Below was my take on things back in 2013, viewed as an AA GLD.
So far, the drop from 2 bags to 1 has already happened, as has the cut in F meal service. Most of the rest is still up in the air, but as I noted back then, the choice seems to be the AA status quo or the weaker US option. So things may stay the same or worsen, but they won't get better. I'm surprised that the Barclays card will remain for existing cardholders, but the benefits are being reduced.
I have enjoyed the greater frequency on DFW-CLT, especially the late westbound options. Fares on that route are up though. And the last 6 months have been a golden age of upgrading for me, I'm clearing more often on US than I ever did on AA, it's not costing me stickers, and I'm still earning stickers for future use. But that is certain to end once the programs merge.
The below doesn't consider the reduction in number of MCE seats, nor the headache of FA's hawking credit cards over the loudspeaker.
I'm still looking for a single facet of the AA experience (besides greater flight routes and frequencies) that will improve for me personally as a result of the merger.
Originally Posted by swag
Generally, when you compare two airlines, as a consumer, there are some things better on one, some better on the other. When there's a merger, the combined airline will adopt the policy of one or the other, or perhaps choose a middle ground.
But looking at the differences between AA and US, as I see it, it's very one sided. In almost every case, I think, the AA policy is better for me.
In terms of my perspective, I'm a longtime AA hub captive, with lifetime Gold status. My flights are mostly domestic mid-cons.
Consider:
- Checked bags: As a 25K level elite, AA gives 2 free bags. US only gives 1. Advantage: AA
- Upgrades: All US elites get free domestic upgrades. AA requires 500 mile upgrades; you earn enough to upgrade 20%, and have to purchase others. This seems to favor US, but lots of chatter on the AA board speculates that means 50K elites will get more upgrades, leaving 25K elites in the back. Advantage: ?
- F service: AA serves food in the front on most flights over 2 hours. US has a 3.5 hour threshold. Advantage: AA
- Same day changes: AA offers same day changes to flights on the same calendar day, earlier or later, a 24 hour window. They are confirmable for $75, or elites can standby for free. US: No fee for elites to confirm the change, but limited to 6 hours prior, not allowed for later, and you can't change the number of stops. Advantage: AA
- Award ticket changes: AA allows free changes to date and time for award tickets, if there is availability at the same award level. US, it's $150. Advantage: AA
- Award booking fee: Free on AA if booked online. $25 on US. Advantage: AA
- Award expedite fee: Waived on AA for all elites. $75 on US, not waived for Silver. Advantage: AA
- 1-way awards: AA offers 1 way awards at half the cost of round trip. US doesn't. Advantage: AA
( Sadly, two cases where US does have the advantage, we already know the AA way will survive. Star seems to be a better alliance than OneWorld. And I think the Barclay's US card offers better benefits than the Citi AA card. But post-merger, we'll have OneWorld and Citi. )
So, US Experts, what am I missing? What might I have to look forward to? What US policies would be better for me than AA's, that I can root for to survive the merger?
Edit to add one more:
- AA offers 24+ hour hold on most reservations. US requires me to ticket, then the hassle of refunding. Advantage: AA