UA GS or QR Platinum?
Oct 20, 2013, 5:24 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Paramaribo, Suriname
Programs: Mileage Plus (PLATINUM); Qatar Privilege Club (PLATINUM)
Posts: 384
UA GS or QR Platinum?
My dear FT friends: I have to decide this week if I am staying a loyal United Mileage Plus member (Global Services), or fully moving to Qatar Airways PLATINUM, which equals OneWorld Emerald. For this, I must quickly decide to fly UA throughout the remainder of 2013, or shift fully to Qatar. Please advice. Please advice.
Oct 20, 2013, 6:19 am
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Paramaribo, Suriname
Programs: Mileage Plus (PLATINUM); Qatar Privilege Club (PLATINUM)
Posts: 384
I am a proud and loyal UA, near 2-million-miler, and GS for the last couple of years. I love United and all that this wonderful airline stands for.
Fact: The closest UA 'gets to me,' here in KTM, is to Delhi, India and to Bangkok, Thailand.
I flew Qatar Airways on several occasion intra-Asia, and I am now only 300 Privilege Club QPoints away from their highest tier 'Platinum. This equals Emerald in the OneWorld Alliance.
I travel to the US very frequently. Mostly to BWI and PDX, via DEL-EWR, and I believe to be close to 2014 GS re-qualification, if I fly two more R/Ts DEL-EWR in B.
With 4 flights per day from Kathmandu to Doha, QR flies daily: Doha-ORD; Doha-IAH; Doha-JFK, Doha-IAD, and (I heard), soon Doha-MIA. So Qatar Airways can get me comfortably to the US from Kathmandu!
My real question is: What am I giving up from my dear UA to gain from QR? (and OneWorld Emerald).
Thanks so much, FT friends
Oct 20, 2013, 6:22 am
#5
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: LAX
Programs: UA MM | BA Silver
Posts: 7,193
Would you still be able to maintain 1K status on UNITED?
Has GS been of significant benefit to you?
Would QR provide the same (or better) level of service in your opinion? Although my guess is that you've asked here because you don't know.
Has GS been of significant benefit to you?
Would QR provide the same (or better) level of service in your opinion? Although my guess is that you've asked here because you don't know.
Oct 20, 2013, 8:13 am
#6
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: MRY
Programs: UA Platinum 2MM(BIS)
Posts: 181
How about getting United GS and then doing a status match? AA gave me EXP (One World Emerald) for a year as an United 1K (plus a soft landing of Platimum for the next year.) No experience with QR.
Oct 20, 2013, 8:38 am
#7
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: ORD
Programs: AA, UA, GE
Posts: 5,123
How close are you to 2MM miles? If a couple of round trips will get you lifetime Platinum, it may be worth it. That assumes that you would be in a position to use the benefits later on (like no close in booking/change fees on awards).
Oct 20, 2013, 8:46 am
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Jersey Shore/YYZ
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Plat, Hilton Diamond, Hertz PC
Posts: 12,521
OP should also consider TK flies out of KTM to IST - and then he could connect to the US. Then he at least gets the PQMs - but I guess not anything towards GS.
Oct 20, 2013, 9:16 am
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Paramaribo, Suriname
Programs: Mileage Plus (PLATINUM); Qatar Privilege Club (PLATINUM)
Posts: 384
Would you still be able to maintain 1K status on UNITED? Yes, I have already qualified for 1K, for 2014
Has GS been of significant benefit to you? I like the super-priority boarding on the smaller planes, and especially the 5/5, and now the PN upgrades
Would QR provide the same (or better) level of service in your opinion? Although my guess is that you've asked here because you don't know. I really don't know ...
Has GS been of significant benefit to you? I like the super-priority boarding on the smaller planes, and especially the 5/5, and now the PN upgrades
Would QR provide the same (or better) level of service in your opinion? Although my guess is that you've asked here because you don't know. I really don't know ...
Thank you for this suggestion. I did contact QR. The best status match they do - with mucho mucho effort is SILVER only.
Lifetime Flight Miles: 1,857,574
I guess I will need some more then just a few R/Ts
Last edited by iluv2fly; Oct 20, 2013 at 10:01 am Reason: merge
Oct 20, 2013, 10:38 am
#10
Join Date: Feb 2008
Programs: 6 year GS, now 2MM Jeff-ugee, *wood LTPlt, SkyPeso PLT
Posts: 6,526
there are a lot of questions that need answering to think about this logically....
(1) what benefits do you see from GS? You said that you buy "B" fares (Coach) and if you are flying BWI-EWR-DEL than some other carrier to Katmandu, then you are doing it the hard way for sure....
