I'm not saying you can fly in FC every flight, but via a prudent use of free and paid upgrades, you might be able to maximize your rides up front, and, more important, control better when that event happens (e.g. longer or more arduous flights), rather than depending purely on the vagaries of Uncle Jeffy. This is an art, not a science.
RNE, adding that AKC is the nearest airport to my palatial mansion here in the tony West End of the megalopolis known as Akron, Ohio. Therefore, yes, CAK and CLE are not far away and, by the way, I can fly UA from either of those airports; I am not a captive of CLE.
Ah, you see that is the rub (not the "palatial mansion here in the tony West End of the megolopolis known as Akron"
). I am GS, next year I can be EXP or DM, or see if I make GS (which ain't gonna happen
) and be 1K on UA. As an EXP or DM I will get upgraded nearly all the time. Or I can count of the vegaries of Uncle Jeffy or pay extra and be a 1K.
No offense, but the very slightly better reward available on UA (which still ain't hot) does not make up for the lack of upgrades vs. DL, nor are UAL's SWUs a match for AAs.
Its sort of like I go to buy a car. One sales man says "hey, I'll sell you this car for $10,000" the guy across the street says "hey, I'll sell you this same car for $10,000, but you gotta pay me an extra $1000 per month to use the engine." Who I gonna buy a car from?
