Report: Trading UA Prem for CO Silver Elite
Dec 30, 1999 | 12:21 pm
#1
Original Poster
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Colorado Western Slope USA
Posts: 157
Report: Trading UA Prem for CO Silver Elite
Last April after enjoying six years of Premier or PremEx status with UA, I switched to CO's Elite Program. I thought my observations may be of interest, consequently this report.
On 8 April, I was on UA1825 from DFW to DEN when a broken fuel line forced us to make an emergency landing at OKC. We hit the chutes, but other than that, UA did a fine job in this emergency. Less than a week later, we boarded a UA flight to SNA, and were subsequently deboarded to change out a defective weather radar unit. These two events, however, plus a disagreement about some upgrade award travel, plus a few too many grouchy gate agents, plus a few too many delayed or damaged suitcases, pushed me over the edge. I called Continental and they agreed to reciprocate my Premier status with Elite Silver. I fly out of DEN, and had it not been for CO's FF arrangements with HP and NW, I would not have considered the move.
Since last May, I have accumulated 31 segments. Eighteen segments were on HP, of which I was upgraded 12 times, eight were on CO where I was upgraded four times (two segments were on commuters), and five on NW where I was upgraded 4 times. I have yet to come in contact with rude personnel. I have yet to experience delays to my luggage.
Plus factors: Pleasant personnel who seem to want my business; no need to use the train at DIA (except on NW of course); a better chance in getting an upgrade, without the hassle of having to buy coupons or store up certificates; higher Elite mileage bonus.
Minus factors: Giving up non-stop service out of DIA, although changing at PHX has not been bad; calling in for an upgrade instead of having the computer do it.
Am I happy? Quite so! At this time my allegiance and money will be going to CO and their partners. I have adapted my schedule to the required connections, learned when to call to have a good chance at an upgrade without losing too much sleep, and generally have not missed using the train at DIA.
On 8 April, I was on UA1825 from DFW to DEN when a broken fuel line forced us to make an emergency landing at OKC. We hit the chutes, but other than that, UA did a fine job in this emergency. Less than a week later, we boarded a UA flight to SNA, and were subsequently deboarded to change out a defective weather radar unit. These two events, however, plus a disagreement about some upgrade award travel, plus a few too many grouchy gate agents, plus a few too many delayed or damaged suitcases, pushed me over the edge. I called Continental and they agreed to reciprocate my Premier status with Elite Silver. I fly out of DEN, and had it not been for CO's FF arrangements with HP and NW, I would not have considered the move.
Since last May, I have accumulated 31 segments. Eighteen segments were on HP, of which I was upgraded 12 times, eight were on CO where I was upgraded four times (two segments were on commuters), and five on NW where I was upgraded 4 times. I have yet to come in contact with rude personnel. I have yet to experience delays to my luggage.
Plus factors: Pleasant personnel who seem to want my business; no need to use the train at DIA (except on NW of course); a better chance in getting an upgrade, without the hassle of having to buy coupons or store up certificates; higher Elite mileage bonus.
Minus factors: Giving up non-stop service out of DIA, although changing at PHX has not been bad; calling in for an upgrade instead of having the computer do it.
Am I happy? Quite so! At this time my allegiance and money will be going to CO and their partners. I have adapted my schedule to the required connections, learned when to call to have a good chance at an upgrade without losing too much sleep, and generally have not missed using the train at DIA.
Dec 30, 1999 | 1:05 pm
#2
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 5,524
It's really great to hear success stories like this.. I don't fly UA for a lot of these reason as well as a personal experience which made me commit to myself to avoid UA at all costs. It's great that you made the move and someone else filled in and gave you what airlines should give you... courtesy, consistency, and quality.
Dec 30, 1999 | 3:23 pm
#3
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Kirkland, WA
Posts: 6,932
Interesting. I've had fairly good luck with UA personnel. NW and American have been the killers for me (especially NW). But it may have to do with the city (I'm in Seattle). Thanks for the report.
Dec 30, 1999 | 7:54 pm
#4
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Northeast MA, USA.
Programs: HHonors Diamond, DL Silver, TSA Harassee
Posts: 3,657
I would say that overall you will find the personnel at CO to be A+!!. I have been at CO's top level for 4 year s straight. While you cannot go through an entire year with no problems, I would say that the odds of finding a friendly face with CO are excellent.
BTW, if you have not done so, check out the P-Club at DIA. Since DIA is not a hub, that particular P-Club was not too busy the times I have been there.
BTW, if you have not done so, check out the P-Club at DIA. Since DIA is not a hub, that particular P-Club was not too busy the times I have been there.
Dec 31, 1999 | 4:31 pm
#5
Join Date: Oct 1999
Location: Eugene, Oregon
Programs: NW Platinum, Hilton Silver, 3 stays from Starwood Platinum!
Posts: 771
Yes, I had a choice of going for Premier this year, and cancelled my mileage run at the last minute due to work. Considering I've divided my flights between UA and NW this past year, I agree with your decision to go with CO/NW/HP/AS. The UA flights have been on smaller planes, service is not as prompt, higher fare prices, among other factors. And I do like the higher mileage bonus and upgrading system at CO/NW/HP better. What cities and routes one takes makes a big difference (Oregon).