Most guys have some kind of status. As a San Antonio guy, AA has been my primary. It all shakes out on what works best for you. It ebbs and flows. I just sent my wife and daughter on vacation to New York exclusively on American miles. Once you get a status, it makes gateway even easier with the upgrades and other perks. It is imputed however for gateway so a lot of guys will do the math and jump in or out if it makes more sense.