs
 

Im currently a million miler with EP status with American Airlines. Ive lost quite a bit of trust in AA over the past year and am shopping for a new program.

I live in South America and frequently fly to Europe and the Middle East.

Continental and UA are options and either program, I think, will match my American Airlines status level. Pricing on my routes seem comparable for both UA and Continental. Which has the better frequent flyer program (UA or Continental)?

For international travel - United (better upgrade policies).
For U.S. domestic travel - Continental (IMHO).

I always thought that AA had the better routes/times/fares to/from Latin America. However, my opinion is somewhat dated.

I'd say it somewhat depends on whether your SA destinations would be considered international business first on CO. If you are on routes which would be EUA-eligible, then it'd probably be CO.

I am in Santiago as we write. After the terrible service and seats on AA's 767, I have vowed to switch to either UA or CO myself. Santiago is terrible for both UA and CO, but despite my love for Santiago and Chile, I rarely make this trip.

But I concur with Billiken. UA for upgrades and CO for quality. Note that CO upgrades are about as rare as a visit from the Tooth Fairy and their seats are cramped. UA is better but CO has a better network in the NE.

Personally, I would switch to NW as you get benefits on CO flights.

I would choose UA since you will probably be on very long flights. If you don't upgrade on CO, then you are in for a very uncomfortable ride in Y. If this happens on UA, at least you will have access to E+ seating with hopefully a blocked middle seat which makes Y a little more bearable.

I second laloglz's suggestion. On UA, you have a backup if your upgrade does not come through. With CO, no such luck.