I think that's exactly the problem I see here. Totally forgot about the SJC/LAX flight no more.

My trip last year was SJC/LAX/DCA then reverse. It was nice to be in F on that long haul. The in between meals actually help speed time up.

on Delta I can have round trip with decent hours for <$500. All the AS flights from the Bay end up routing you up to PDX or SEA with U but from there east you're still in the main cabin.

So is it worth booking with AS with no U option and lowest fares to get the full EQM or go with partner if the price between the two is about the same and no U seats anyways. I'm willing to cough out more to have a higher chance of getting that U seats but AS is out of the question.

As some has mentioned Delta U for AS is almost impossible, what about AA?