Originally Posted by
Felixishim
UA controls EWR right now with huge margin so unless you are also considering traveling to LGA or JFK, you have not a lot of options.
UA Mileage Plus Club card or explorer may give you an edge though given that you want lounge access the Club card will be good for u as it comes with complimentary united club "membership" unlike just DL SkyClub on their card for "access" you can use many international location as well if you bring your physical club card and frequent flyer card.
the card also give Premier Access automatically,
1.5 miles per $ which is better then the explore card IF you spend more then 25k
Hyatt Platinum. etc
Thanks. I have the Chase United MileagePlus Club Card. The issue is not lounge access at home airport which I rarely use. Ideally, I need lounge access when I am away. There are no United lounges in CLT and PIT, which tend to be 50% of my trips. I realize that I need to travel to LGA (at least) and JFK (sometimes) to get on AA direct flights. LGA is tolerable from NJ, but getting to JFK can be a nightmare.
There are essentially a few issues with moving to AA: 1) getting to LGA or JFK for every direct flight other than for flights to CLT (AA has EWR-CLT direct) 2) sometimes, need to connect e.g. DEN 3) no free same day standby if not EXP (though they actually put me on same day standby and cleared me last time for free.
Potential benefits of moving to AA: 1) lounge access at all my away airports 2) potentially better product (airplanes, service) and FFP 3) no revenue requirements for status (though this may not continue and may not be an issue for me either).
I haven't considered Delta, but I have been Delta gold earlier and remember getting upgraded quite frequently that too on JFK-LAX.