MilesBuzz! - Moving to ORD, which airline - UA or AA

Moving to ORD with 3-6 business trips per month within the Midwest to:

STL, MCI, MSP, DTW, CMH, CLE, and CVG.

Currently at 315k lifetime miles on AA, 10k on United. Million Mile status easier to obtain with AA, but still a few years away.

Personal travel to PHX, DEN, California and Cabo. May fit in a European or Hawaiian trip this year.

Will easily obtain 50k miles per year, with MRs and a little work, can get to 100k per year.

After reading the UA and AA forums, I think I am leaning towards AA, but probably becuase I know them better.

Any Chicago flyers with advice? Are there more AA or UA elites at ORD?

Anyoen who can convince me UA is better?

Given my horrendous treatment by UA over the last 3 weeks, and never getting home before midnight, at least 2 hours late, every week including Thanksgiving, and considering the are in Ch11, I'd run from UA as fast as I could.

Why not Southwest?

UA has treated me well. AA's customer service is horrendous. I've only flown it a few times when UA didn't go where I'm going; never again.

cme2c, I hope you're kidding. It's not even a viable option.

Can't speak to UA, which I fly infrequently.

I've experienced great service from AA out of ORD for the past several years. If you have status you'll almost always get an exit row, or an upgrade if you request it. Wish they flew better planes ...

AA would be your best bet for the midwest, especially since they have TWA's old routes, you will have better choices. I live in central IL & fly out of both STL & ORD & very seldom use UA.

AA allows you to standby for earlier flights. ^

UA also allows you to standby for earlier flights. I just did it yesterday.

Why not Southwest?

I've been doing the Southwest thing for two years out of MCI. I have all the free tickets to Tulsa I can take. ;)

I want to have some elite status for check in lines and would rather use miles for distance travel than what Southwest offers.

Thanks for the question.

Here's some other comparison threads:
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442670

Older
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This really comes down to personal preferences. I fly UA via ORD all the time, and like it. I really dislike AA's planes, their inconvenient and poorly laid out terminal (C) in STL, the lack of E+/MRTC, and (IME) a lot of very surly ground and cabin staff. That said, I know there are plenty of people who can't stand UA and think AA hung the moon. I would give both a serious try and see which you prefer.

I have had better luck with UA getting direct flights. AA seems to make too many DFW stops.

If you mostly fly economy, E+ is pretty nice.

If you get to EXP on AA, you do get unlimited upgrades, but that may or may not be useful depending on the routes you fly.

I'd choose the airline that has the higher liklihood of giving you back all the miles you earn in 2 years....

Plus the free upgrades (for exp) on AA clinched it for me as my travel is domestic, with an occasional SYD. I get upgrades on 3 out of 4 legs, or more depending on times and markets.

A

I often fly out of ORD and find UA to have much a much better terminal, all jet service into and out of ORD, and hands down the better fleet. The E+ legroom is very attractive as are the overall perks of the MP program. It is also the first terminal in the counter-clockwise direction off the I190 terminal loop ;)

Having spent years as both a PremEx and a Plat, I have a very strong preference for AA over UA at that level. I always feel that I receive quality service from AA as a Lifetime Gold, and it was great as a Plat. On UA, I always felt like I got so-so treatment as a PremEx, and in fact on one trip through ORD in December 2000, I got the worst treatment I've ever received from any airline.

I'm not talking about upgrades, perks, miles, and redemption - those are roughly even between these two giant airlines and FF programs - I'm talking about how the people in the terminal treat passengers. Basic human respect. AA vs UA on that measure is night and day different. That UA trip in December 2000 is why I am Lifetime Gold on AA today, on my way to Lifetime Plat.

Don't blow off the WN suggestion totally, unless you're living really close to ORD. In times like now, when a WN R/T is worth 1/4th of a freebie, I'd probably use 'em for those short hops where I could care less about the inflight service, as I'd rather have a freebie to the West Coast after 4 R/T's than 12k legacy-carrier miles (assuming 1P or Plat status). It would all depend on how big of a pain MDW is for me to get to/from.

Don't blow off the WN suggestion totally, unless you're living really close to ORD. In times like now, when a WN R/T is worth 1/4th of a freebie, I'd probably use 'em for those short hops where I could care less about the inflight service, as I'd rather have a freebie to the West Coast after 4 R/T's than 12k legacy-carrier miles (assuming 1P or Plat status). It would all depend on how big of a pain MDW is for me to get to/from.

Actually WN is no longer giving double credits so it's 8 RTs for a RR. They are doing double credit promotions at times, but those are unpredictable. SWABIZ still does give double credits, but will be ending in in april.

Actually WN is no longer giving double credits so it's 8 RTs for a RR. They are doing double credit promotions at times, but those are unpredictable. SWABIZ still does give double credits, but will be ending in in april.

True...that's what I meant. They fluctuate back and forth from 8 R/T's to 4 R/T's for a freebie and sometimes in between (e.g., 1.5 credits per segment). So you do have to watch closely to see what you will earn. They've also given out bonuses for booking while "logged in", so watch for that as well - and make sure you actually log in first, then book the ticket. (This seems obvious on other sites, but itsn't obvious on WN's site.) While that process does seem silly, it can be lucrative if you have a need for the long-haul WN flights, which I do. (SEA, SFO, etc. - out of MCI - nonstop on WN.)

