[Exec Plat and Disgusted]

Well, serves me right. I had over 1,000,000 miles on AAdvantage but due to a recent retirement and health issues I lost track of keeping the account active by 6 weeks and AA deleted all of my miles. Yes I got them back for $600 (ouch!) but after being a member since the 80s and Exec Plat for 6 years running, I'd have expected better (like no charge for 1st offenders). Watch your miles especially those newly retired. The investment in AA is written in water. They were unmoved and unresponsive. Frankly, the program options are very limited other then travel to undesirable destinations on undesirable dates in undesirable seating. Converting to shopping options (i.e. points.com) is the worst trade rate in the industry. The miles are nearly worthless.

Watch your back!!! AA is NOT your friend.

United gave me the best options. Invest your loyalty in them.

[Burgers]

1 million miles AA miles = lifetime Gold, not enough status to clear a alot of upgrades but the associated perks are good.
I have serious doubts you are a million miler because you wouldn't be claiming United is the best option. United, Delta, Southwest are all revenue driven programs, American has the best frequent flier program by far.
Delta no longer publishes a mileage chart (its arbitrary based on supply and demand) and United is moving that way, American is the most transparent.
Signed: former UA GS and DL Plat.

[Exec Plat and Disgusted]

Well friend, I did indeed rack up 4 million miles during my flying years on American with 1.1 M remaining in AAdvantage. I take your point (caution) about suggesting United (all have sharp edges) but this was not based on flights but on the ease I experienced and the options offered when I cashed in my miles with them. I'm Platinum for life based on the Exec Plat history.

I lived in Airports for 30 years - not flying these days is sweet. I've had my fill and the horrible flight experiences that come with that life (if you can call it a life). I've experienced the best they have to offer but the day you stop flying - well - it's over.

I expected better from AAdvantage but reality is a bitch. Delta? Oh god - don't get me started.

[AA=AbsoluteAnus]

Hello Burgers.

I love how you so quickly cast doubt on peoples credibility. What does that say about your character? Why do you defend AA post after post. 77 posts with a heavy pro AA bias. Of all the airlines I have flown hands down AA is at the bottom of the barrel. I'm stuck with two real options flying from my main route. You and Jetblue. For me Jetblue has a far and away better business model than the ancient AA model. I wish AA/US Air a swift defeat and subsequent vanishing from the industry at the hands of far more progressive operators.

Who's plan was it to drum up revenue by screwing customers at every possible turn? History shows that is a very bad idea.