Which Alliance / Program should I Stick to?
 

Hey All,

I am new to the forums and haven't been really paying attention to my flying patterns and spending. Recently, after flying a lot more and speaking with friends I am confused as to whats the best deal for me to stick too. I'll give you guys an overview of where I fly and how I spend, maybe you all can give me some nice advice.

I currently reside in Guangzhou, China and fly mainly out of CAN or HKG. My routes basically include JFK, LAX, or LHR. All other destinations are occasional, nothing regular.

I fly out to these places in total about 6 times a year. I am by no means a super elite flyer, but I can rack on the points and the spending.

I currently use Cathay Pacific for most of my flying. I normally purchase an economy ticket, rack on some points, and upgrade my econ ticket to business class if I can.

Now I have spoken with friends, they have told me if I can rack up the points on Emrites, there is more availability of the op-upgrade and I can reach gold easier.

Other people have told me fly via Taiwan and get EVA air Prem-Econ, which also racks up good points and costs a little more than the reg economy; but I need to fly via Taiwan.

Yet another person has said China Southern offers prem econ CAN-LAX.

So now these are my options, if I continually search for good deals and try to get those status classes, what would you guys do and recomend?

I love the ability to get priority check-in, baggage, lounge access on CX, but I would give anything for more OP Upgrade. If I fly 6 rounds trips, 12 legs, I would expect 2-3 op ups and that would really make me happy!

Thanks for reading this post, looking forward to the advice.