In April, I'll reevaluate where I am on WN credits vs. AA miles. I usually head to downtown Chicago when I'm working there, so I can easily use either airport.

I am a 1k at United and Plat at AA. AA has superior customer service at the Plat level. United's senior employees have moved on replaced by rookies who have attitude in my opinion. Also only 25.6 % of flyers out of Ohare are plat on AA so upgrades and exit row seat are more available. I will re-evaluate after United moves out of BKPCY. Consider AA first but your travel destinations may be better served by UAL.

Moving to ORD with 3-6 business trips per month within the Midwest to:
STL, MCI, MSP, DTW, CMH, CLE, and CVG.


WN should definitely be considered.

I _strongly_ consider you factor in local geography to your decision though. My guess is that right now, it should be a tossup between AA and WN. Unless you live in the South Loop though and work in the Loop, where you live or keep an office might be a big factor.

Unfortunately traffic is probably equally bad both ways. Orange to Midway is a shorter than Blue to O'Hare from the loop. Somewhere around Wicker Park is the split I think. Midway ends up feeling further b/c you need to change but timewise it's close.

Also, the Orange line shuts down around midnight some nights, usually perfectly coinciding with your flight's late arrival.

You're going to find tons of people to tell you UA and just as many AA. AA has superior customer service, but I prefer UA planes and, if you don't have status, Economy Plus is great.

Add to mix where you are going to fly. If you are going to fly a lot to Asia and Australia, you're going to get there much easier on UA. If you're going to Latin America/Caribbean, AA is better.

If you're going to fly to Europe or domestically, it doesn't make much difference - unless there is a specific destination where you insist on going non-stop. A true Flyertalker isn't going to mind going thru DFW on some flights because it means MORE MILES!

If you have top tier status, you're going to find the upgrade possibilities better on AA.

I've lived in Chicago and flown out of ORD for 15 yrs and prefer UAL for the following reasons:

1. I think the UAL planes are nicer on the domestic routes - AA uses a lot of MD-80s which can be cramped. On those routes you'll also fly a fair amount of regional jets and UAL just got a bunch of new ERJ-170s which are the most comfortable RJs I've ever been in.

2. I use my miles mostly for European vacation trips. United partners with Lufthansa which has fabulous service and the most routes within Europe.

3. The United terminal at ORD is nicer than AA's.

OK forget about my previous comment about Southwest airlines, they can't even stay on the runway

OK forget about my previous comment about Southwest airlines, they can't even stay on the runway

Yes. Sad story all around.

When I was in college and first started flying WN I was comforted by the fact that they had a long track record without air accident fatality. I think this is the second time a WN plane has overrun Midway and I recall something similar in LA once. They still might not have a passenger air accident fatality, but....

Forbest says

"It was the first fatal crash in Southwest's 35-year history. "

http://www.forbes.com/entrepreneurs/feeds/ap/2005/12/09/ap2382246.html

Also only 25.6 % of flyers out of Ohare are plat on AA so upgrades and exit row seat are more available.
Where did you get that number? I'd be shocked if it were anywhere close to that. In general, percentages and numbers of flyers at different levels are closely held secrets, but maybe this is common knowledge in the AA forum, where I don't spend much time. Please, enlighten me!

I am AA Biased, But I would strongly consider AA if you have any chance of ExPlat. you are already at 315k lifetime. A couple years of flying and some CC action, and you will have your 1MM or 2MM lifetime membership. Then if UA is still around, give them a shot, but they only count Flown miles on their MM program. So I would o AA first, you are 1/3 way there.

Where did you get that number? I'd be shocked if it were anywhere close to that. In general, percentages and numbers of flyers at different levels are closely held secrets, but maybe this is common knowledge in the AA forum, where I don't spend much time. Please, enlighten me!

The 25.6% number was posted on the AA site from developed by marketing research Firm. As a platinum AA flyer and a 1K I can say from my expereince the AA product is far superior. Since AA is headquartered in Dallas more quality seats are available for the choosing from Ohare not to mention the shorter waits at TSA lines. Do a search on AA and for the details on the 25.6% algorithim.

I am a 1k at United and Plat at AA. AA has superior customer service at the Plat level. United's senior employees have moved on replaced by rookies who have attitude in my opinion. Also only 25.6 % of flyers out of Ohare are plat on AA so upgrades and exit row seat are more available. I will re-evaluate after United moves out of BKPCY. Consider AA first but your travel destinations may be better served by UAL.

I am a UGS with UA and a Plat with AA. I tend to agree with this post. I do a lot of Pacific flying (SIN, HKG, SYD, etc.) so UA in that respect is better for me. Agree totally with the customer service statement - AA's for that level is far superior even to the 1K line. Can't speak for that percentage figure, but as a Plat I have been upgraded about 90 percent of the time on my flights to/from ORD on AA.

