Originally Posted by
rockdoc
Joining both programs as you mention is certainly an option but my thoughts regrading any FF program is how do you want to use your miles. I use my miles almost exclusively for upgrades (and the rare free ticket) on long-haul flights to Hawaii and Europe. That being the case, I fly F9 very seldom anymore even though I used to fly them quite often. I now keep my status on UA.
They are a fine airline, but their FF program does not let me use miles to those long-haul destinations. If your daughter will use miles mostly for CONUS type trips F9 will work great. If more options to fly to is a consideration, then UA may be the best bet.
Having status on AA, how do you use your miles most of the time? That may help to answer the question.
Re price, yesterday I bought a ticket LAX-DEN (one way) for late next week. UA was considerably cheaper than F9. I think UA/F9/SWA compete pretty hard on price for this route most of the time.
Almost ALL of my miles are spent on trips down to my 2nd home in Belize. Although I mostly use them during the high season.
You are correct, I did a quick search on one way tickets with short notice, and many airlines were cheaper then F9. My original search was for RT's with a month in advance. All I saw was F9 considerably cheaper on every flight.
HP