Originally Posted by
njcommodore
Inquiring minds want to know... what makes you think that? I think UA's sysmte cuts down on shenanigans, thoughts of shenanigans, last minute wait and see and gives more hope of upgrading traveling companions and others. Personally I prefer UA's (especially because of SWUs), but I know that's just a personal preference. If it wasn't for the direct flights (especially internationally) out of EWR, I would be over with UA.
UA has made comments that they like the simplicity of the EUA system, so I think they may be looking at that.
Cert management is a turn-off for customers, and it has a cost for the airline (e.g., handling of issues like recrediting certs that are overcharged in a rebook, for example).
The question is whether UA makes out by selling certs. Lower-level Elites in particular don't get too many certs and some buy additional ones. Or if people are short in certs, they have to buy more or downgrade.
This is why I think AA does EUA for EXP only, and still uses certs for lower-level Elites. Top tiers get enough upgrades to upgrade most flights anyway, that those who buy additional certs are probably not buying too many, so they can get the ease of automation without losing the cert revenue from the others.