Originally Posted by
lhrsfo
I'm popping in from the UA thread and have found this to be interesting. All the problems at UA have made me look more closely at VS (or Virgin America) miles, or BA (or AA) miles - being the only other airlines on my principal route.
However, as bad as UA has become, it does seem that redemption options are still somewhat better. Whilst Business is very difficult to get, First is fairly easy (and not much more expensive) and there's always the option of paying double miles for any seat.
Thanks for this helpful information and post
Can you share what routes/brands/partners for example you find First Class reasonably easy to redeem on?
United once was the only airline I would fly on revenue earn and redeem with.
Today while the program is more interesting than Delta or US air by far its still a must avoid in my book.
I see the greedy Continental folks as destroying a legendary program that once was the Gold standard. Not that it wasn't already in serious decline before they got their hands on it.
Unless Virgin Atlantic gets worse I'd venture to say I'd still use their program over United. Having said that I'm back with BA,AA and Alaska
For friends and family a dabble in Southwest who on a rainy day allows free baggage and no cancellation penalties for non elites and the flying public
which in today’s program of excessive fees for anything is a breath of fresh air even if I dislike the brand and won't fly on it myself.