About to start traveling a lot, should I fly Southwest or American to work towards status?

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Whatever is biggest in your local airport is the best answer typically, but American is likely the best choice here

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Depends on your airport. Southwest is definitely more worthwhile when it comes to points and benefits.

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Southwest statuses aren't really real statuses IMO. Yes they let you board first and have an companion to fly for free but that's it. WN has no first, business, prem econ or even extra legroom seats except bulkhead, and no lounges.

Plus WN has limited international network and only point-to-point domestic network which reduces connections but limits destinations you can reach.

I don't like AA but if status is what you have in mind, go with AA

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If you fly enough times would try to hit status on American first and then SWA. I like SWA for flying domestically with family.

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I’m gonna guess you’re DAL/DFW based. I am, and I personally do not like AA. I’ve consistently received the “just another piece of meat” treatment from them and DL/UA are worlds better by comparison.

(Good thing about going with a non-dominant legacy carrier in a fortress hub, btw, is upgrades are far easier to come by)

WN is great, but there’s no service classes to get upgraded to, meal service, etc. Plus few international options outside of popular vacation destinations

UA I used to be loyal to until they got rid of the DFW-LAX route, which I frequent.

DL I switched to after UA, and I absolutely loved it.

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None. Delta is gold standard!!!

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Rather not pay triple on fares.

Optimizing nonstops is the first consideration, as mentioned by a few others.

But one thing to think about is what are you trying to prioritize?

Comfort/convenience in transit to work? American is probably better here with upgrades, likely more nonstops, a boarding system that doesn’t require early arrivals, etc. American will also be better at rebooking during IRROPS (which inevitably will happen)

Redemption value of points earned? American is significantly better for international redemptions but Southwest is the way to go if you have a spouse/family and are focused on domestic redemptions. Southwest’s companion pass is arguably the most valuable status perk on the market.

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