I have yet another question on BA across the Atlantic - I KNOW that no points credit for flights to NA but I am fling LHR to GIG and do not really want to go via MIA - I assume I am SOL on AA points? Plus, could I even go via MIA on an RTW since I would be toughing the continent twice?

Unfortunately, I think you're SOL on earning AAdvantage miles. The AA site mentions no mileage earned on BA transatlantic flights. The oneworld site states, "American Airlines AAdvantage and British Airways Executive Club members can earn and redeem miles, and earn tier status credit, on all eligible flights except each other's routes between Europe and the Americas."

I could understand the application of this rule for flights to North America, but to include Central and South America in the scope of applicability is absurd.

If you really want AA miles, want to avoid MIA and can travel on a Monday or a Friday, you can take LX from LHR-ZRH-GIG via GRU. LX First is quite nice. Obviously LX isn't an option on a oneworld RTW. Hopefully, things will be different in the future.

I missed the plural on "Americas"

TIme to start a BA account. I have been taking them across the Atlantic anyway since I prefer them to AA.

I always loved SR first - I have not flown LX as yet - is the service basically the same?

You may want to look into a QF account- that way you can credit AA and BA flights to the same program.

Then again, as a paying Int'l premium class passenger, you're the kind of passenger that BA is looking for with its tier point system. Now that I think about it, a lot of the suggestions for the QF program center around being able to earn points on almost any fare in either program. Still, it might be worth looking into.

Same fantastic service on LX First.