American Airlines Frequent Flyer Program

I have been a member of the American Airlines (AAdvantage) frequent flyer program since 1996. So far I have earned about 1 million miles by leisure travel. I chose to concentrate my flying with American because their frequent flyer program seems to have the most perks. In the past I used Northwest Airlines, member of the Star Alliance, but stopped flying with them after some customer service issues. I had purchased a NWA ticket to Europe and had to cancel. I had a year to use my credit. I could not travel until just after the annual deadline. I talked to several people at NWA, including management, and they refused to honor my credit. I explained to them they would not be losing any money by allowing me to use my credit and that change fees had already been deducted from the original purchase price. I had been a frequent flyer with NWA for many years and had earned preferential status. Still they would not budge. So I have never flown them again. But their program is a good one. I am not sure what American Airlines would have done in the same situation but I they have always responded to any concerns I have had. Good customer service pays and it seems American Airlines understands that. I am not sure if Northwest does. Perhaps they are better now. But I would not know.