I started out 1P and now entering my 4th year as a 1k (based near SFO). All my travel is domestic so I earn it the hard way (so to speak). I am one of those who fly UA even if it means a higher fair, stops, lousy departure times (though I'd go hyper-caffeinated on flight searching to find better fares at better times). Only non US was the the occasional US flight when needing to get to the southeast (via CLT) or when going to PHX (but *A flights were always acceptable though far from preferable). About a year ago I went to Fairbanks Alaska and came up with a 2 segments on EVA air, 2 on UA, 1 on CO, 1 on AS (it was the best I could come up with to be UA metal as much as possible). Of my typical 60 to 80 segments per year, that Alaska trip was the only non UA/non *A the last 3 years. With that said, one of the prime reasons for my business all going to UA was the frequent, but far from always, upgrade. To me it's a pretty straight forward deal: I spend A LOT of time in airports and on planes as well as spend quite a lot of money on air travel (around 25k per year). In return UA always gives me a decent shot to upgrade to greater comfort. So far for March (I fly every Monday and Friday) I am no where near getting the UG. For an upcoming 3/26 flight, I used a CR-1 for a flight on a 763 with almost the entire Y cabin open (according to the seat map) and got waitlisted (that was disappointing). It certainly appears, at least so far, that UA has changed the deal. The reasonable chance at UG appears all but gone. Maybe I am being hasty as all my flights have been Hub to Hub -- but a majority of my flights have always been hub to hub. There am definitely lower on the pecking order then I can ever remember.
So I decided to buy/fly VS this Monday to IAD. Coworkers tell me that VS's E cabin product is clearly superior to UA. Due to a big ?? when the task will be done, it is one way (i'll purchase the return on Tuesday). But there is obviously a conundrum. The other prime reasons for flying UA is double RDM and the act of gaining the 1k status The others don't really matter: free bag is of no consequence, company pays for it. Boarding first is of no consequence, I travel very light and don't need overhead. I'll get some status with United due to home base being SFO, so the Premier check in line (which is rarely "premier" these days) I will maintain regardless. I am not at the point of return yet (I can still get 1k due to my flying patterns) but maybe 3 total non UA/ non *A round trips (plus a brutal flu in January that kept me grounded for 2 weeks) and 1k is more likely than not to happen. Should I start using VS? Forget the lousy UA options for Dallas and take the WN or AA direct options? Should I use DL for ATL? B6 for NY? And just accept only the 2p (or whatever 2p is for the "new" UA)? It's a tough call. SFO certainly affords me options other than UA. And UA not only devaluing its incentive program for me but, so far, being vague about how they are doing it is not sitting well for me at all.
Anyone have any helpful pearls of wisdom for me?
(((my apologies for the rant. However, travel is a huge part of my life. And like the OP, I am vested, even comforted by being 1k -- knowing it makes my travel life a lot easier and more peaceful)))