US Airways Dividend Miles (Pre-FlightFund Merger) - Must choose - Delta or US??

hey everyone, i am currently a AA Platinum member who just moved to the ATL area. I flew over 120 domestic segments last year and about 80,000 miles. I figure I can get comped on either Delta or US -- so which one should I choose?
1. i only fly domestic
2. i enjoy lots of upgrades

I have two comments:

1. You can't beat the domestic upgrades for top elites on US - I am upgraded virtually 100% of the time, as is my companion if I am traveling w/ one. I can upgrade early and often http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif IMHO, US has the least appreciated and the best elite recognition.

2. I wouldn't choose DL if they were the next to last option (obviously if they were the last option, I'd take them - miles over arrogance, you know )... I lived in ATL previously myself and flew them then, and have flown them 25k miles worth over the past couple of years. I hear too much grumbling about their elite program from guys who fly a lot to feel inspired to throw much biz their way.

But I guess it comes down to which can best serve the routes you will need to take?

will be flying atl to clt

What about upgrades for middle level elite?
(i dont know the name of that)

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by NutroGuy:
will be flying atl to clt

What about upgrades for middle level elite?
(i dont know the name of that)</font>

On US, it's Silver, Gold, and Chairman's Preferred. The big difference from DL if you're Gold is that US has only a few non-upgradeable fares, as opposed to Delta's "LUser policy." Segment upgrades on both are up to 800 miles, so no difference there. And US has segment qualification for all three levels--after 100 segs, you're Chairman's (Gold takes 60).

I'm gold on both DL and US, and I can tell you US beats them hands down. No fare restrictions on upgrades on US except for ESavers and as a Gold on US for over a year now I have never flown in coach on an upgradeable fare.

Your upgrade ratio as a gold will probably come down to be the same on both. Most importantly, it comes down to the fares you will be traveling on. If it is L or U fares, you don't stand a chance of an upgrade on DL, so go with US. However, you will be living in the Atlanta area, so if your travels will eventually take you beyond CLT, Delta has the advantage of nonstops from your home. Service on both airlines ATL-CLT will consist of only a drink (very short flight, of course). Comfort in FC comparable depending on equipment.

With over 120 segments on AA, could I be comped top tier on either Delta or US?

Also, do u accrue upgrades for US/Delta or do you get an unlimited supply?

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by NutroGuy:
will be flying atl to clt

What about upgrades for middle level elite?
(i dont know the name of that)</font>

ATL-CLT? That's it? Makes no difference whatsoever.

Nutro-

As has been said, upgrades are darn near automatic as Gold Preferred, and highly likely at Silver Preferred.

I never say things are 'impossible' - thus I will say it is HIGHLY UNLIKELY that either DL or US would 'comp' you to the highest status level. I am sure both will comp you to Gold level given your AA status.

One note - don't request comps from both. Choose which one you want and get the comp. Apparently, comps are a once-per-lifetime thing. If you ask for both, fly mostly on one and 'change your mind' next year, getting the comp again is much harder.

ATL-CLT why fly it - seems like a drive to me (250 miles?). OOPS, I'm from New England, anything under 6 hours is an easy drive.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by NutroGuy:
With over 120 segments on AA, could I be comped top tier on either Delta or US?

Also, do u accrue upgrades for US/Delta or do you get an unlimited supply?</font>

I don't know of any airline that comps to their top tier. As a US Chairman's, I got an easy comp to DL Gold Medallion by faxing a copy of my statement and card back in October.

You accrue upgrades. If you make it to US CP, then you can upgrade without a cert.(hence, unlimited).

One point I should make is that my friend, who is a DL Gold Med. and travels out of ATL every week says that the upgrades are far and few between. Too many top tier Medallion members living in ATL. But, he does have wonderful things to say about the Medallion only security line at ATL that saves him about 20-30 minutes.



[This message has been edited by PHL (edited 01-08-2002).]

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by PHL:
I don't know of any airline that comps to their top tier.</font>

Continental does.

Other than CO, spend a lot of money on int'l first and biz fares and any airline will comp you.