Originally Posted by
deadlocklegend
Thanks Jasper2009 for your help. PEK-PVG is 1300 miles roundtrip each time, and next year I will go that route every week or just about. I have little choice on that route but everything combined I should be able to reach 100k if I put all miles to one *A program. Would you still recommend AC over UA?
If you will fly 100k miles (all in booking classes that earn 100%) the choice actually is UA 1K or AC SE status.
I´d personally go for AC, but I´m sure some FTers will disagree with me.
UA 1K:
pro: 6SWUs which can be used on most fares / upgrades confirmed at time of booking if there´s availability, upgrading using miles (sometimes with a hefty co-pay), unlimited domestic upgrades, 100% mileage bonus
contra: fuel surcharges on redemptions, redemption rates are ok, but not fantastic, starnet-blocking, no lounge access in NA
AC SE:
pro: lounge access in NA, (nearly unlimited) confirmed int´l upgrades if you fly int´l and book the more expensive B/Y fares, excellent redemption rates, no fuel surcharges on *A partners, 100% mileage bonus
contra: upgrade system not great if you buy cheap economy fares (upgrades can´t be confirmed at time of booking), no upgrades using miles
If you don´t mind spending some extra $$ on B/Y fares and fly via YVR, I´d definitely go with AC. Their C class product is much superior to UA´s old 777 which is often used on the PEK-SFO route. I´d also say that UA´s new C (which is much better than the old C) is inferior to AC C, but not everyone would agree with me on this one.
If you tend to buy cheaper economy fares, I´d probably go with UA due to better upgrade chances.