But GS gives you better IRROPS (which you might need with those connections) and better upgrade clearance. However, if you are on B fares, then your SWUs should clear anyway, so all you are really getting from GS is better IRROPs handling. What is that worth to you? (don't think too much about lifetime PLT, its not really worth that much over Gold at this point, and I say that as someone with 1.9M on UAL and transitioning away.
(2) if you fly QR as PLT, what class would be it be in? I see that QR has "Qcredits" that can use used for upgrades, but how many? Someone who knows QR can tell you, or do a search.
(3) If the upgrades are similar, and I had to do either BWI-EWR-DEL - some other airline to KTM or IAD-Doha-KTM on QR, and this was the route I was doing, just for the comfort I would switch.
Bottom line, look at your travel patterns, look at the hastle of the current routing, look at the number of times you will be in Y vs. Business, and look at the clearly better QR service and decide what makes sense for now.
UA does not value you, so look at what makes the most sense to you, loyalty to UAL is just misplaced at this point.
(1) what benefits do you see from GS? You said that you buy "B" fares (Coach) and if you are flying BWI-EWR-DEL than some other carrier to Katmandu, then you are doing it the hard way for sure....
But GS gives you better IRROPS (which you might need with those connections) and better upgrade clearance. However, if you are on B fares, then your SWUs should clear anyway, so all you are really getting from GS is better IRROPs handling. What is that worth to you? (don't think too much about lifetime PLT, its not really worth that much over Gold at this point, and I say that as someone with 1.9M on UAL and transitioning away.
(2) if you fly QR as PLT, what class would be it be in? I see that QR has "Qcredits" that can use used for upgrades, but how many? Someone who knows QR can tell you, or do a search.
(3) If the upgrades are similar, and I had to do either BWI-EWR-DEL - some other airline to KTM or IAD-Doha-KTM on QR, and this was the route I was doing, just for the comfort I would switch.
Bottom line, look at your travel patterns, look at the hastle of the current routing, look at the number of times you will be in Y vs. Business, and look at the clearly better QR service and decide what makes sense for now.
UA does not value you, so look at what makes the most sense to you, loyalty to UAL is just misplaced at this point.
Oct 20, 2013, 5:11 pm
#11
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Paramaribo, Suriname
Programs: Mileage Plus (PLATINUM); Qatar Privilege Club (PLATINUM)
Posts: 384
there are a lot of questions that need answering to think about this logically....
(1) what benefits do you see from GS? You said that you buy "B" fares (Coach) and if you are flying BWI-EWR-DEL than some other carrier to Katmandu, then you are doing it the hard way for sure... Dear spin88: It is indeed "the hard way!" KTM DEL on 9W (Jet Airways) and a 10 hours layover at IGIA, before catching the 22:50hrs, 15 hours 82 to EWR.
But GS gives you better IRROPS (which you might need with those connections) and better upgrade clearance. However, if you are on B fares, then your SWUs should clear anyway (100% clearing in the past 2 years!) , so all you are really getting from GS is better IRROPs handling. What is that worth to you? I am never really in a hurry so even with IRROPs, UA will eventually get me there. (I must confess, however, that I do like Norma speeding me along the tarmac in a Mercedes). Don't think too much about lifetime PLT, its not really worth that much over Gold at this point, and I say that as someone with 1.9M on UAL and transitioning away. Ooh where are you transitioning to?
(2) if you fly QR as PLT, what class would be it be in? Mostly paid business, which is about the same cost as B on United. I see that QR has "Qcredits" that can be used for upgrades, but how many? Someone who knows QR can tell you, or do a search. I will do, thanks.
(3) If the upgrades are similar, and I had to do either BWI-EWR-DEL - some other airline to KTM or IAD-Doha-KTM on QR, and this was the route I was doing, just for the comfort I would switch. Not only the routing is more comfortable. Qatar's on-board comfort is amazing. Their inflight service is at least 10 notches higher than UA these days. And yet ... the UA 777, and the cabin crew I have come to know, have become like 'home' and 'family'to me
Bottom line, (1) look at your travel patterns, (2) look at the hassle of the current routing, (3) look at the number of times you will be in Y vs. Business, and (4) look at the clearly better QR service and decide what makes sense for now. If I consider these 4 things, and knowing that I will mostly buy QR's very affordable discounted business fare, my choice should be obvious, nah? Yet hesitating.
UA does not value you, so look at what makes the most sense to you, loyalty to UAL is just misplaced at this point. Very sad - mostly true.
(1) what benefits do you see from GS? You said that you buy "B" fares (Coach) and if you are flying BWI-EWR-DEL than some other carrier to Katmandu, then you are doing it the hard way for sure... Dear spin88: It is indeed "the hard way!" KTM DEL on 9W (Jet Airways) and a 10 hours layover at IGIA, before catching the 22:50hrs, 15 hours 82 to EWR.
