Which FF program to choose, considering my "frequent flight" options?
 

Hi Everyone,

This is my first post in this wonderful forum. I have been reading the topics for a while, and I got really valuable tips from you guys. Thank you so much!

I am Brazilian, but living in Chicago for one year now. I visit my family in Brazil at least twice a year, but there are no direct flights from Chicago to my hometown (Belo Horizonte - CNF). My options are:

UA - Chicago - São Paulo - Belo Horizonte (ORD-GRU-CNF)
AA - Chicago - Miami - Belo Horizonte (ORD-MIA-CNF)

The United flight seems to be the natural choice. However, there are two cons that bother me:
(i) the layover in São Paulo: 4 to 6 hours (only 2 daily flights between GRU-CNF)
(ii) need to claim my luggage in São Paulo for Customs and check it again to CNF. Until I reach Premier Executive (If I reach), this means taking long lines to recheck the baggages (normally two big ones - gifts, friends that ask me to buy stuff for them, etc).
(not a problem in the way back home, since I can check the bags directly from CNF to ORD)

I have premier status now and I believe I can reach and maitain a PE status (with some mileage run...) in the next years.

The AA flight has a shorter total time (layover in Miami is 1-2 hours max). The cons here are:
(i) 1/3 of the flight time in a domestic flight aircraft, not as comfortable as a international equipment (comparing coach vs. E+)
(ii) no economy plus (will only fly business if upgraded...)
(iii) layover in Miami - love the city, but the airport is a mess
(iv) in the way back, need to pass through immigration in Miami - again, nothing against the city, but it is always crowded.

I am seeking your assistance to decide which of these two flights I should opt for... Once I choose it, I will should stick with it to continue to build my mileage run.

Is there any other aspect that I should factor in?


What would be your option?

Thank you again for your help and patience! ^