Hi all,

I'm a first-time poster here and a budding mileage wh...err...uhh...yeah. :D Why this is this case when I'm training to be a career pilot (with all the associated perks), I do not know, but that's neither here nor there.

As it stands now, I have 14,939 DD miles with US Airways. However, despite the obvious Star Alliance relationship, I've become quite fond of United's Mileage Plus program and would like to start earning for them (though I will still frequently fly US for school between LGA and IND).

I have an upcoming trip to Phoenix in December, IND-PHX-(DCA)-LGA, and am considering the option of dumping my current DD stash on a 15,000 mile upgrade to First Class for at least the trans-con sector. I don't feel like working for another 10,000 miles just to get a free domestic ticket since I've heard that it can be pretty difficult to book an award when the time comes.

My question to you all is this: what can I expect (or not) in First Class? Are there any siginficant differences between the service and amenities offered on the 757 versus the A319/320? Any insight would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Brian

You won't be blown away, but it's definitely a better ride than in coach. Especially if the choice is either burning them on an upgrade or letting 15K miles expire - I'd choose to use the miles.

For the transcon you'll get a comfy leather seat, reasonably good meals (not high quality, but acceptable - I personally think the pie dessert is pretty good), free unlimited alcohol most likely (not certainly) served in glassware on your routes.

The cabin may be kinda dirty and don't be terribly surprised if your earphone jack doesn't quite work properly - especially on the 757 as it is a very old tired plane.

A lot of the quality of F flights depends on the FA you get. If he/she is very attentive and friendly it makes up for a lot.

F on US pales in comparison to F on other carriers, but I agree with what Jumpgate said.

Note that you will also be earning additional miles on US for the miles you fly on an upgraded ticket. US will not allow you to accrue miles on UA if you are using miles to upgrade on US. You might be able to switch to your UA number at the gate, but first make sure they will still allow you to keep your seat in F. Otherwise, keep the US # in your profile....and donate the miles to charity afterwards!

Thanks, guys.

I find it pretty interesting that US doesn't have any comprehensive details or pictures of the available cabins on the website. It all seems to be a mystery, so thanks for the input.

I just got bumped up another few miles to 15,439, so I'm good to go if so inclined. What kind of extra mileage are we talking about for the upgrade?

Thanks,

Brian

Thanks, guys.


What kind of extra mileage are we talking about for the upgrade?



You do not get extra mileage for the upgrade, but you will accrue regular "redeemable" miles for purchasing the revenue ticket.

I fly on US F pretty frequently, and even for a few hour flight, I wouldn't waste the miles on it. The seat is a little wider and you get free booze. That's all. My advice - save the miles.

Thanks, guys.

I find it pretty interesting that US doesn't have any comprehensive details or pictures of the available cabins on the website. It all seems to be a mystery, so thanks for the input.

I just got bumped up another few miles to 15,439, so I'm good to go if so inclined. What kind of extra mileage are we talking about for the upgrade?

Thanks,

Brian

Use up the miles for upgrade and never accrue on US again. I'd say they're golden handcuffs but they're more like rusty shackles.

F is nothing to get excited about in US and the domestic planes typically have seats that are in very poor repair (don't be surprised to see duct tape, stains, etc...) hence the lack of pictures. If you're lucky you might get on one of the new 319s but that's pretty low odds.

Use up the miles for upgrade and never accrue on US again. I'd say they're golden handcuffs but they're more like rusty shackles.

That's exactly what I had in mind. Was walking through the cabin of a 319 a few weeks ago, and while the First Class cabin was "nice", it didn't look to offer anything more than a little personal space, so I'm not really going into this with high expectations.

Would anyone advise against selling my DM account on eBay?

Brian

Would anyone advise against selling my DM account on eBay?

Brian

As in selling the miles? AFAIK, US does not permit transferring miles. You might end up losing all you miles.

As for the account itself, you'd have to pay someone to take it.