Although I do not like the Mad Dogs, they do have 14 F seats which is much better than the 8 seats many of UA's aircrafts have, if that is important to you.

As someone that has tried both, My choice is United. With over 150 flights in and out of O'hare every year, United has always taken care of me. UA has E+ if don't want to upgrade, and the IFE on all mainline fleet. The only weak spot is TED, but again TED has E+. Good luck.

I'm had poor expereince on United Express and can't say for TED. AA lets
platinums use the Admirals club when traveling Internationally. Does united do this?

As someone that has tried both, My choice is United. With over 150 flights in and out of O'hare every year, United has always taken care of me. UA has E+ if don't want to upgrade, and the IFE on all mainline fleet. The only weak spot is TED, but again TED has E+. Good luck.

Although, with 150 flights one would easily be Executive Platinum. Then, E+ and not wanting to upgrade are irrelevant, at least domestically, because you're in FC on virtually every flight. Again, it's 6 of one, etc. Whatever fits your needs and tastes better is the way to go.

What is the everyone's UA experience as far as check-in and security lines at ORD? I've had very good experiences with AA and it's one of the reasons I stick there..

What is the everyone's UA experience as far as check-in and security lines at ORD? I've had very good experiences with AA and it's one of the reasons I stick there..

Mine have been very good. Special security line for elites that has always been short.

This is one of the Key Reasons to Fly AA out of Ohare short security lines at Ohare. As a 1K flyer this was one of the first things I noticed moving over to AA. The second was no early morning Que and good elite level check in areas with employees who will give you verbal assistance not the I'm not supposed to help you UA Company line.

The Check in lines were a mess on Saturday at united Ohare. I flew out on American and was glad I wasn't part of that scene. Was anyone else at Ohare or know what the United problems were caused by?

The Check in lines were a mess on Saturday at united Ohare. I flew out on American and was glad I wasn't part of that scene. Was anyone else at Ohare or know what the United problems were caused by?

Check this thread http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=504514

I'm had poor expereince on United Express and can't say for TED. AA lets
platinums use the Admirals club when traveling Internationally. Does united do this?

Yes, Premier Executive (50K/year) and 1K (100K/year) may use the Red Carpet Club on international itineraries even if flying in Coach, and let you bring others in.

My experience with UA customer service has been superior. I have never had a problem in nearly 20 years, so I can't imagine how AA is all that much better, but YMMV.

Why not US Airways?

You could connect via PIT or CLT (or if you have nothing against PHL) To MCI you would make it via DCA as well. Nonstops to PHX and LAS. To Cabo convenient service via PHX. You also have access to Europe. And you get all the free upgrades you can ask for all flights not going to Europe! Plus on each connection you earn more miles! Go with US Airways


Also, I live in Chicago, I only use ORD. US Airways/ America West are located at T2, which is a nice and quite terminal. Its getting a facelift. The lines to security are very short unlike UA at T1 and AA at T3. Having elite status wont do too much at ORD for AA or UA. On T2 elite status will get you to the fast line, even though not necessary, as lines are quite short. I have flown with US Airways since 2002, and its a great experience. In terms of baggage, getting your bags at US Airways will always happen, and its a short wait. In terms of checking in, we once had a 6 am flight to PHL and on to SAN. We overslept and arrived at 5 55 am that morning. They took our bags, checked us in, made it thru security and we were on the plane by 6 am. The bags made it no problemo in 5 minutes. If this happened at AA or UA, we wouldnt have made it nor the bags. UA's island Terminal C is like a 20 min walk from check in! Go with US Airways

Why not US Airways?

My experiences with US Air have been worse than AA, although I've never started with that airline out of O'Hare.

Why not US Airways?

You could connect via PIT or CLT (or if you have nothing against PHL) To MCI you would make it via DCA as well. Nonstops to PHX and LAS. To Cabo convenient service via PHX. You also have access to Europe. And you get all the free upgrades you can ask for all flights not going to Europe! Plus on each connection you earn more miles! Go with US Airways



Seriously? Why would anyone want constant connections via the East Coast or PHX to MCI? That at least doubles the trip time from ORD, if not more.

Seriously? Why would anyone want constant connections via the East Coast or PHX to MCI? That at least doubles the trip time from ORD, if not more.


Hey! Before the merger Ive done Chicago to PHX via PHL, Chicago to LAX via PHL, and Chicago to PHL via PHL as well. Ive flown from Chicago t BUF via CLT (way down south) Ive flown to
Aruba via ORD-DCA-BOS (overnight at airport)-AUA next day!

Im not complaining most of them been up to F class using my Pref Status for free! No vouchers, points, miles or $ Never! Even If Im not flying F cabin, Im happy Im aboard a good airline.

I actually moved from AA to US! I have flown UA once, and its nothing special! E+ is nice but it gets over rated! Would I pay 200 bux to get "acess" to it! H E L L No!

Seriously? Why would anyone want constant connections via the East Coast or PHX to MCI? That at least doubles the trip time from ORD, if not more.

One big advantage of flying UA out of ORD is nonstop flights to more places. I rarely have to make a connection unless I choose to do so for extra miles or other reasons.