Airline miles and plans
After a day of research about airline miles and credit systems, this post documents what I know.
It is better to have liquid points / credits with less restrictions. Credit card points > Airline points program > Airline credits
Credits with specific airlines are usually based on refunds and tied to flights with that airline.
Alaska airlines is in the oneworld alliance ( Asia, Australia, Middle East ) and points DO NOT expire. Always opt to transfer to Alaska airlines. Delta airlines is in the skyteam alliance ( Europe, Asia ) and DO NOT expire. Never put points into American Airlines AAdvantage because they have a 24 month expiration. United is last option I would recommend even though they don't expire.
If I am balancing the credits from various credit card churning, move to the points before the end of the card.
I have the following combination of points / credits:
Alaska - 15,253 ( Oneworld ) American - 16,000 expiring June 2026 Delta - 97,000 ( SkyTeam ) United - 40,925 ( Star Alliance ) Southwest - $500 use by end of 2026