Originally Posted by
Often1
It all depends on what you consider important. My suggestion is not to start with pre-conceived notions and then to lay out the options and make a judgment.
1. Price - There are roundtrips on UA MSY-RDD for as little as $350. AA transfers to UA cost well over double that and sometimes well, well over that.
2. Bags - Not only will you need to pick up your bags at SFO and check them in with UA, but you will pay another bag fee. Add $60 on the roundtrip.
3. 100% of the risk of a no show is on you. If your AA flight into SFO is late and you miss your xSFO flight, you may wind up having to purchase new tickets (all depending on fare rules and the UA agent's mood).
In the end, ask yourself what those miles are worth to you. Even if they go into the UA program and you never use them, would you pay double the ticket price + bags + accept risk of a no show for a few AA miles?
Right. I’m glad I posted here. I knew you all would set me straight