US Airways Dividend Miles (Pre-FlightFund Merger) - AAdvantage vs Dividend Miles (Mileage Plus)

Hi there. Can anyone outline the differences between AAdvantage and Dividend Miles for Silver and Gold Preferred members in terms of:

1) Upgrades for Elite, Availability of Upgrades, and Upgradeable Fares.
2) Mileage earning opportunities, Elite bonuses, etc.
3) Award ticket availability--I know I've NEVER had a problem redeeming on US, but if US becomes UA, then... http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/rolleyes.gif
4) General comments on programme, airline, value of miles, etc.
5) Which you like better?

Also, if you have any comments on how AAdvantage and Mileage Plus would compare in these areas, I'd appreciate those as well. I know some of you US folks have already tried flying some on AA, so I'd be interested to know what you think.

Also, I realise some of these points are sort of vague, but I'm trying to decide whether to try to go with AA should US become UA. Thanks.

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I think the AA program is unfortunately comparable to UA -- as the two 'biggies' they really set the -low- bar for frequent flier programs. And unforuntely with both you have to go through heck, aka ORD.

Sorry to paint a bleak picture there buddy, but the choices are not good in the future of airlines, especially for USAirways travellers spoiled. However, as a bright spot I flew on American about a dozen times last year and everytime had pretty decent food, good service (except one F/A who upgraded some folks mid-flight to get into their very drunk.. well). The program has a lot of options through OneWorld.

Personally I considered Delta first since it really is US' biggest competitor on the East Coast (And second biggest airline in PIT) but they keep adding more and more fares that can't be upgraded -- AA doesn't have that.

And finally, while the pundits say MRTC (More Room Throughout Coach) wouldn't work, I think it does. It made the difference-- even as a nobody on my first four hour AA flight I really enjoyed the extra few inches of legroom. I wish I had a couple inches more wideroom, but after eight long haul flights in a month in coach on AA, I knew that extra room was real nice -- even more so when I sat in the exit row.

MRTC: wAAy to go. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Have to somewhat agree. Both UA & AA are similar, and not as good as US in most cases.

As you consider migrating to AA vs. staying with UA/US, here's a rundown on what you could expect if you stick with UA (I'm 1K and Gold Pref):

1. LESS UPGRADES WITH UA!! Only widebodies have a good chance of upgrading with UA. US is much more generous in upgrade availability and number of certs. Even as a 1K, I go coach from time to time--usually because I don't get enough certs. (Although AA is similar here in # of certs you get.) Worst of all is no unlimited upgrades at top level (like US).
2. BETTER AWARD TRAVEL SYSTEMS WITH UA. Better system to request upgrades (they confirm automatically & you can request anytime... much better than 'staying up till midnight' with US to request!) Award tickets are done over the phone instantly, no service charges even within hours of departure--EVER (This beats AA's systems).
3. BETTER TRANSFERABILITY WITH UA. Especially as a 1K, many certs (North Americans & Systemwides) & mileage upgrades are transferrable and confirmable at time of booking to anyone you choose. Great for giving friends upgrades. This is a much better system than US.
4. ECON PLUS is great on UA. MRTC is great on AA also. Both beat US.

Overall I've never been disappointed with Mileage Plus, but I don't expect the same things from it than I do from US. The upgrades have always been much easier for me to score on US, but I also can never give them to others. I do like doing that and UA has always made that very easy. (Makes me a popular friend http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif )

Don't know if that helps, but good luck to you!