Being in the DCA/IAD area (much closer to DCA) I often have the option of traveling via DCA on US, often with a connection, or via IAD on UA, usually direct.

Case in point: I soon need to fly to MDT. The choices that fit my time schedule are:

IAD-MDT on UA, netting me 1000 BIS miles plus bonuses (roundtrip)

or

DCA-PHL-MDT on US, netting me 2000 BIS miles plus bonuses (roundtrip)


There are advantages and disadvantages to both. Obviously with US I have to fly two legs, risk the connection, fly in some Dash-8's, etc. But I get more EQM miles.

UA's advantages are I get credits towards ATW, miles towards Million Miles (not even close yet) and miles towards the companion certs, 500 miler's, etc. etc. But IAD is farther away, I need to get there some how (can't take metro, so it will cost money no matter what), generally more of a pain in the butt, etc.

Do any of you run into this problem often and what do you use to make your decision? In my case I chose US this time because paying for parking or getting to Dulles just isn't cost effective since it will be out of pocket for me. I could also use the extra 1000 EQM.

What would you choose?