US Airways Dividend Miles - Dividend Miles or Skymiles...

I'm DL Gold, but will be doing a lot of BUF-BOS in the coming months...
The airfare difference appears to be about $50 (and non-stop on US and 1 connection on DL) between the two. The one connection I don't mind, as that means 20,000 miles (10k + 10k bonus) over 10 trips.
However, that also means $500 over 10 trips...

So back to the question, is it worth going with DM or to United? Or stick with DL and cough up the extra money? It's been a while since I flew US by choice (last time was last year... Never knew people actually had to PAY for headsets flying internationally..., before that at least 7years, pre-LCC merge).
The Continental lounges I've always found nicer than DL, but that again is an issue for when I actually fly international or get a Palladium card.

Any suggestions on the BUF-BOS route though? Each trip is probably going to be 2 nights, max 3. That all of course depends on when I arrive there and the last flight out of there.


Edit: I currently have no status with US, and hope to be matched or given a challenge to Gold (or plat if possible?). I am Gold with DL, and have about 18k remaining to requal for 2013, of which I should have between 8 and 12k by the end of next month (Depending on the routing I end up choosing...).

The connection would be my biggest concern in the Northeast. Also, US uses the 50 seat torture tubes on this route. Have you looked at B6? They fly that route. I have also seen that they are more reliable.

The connection would be my biggest concern in the Northeast. Also, US uses the 50 seat torture tubes on this route. Have you looked at B6? They fly that route. I have also seen that they are more reliable.

Ditto. I used to fly B6 on that route frequently... I think in two dozen trips over the year ani a half I lived in WNY I was only delayed once (and it was only 45mns). Maybe I was just lucky ^.

My only issue with B6 is the large amount of potential miles (or status) I would lose for international flights. US has direct BUF-BOS as well which if I go the DM route I'd take for a bit, and do the Preferred Trial to get to PP or CP.
As far as connections, I've been fairly lucky with the major airports and connections in the NE, but that could just be luck...
If direct, I estimate 20-30segments RT, or upto 40-50 if there's connections.

bump^

My only issue with B6 is the large amount of potential miles (or status) I would lose for international flights. US has direct BUF-BOS as well which if I go the DM route I'd take for a bit, and do the Preferred Trial to get to PP or CP.
As far as connections, I've been fairly lucky with the major airports and connections in the NE, but that could just be luck...
If direct, I estimate 20-30segments RT, or upto 40-50 if there's connections.

There's been rumors for sometime that B6 may join *A. Were this to happen, I could see TrueBlue being revamped with a proper elite program. That said, with point values tied directly to the dollar amount of your fare (vs. mileage flown as with every other *A carrier), it will be interesting to see how much revenue they tie to each elite tier.

I'm all for B6 joining *A. But until then, the fare difference between B6 and US is anywhere between $0 and $15 ($15 = 4segs RT, $0 = 2seg. 4seg would be good for Trial Preferred if they extend it to 2014), CP in 10weeks.

I'm all for B6 joining *A. But until then, the fare difference between B6 and US is anywhere between $0 and $15 ($15 = 4segs RT, $0 = 2seg. 4seg would be good for Trial Preferred if they extend it to 2014), CP in 10weeks.

If you are going to stick with US it's the best $215 you'll ever spend. Welcome to the USeful Airline!

Hm, true enough. Plus the upgrades wouldn't hurt. Just debating whether it's more worthwhile to stick with DL or move over to US. I know the lounges are better, but no access to those at the moment, and I believe the terms actually count Canada as "domestic" flights (I could be wrong though). Maybe getting an Amex might be worthwhile again, for the BOS and BUF lounges anyway. Speaking of lounges... any real food (complimentary) in lounges these days, or is it just snacks like DL?

It is just snacks like everyone else.

I would go to US & DM and go also with Amex Plat for both DL and US lounges.

You can goose up your status with a challenge / trial and also with a US Mastercard from Barclays. The 2 companions for 99$ does not hurt either.

I think a DL plat card, a US mastercard and a Amex Plat will give you
Lounge access and incidentals for 450k (look for 1 yr free offers)
A free companion in Y on DL fror 150$ a year
2 companions on US for 99$ each on any fare over 250.
And both the cards will allow you to get PQM/MQM 10k for 25k spend

So you can maintain a bit of status on both
CP on US also gives you (and a companion each) 2 upgrade certs to EU till Feb 2013 -
and that means an 800$ fare becomes much better value
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/us-airways-dividend-miles/1179907-us-airways-cc-companion-certificates-master-thread.html

And do not forget the the best value - the 55k to EU in Biz in Jan Feb sales.
I have my Jan CDG trip booked in C for 55k US miles (60k less 5 k bonus for the card)

I believe the terms actually count Canada as "domestic" flights

Nope... flights to Canada do get US Club access as *G. It's Latin America flights that don't.

Additionally, as *G flying out on any *A flight (including domestic) you can access any non- US or United Lounge (AC, LH, etc... are all fair game).