Airline Mergers, Alliances, etc

[TotallyOz]

I am top tier with Northwest but they are being taken over by Delta. On a recent trip to Brazil, I had an extra piece of luggage, they charged me 350 US as I checked in with Delta instead of Northwest. I was fuming. I dread the new rules and I know I will pay dearly in extra luggage and other fees.

I am also Gold with the Star Alliance and will consider them for my next trip to Brazil as they allow 3 free pieces and the 4 is 200.

With all these changes, anyone know what would be the best airline for upgrades, excess baggage to both Brazil and to Thailand? Any suggestions or preferences?

[Guest tomcal]

With all these changes, anyone know what would be the best airline for upgrades, excess baggage to both Brazil and to Thailand? Any suggestions or preferences?

I have stayed with American Airlines for the past 12 years. Between work and personal trips to Brazil and Europe I go over their 100,000 mile mark each year which gives you Executive Platinum status, with that you get Unlimited free upgrades on all domestic flights and 8 one way upgrades that can be used on International flights. I use those 8 for my 4 trips to Brazil. I have never not been upgraded yet on the Brazil trips and domestically I would guess that I get upgraded 90 - 95% of the time. The only problem with getting a upgraded is when you are trying to fly to Europe in the May - Sept timeframe, usually very difficult because all the tourists going than.

When you are flying on the Internatonal upgraded ticket you have use of their "Flagship" lounges with are a upgraded version of their Admirals club lounges. Their are either a separate club or a totally separate area of the Admirals club.

As far as baggage, I believe it's is two checked bags for free if you are ExPlat. I have never checked two on any trip so I am not sure of that.