Originally Posted by
laxmillenial
You will be happier if you're on the nonstop. I was very happy as a Gold my first year flying.
Personally I would take the DCA<->SFO nonstop any day over the other two. Saves 30-60 minutes in travel time to the airport, not to mention the extra time needed to get to the C or D gates at IAD. And better dining options (though maybe not on the UA pier). I expect there are more than a few GS/1Ks on the DCA flights, but I was closer to the top the waitlist than for IAD. Now if you live or work in Herndon or Columbia that's another matter...