Originally Posted by
UAConvert
Over the last couple of years, I made the switch from OW to *A (hence the UN). Overall, I have been pleased by the larger network and benefits, and I much prefer UA to AA (just my preference and experience). However, Oneworld has one really big perk to me that Star doesn't. Here it is:
If you request an upgrade (mileage or SWU) on OW, you receive it (assuming space is available) for the entire leg of the trip, all segments, regardless of carrier. This, to me, is a huge advantage. I get screwed by *A in this respect as I fly mostly internationally. I can fly UA somewhere, but as soon as I switch carriers, usually LH in Europe or ANA in Asia, my 30,000 miles and $600 smackaroos no longer do me any good. Therefore, if I plan to upgrade a reservation, I feel like I have to pick segments that maximize my UA utilization to get my moneys worth. If I want to use a "Star Alliance Upgrade," I have to request it separately, using more miles AND it has to be in a high fare class, usually Y, which I never book, even for business travel (which is moot, because I travel J for business internationally). So essentially, *A upgrades are worthless to me.
As I said, overall, I think Star Alliance is a very impressive network. A huge span across the globe with carriers that can take you almost anywhere, but this issue has been a real frustration for me. I have to say, I think the size and breadth of the network is a two edged sword, in that, in my experience the coordination between carriers within the alliance is the worst of the big three. I have seen this several times in terms of booking, baggage, upgrades, etc. I admit it's my opinion, but I would love to know the thoughts of you more experienced road warriors.
Is there any possibility of this upgrade policy changing in the future? Why can OW make it work, but Star can't? What new *A benefits do you think might work their way to us?
I've only traveled on Star Alliance so I can't speak about OW, but I have the same problem, there are so many rules to qualify for Star Alliance upgrades. The only benefits I use on Star Alliance are the Lounges, they've got most all big international airports covered so it isn't a hassle of connecting at a small airports for 3+ hours and nothing to do. Now to your question about changes I don't think so, the biggest problem is the money factor, when UA mileageplus members use points to upgrade Turkish Airlines, Turkish doesn't end up getting much money from UA, which is why they look for more reasons to deny the upgrade by using some corporate "we care, but we're going to shaft you" lingo, then to accommodate loyal passengers.
Sometimes you can book the same flight on Air China's website for 30% less then on United's website for Codeshare flights, don't understand why, but USA airlines are usually always more expensive then their overseas counterparts who offer better service and amenities.