Currently flying NW pretty exclusively. I'm Gold Elite, with 76 segments. I'm based out of BUF.

Starting a new job Monday, and I'll be flying every week. It turns out, I can get to either DCA or BWI on NW, but the flights are not so convenient, and involve up to 3 hours layover in DTW each way.

I can also fly BUF-BWI direct on WN (ugh) but I'd rather not.

I can fly direct BUF-DCA (most convenient) on US.

My prime interest in choosing an airline FF program is upgrade availability and award travel to Europe (mostly).

1. Should I bite the bullet and do the required segments left to get to Plat on NW?

2. I'd jump to US (I used to be CP there, and their *A association is very attractive), but the new changes with the merger with HP are not moving in the most desirable direction. However, it seems that, so far, the European factor won't be changed that much, but I have to admit I haven't studied it all that closely.

I was thinking of splitting the difference next year: as a Plat on NW, I could get the required 100 segments in 25 trips, and for the remaining trips use US (and try for a comp to whatever the new levels are). I know this is not the best technique (dispersing miles), but with everybody merging or bankrupt, I'm not sure which way to jump.

Currently have ~125K w/NW, and ~50K w/US.

What would you do?

Why not go with what you, yourself, said is the most convenient (US route)? I'm not sure what you mean by the merger with HP going in "the most desirable direction," but US and the *A has great routes to Europe. (Maybe someone else can comment on US/*A European award availability...not sure about that.) Unless you're really worried about US bankruptcy -- starting a new job seems as good a reason to jump ship as any.

One factor you should consider in choosing between BWI and DCA is what part of the area you need to be in and whether you need a car -- for example if it's some where served by Metro or somewhere in the "district" or Northern Va, DCA is the better bet --- if it's the Md suburbs of DC it's more of a toss up.

Bob H.

I would definitely "disperse" in your situation. You'll have enough miles on each to book a F trip to Europe (if that's what you want). With both *A and Skyteam you will have immense options. I can't comment on award availability, but having all of that flexibility must help.

Finish your platinum with NW as you have so much invested and then shift to US if it is most convenient. If by early 2006 US is not serving you well, you have your NW platinum to fall back on.

I have used awards on US to fly to Europe and via Qantas to Australia. They were easy to work. Have also done international award travel with Delta and found it very difficult.

Could OP not just finish the NW PE and then ask US for a status match?? OP would seem to be a fairly good candidate at Plat. AND changing home airports.