But GS gives you better IRROPS (which you might need with those connections) and better upgrade clearance. However, if you are on B fares, then your SWUs should clear anyway (100% clearing in the past 2 years!) , so all you are really getting from GS is better IRROPs handling. What is that worth to you? I am never really in a hurry so even with IRROPs, UA will eventually get me there. (I must confess, however, that I do like Norma speeding me along the tarmac in a Mercedes). Don't think too much about lifetime PLT, its not really worth that much over Gold at this point, and I say that as someone with 1.9M on UAL and transitioning away. Ooh where are you transitioning to?
(2) if you fly QR as PLT, what class would be it be in? Mostly paid business, which is about the same cost as B on United. I see that QR has "Qcredits" that can be used for upgrades, but how many? Someone who knows QR can tell you, or do a search. I will do, thanks.
(3) If the upgrades are similar, and I had to do either BWI-EWR-DEL - some other airline to KTM or IAD-Doha-KTM on QR, and this was the route I was doing, just for the comfort I would switch. Not only the routing is more comfortable. Qatar's on-board comfort is amazing. Their inflight service is at least 10 notches higher than UA these days. And yet ... the UA 777, and the cabin crew I have come to know, have become like 'home' and 'family'to me
Bottom line, (1) look at your travel patterns, (2) look at the hassle of the current routing, (3) look at the number of times you will be in Y vs. Business, and (4) look at the clearly better QR service and decide what makes sense for now. If I consider these 4 things, and knowing that I will mostly buy QR's very affordable discounted business fare, my choice should be obvious, nah? Yet hesitating.
UA does not value you, so look at what makes the most sense to you, loyalty to UAL is just misplaced at this point. Very sad - mostly true.
Last edited by OnePassenger; Oct 20, 2013 at 6:49 pm
Oct 20, 2013, 7:55 pm
#12
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Portland
Programs: UA 1K, AK Gold 75K, etc. etc.
Posts: 1,660
If you buy B fares and you make GS, you will have a good chance to get upgraded to business. Will Qatar offer similar benefit? If not, I suspect that you would be better off in UA C class than Qatar economy.
If you can buy business class fares, than minimum comfort requirements are met on either airline and you should consider convenience of schedules, your opinion on quality of service on the carriers and how the status will benefit your future travel needs.
If you can buy business class fares, than minimum comfort requirements are met on either airline and you should consider convenience of schedules, your opinion on quality of service on the carriers and how the status will benefit your future travel needs.
Oct 20, 2013, 8:55 pm
#13
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: MSY
Programs: AA Plat Pro, UA Plat, VS Silver, Marriott Titanium, Hyatt Explorist
Posts: 2,531
If your choices are paid business on Qatar or B fares and upgrades on United, fly Qatar. Confirmed business beats playing upgrade roulette every time.
OW status is icing on the cake - you won't get US domestic upgrades, but you will get premium check in and lounge access on BA/AA/CX (something you wouldn't get with, say, EK or EY).
When you move back to the US, you can re-evaluate your preferred carrier.
OW status is icing on the cake - you won't get US domestic upgrades, but you will get premium check in and lounge access on BA/AA/CX (something you wouldn't get with, say, EK or EY).
When you move back to the US, you can re-evaluate your preferred carrier.
Oct 20, 2013, 11:14 pm
#14
Join Date: Feb 2008
Programs: 6 year GS, now 2MM Jeff-ugee, *wood LTPlt, SkyPeso PLT
Posts: 6,526
If you are getting discount Biz on QR for the same price as B on UA (not surprising to me) then its a no brainer. The QR points can be used for upgrades to FC (check details, but a quick search leads me to think so) so if I were you, I would take the easier routing, the better service, and use the points they give you for upgrades to go into FC on QR, which will be 200x better than UAL BF... 
I've switched mostly to DL and AS for west coast flights.... Service of both for me is better than as a GS on UAL. GS is not what is used to be... sad, but true...
next year I will be GOLD on UAL (my MM status)
And in a few more years, perhaps I will fly the 100K I need for 2MM, and PLT. But until there is a serious revamp of UAL, its not worth my $$$$ at this point. 
I've switched mostly to DL and AS for west coast flights.... Service of both for me is better than as a GS on UAL. GS is not what is used to be... sad, but true...
next year I will be GOLD on UAL (my MM status)
And in a few more years, perhaps I will fly the 100K I need for 2MM, and PLT. But until there is a serious revamp of UAL, its not worth my $$$$ at this point.
Oct 20, 2013, 11:18 pm
#15
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Istanbul, Turkey
Programs: TK Elite+, HIlton Diamond, Delta Gold, Marriott Silver
Posts: 201
This was going to be my suggestion as well. KTM-IST-IAD. Would have worked even better in terms of flying United metal if UA wasn't axing the IST-EWR flight later this week