Originally Posted by
Gig103
Will it be worth making a change, as they are in the same *A? I'd choose a stop with SQ over nonstop in UA, for the comfort factors.
While SQ and UA both are in the *A, the relationship is tenuous at best. SQ decided to codeshare with VX instead of UA for domestic US flights. IIRC, this was because SQ customers would be disappointed with UA's product.
You certainly can choose SQ, and would agree wit you on comfort. But UA will 'penalize' you when it comes to earnings. Since SQ isn't a codeshare partner, good luck getting it on 016 stock. Then H, W, L earn only 50% RDM and E, M earn 75%. PQM wise Suites/First/Business all earn only 100% (vs 200% on UA and related JVs).
The problem for SQ is that SQ needs the JV much more than UA does (as UA wants the route for O/D routing, as SIN isn't a logical connection point for many destinations, and therefore doesn't need SQ's codeshares for it's PAX). SQ, on the other hand, very much needs UA feed (as shown with their IAH flights). Guessing this leads to UA wanting very favorable terms that SQ would never agree to.