I know there are various posts that have handled versions of this query - but with the new programs in Continental and Delta starting soon, and tweaks to alliance members, I am thinking of moving from AA and Exec Platinum since I fly mainly to NYC and Europe and never anywhere else in the US and am loathe to once again experience Heathrow as the AA/BA hub to everything else in Europe - and since I go often to Germany thought it would be better to avail myself of Lufthansa when able. I like the 8 VIP upgrades for AA, but the experience flying to Europe with them is so dusty (crappy airplanes and awful lounges) and BA attitude isn't really fun anymore....

Would love to have some educated opinions on the potential move...SkyTeam is another consideration too although they seem weak right now as alliance.

First and foremost, Welcome to FT dsg10715!. I'm assuming since you mentioned eVIPs that upgrades internationally are one of your main concerns when picking a program. If that's the case, I think UA's program is probably your best bet. If you reach 1K (which it sounds like you would given your status at AA), you get 6 SWUs which can be used on any fare class W or higher.

The other perk about UA's program given your travel patterns is that you receive 100% bonus miles on all US, CO, and (newly) AC flights, and also on TATL LH flights. Although you mentioned flying LH to Germany, I loathe LH TATL Y and would rather fly UA with E+. Also, since you fly to NYC a lot, having EWR as a CO hub would be quite convenient as well.

Hope this helps.

Chris

thanks JayHawkCO...very sage counsel....

I was in the same situation. AA EXP and LH *Gold. Gave up on collecting on AA (lifetime Plat anyhow) and concentrating on Star and the LH program now.

Star has a few advantages: higher baggage limits (consistent on all airlines), good airports to connect like ZRH, MUC, CPH, DUS. (FRA is not much better than LHR) The LH program is good when you fly in paid F or C, the UA program is better for paid Econ because of the mileage bonus and the SWUs.

Also i find the award availability in premium classes far better on Star than on OW (limited mostly to AA and IB US to Europe).

In terms of lounges, OW has some very good options with LHR T5 and the AA Flagship lounge at JFK. *A will not be an improvement on the lounge side.

What? AA Flagship lounge at JFK a good option
Most LH SEN Lounges (not treated very highly by *A elites), TG Lounges, NZ Koru Clubs, even some UAL RCC (HKG!) easily beat AA Flagship Lounge at JFK... I remember - when I was oneWorld Emerald back in July 2008 - I even published a post at flyertalk.com asking why AA Flagship at JFK is so poor (comparing to other oneWorld First lounges).