Best FF Program for me
 

Hello,

Currently I fly Usairways and typically fly around 30-40 segments a year which gets me Silver for USairways. With US merging with AA, should I just stay with AA(which I don't know much about), or is there a better FF program? I typically want a FF program where I have the best chance at upgrades as well as a free checked bag. I fly out of Pittsburgh and mainly travel to Las Vegas. All of my flights are in the USA.

Thanks for all the help.

AA does not have unlimited domestic upgrades, you will get a certain number of stickers - I think 4 per 10,000 miles flown, each good for upgrading 500 miles of trip. Now, if you think you might never ever get upgraded on US as a silver, at least AA would provide something guaranteed. But my personal experience on upgrades over the years on US has been very good. A few years ago I got a free trial silver and while on that I got several upgrades, and the following year I flew very little but at the end of the year my girlfriend (no status) and I got upgraded LAS-PHL. (Admittedly it was Christmas Eve, hardly a big travel deal for elites.)

I think all FF programs give you a free checked bag as silver.

US also has a somewhat unique program that allows you to buy segments for a higher status. They aren't cheap, but if you fly 45 segments and want to buy gold for the next year, 12-18 segments are $789. If you feel like that will get you (say) 10 more upgrades the following year, it's like paying $79 per upgraded segment.

I'm gold on US and I think the benefits are pretty good. And as I said, I wasn't unhappy as silver.

I agree with you on US being a good program. My concern is that once they merge with AA and leave Star Alliance, it won't be so good so I wasn't sure if I should just stick with AA at that point or switch to someone like Delta or United.

Most people here would probably say that Delta would not be a good choice in your circumstances, because it's difficult to get award s at low levels. The choice between AA and UA depends on many factors. AA will have a larger presence in Pittsburgh after the merger, but a lot depends on the specific plans you have for using miles.

... and sky pesos.

This is very true. I've been Plat, Gold and currently Silver. I've talked about moving from Delta to UA for years. The biggest reason I haven't is I also fly a lot to Vegas and average 40-50% upgrades. Usually upgraded there (last Friday) and sometimes back like last Tuesday. Upgrades are tougher on Friday's, Sunday's and Monday's or going through Atl, JFK or Lax. I only use Sky Peso's when I find a deal or for relocating. So as long as I keep getting upgraded I'll stay with Delta. The rollover miles may also help you to Silver 1 year and Gold the next like me. I've been going back and forth for 3 years. I'll be Gold no later than Sept. Then it will last until 2/28/2015.
A good question is who's FF program will they go with USA's or AA's? If it's USA's stay with them and see if you're happy.

AA over UA but it entirely depends on what happens with the AA + US merger

Look here
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/onewo...help-here.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/star-...post-here.html