Originally Posted by
Lurker
Hello, this is my first foray onto the AA board as a UA 1K almost 2MM. Sadly, I have become disillusioned with the series of latest changes at UA and feel that I must at last look at the 1W alternatives. I appreciate in advance all of your help and guidance and look forward to becoming a contributing member here as I have been on the UA forum.
To add to the info below, I have just received the Plat invitation (12k mile challenge and 20 free 500-mile certs).
(1) What is your home airport?
SMF
(2) How many miles do you usually fly each year & in what class?
150-175k about 75% in paid coach and 25% in paid business
(3) What types of fares do you usually buy ?
Most convenient domestically (usually mid range economy fare classes) and W or better for international so as to have a chance of using my UA UGs)
(4) Can you choose your airlines and/or, class of service?. Do you travel for work and/or pleasure?
I have absolute freedom of choice
(5) Which routes do you fly most often (US Domestic, Transpacific, Kangaroo, in Asia etc)
About 50% domestic/Caribbean and 50% international (mainly Australia/Europe)
(6) Do you have FFP status of any kind of OW or other airline at present?
No, but have been offered the immediate PLAT trial with 1-year status if I fly 12K
(7) What is most important to you in a FFP?
In order of priority: UG certificates, mileage redemption, Elite status at airport/on telephone, lounge access.
(8) Preferred Airlines
Currently UA but sadly that must change. (No 1W preference)
Thanks in advance
Lurker
I think AA is the clear choice, with or without the US merger. With your flying patterns it shouldn't be too hard for you to reach Executive Platinum, which will bring unlimited upgrades (space available) on domestic economy flights and automatic seating in Main Cabin Extra (= UA E+), 8 annual SWUs, admittance to Oneworld first class lounges on overseas trips (not Caribbean) as well as preferred seat selection on both AA and Oneworld partners, extra baggage allowance, blah blah. But best of all, it will get you the EXP desk at AA - the best airline CS agents I've ever encountered.
Of course flying out of SMF you'll spend a lot of time at DFW or LAX (or PHX if the merger goes through) but that's probably not too different from the status quo (sub DFW for DEN or ORD I guess.) Of course AA codeshares with AS up and down the west coast (some reciprocal elite perks) which also adds Alaska's network to the mix.
In my view Aadvantage is the superior product to United's FFP, and at least for the time being redemptions are still relatively cheap.