Originally Posted by KSVVZ2015

It obviously depends on what benefits you care about most. I have not been UA GS. Just 1K. But the GGL line certainly exceeds the average experience I had as a 1K or EXP (not to say either have bad phone lines). The Joker and Partner Card benefits as a BA GGL are pretty unique and very generous.

I think where you will find BA to lag UA (at either level) is IRROPS-type flexibility. The US carriers are culturally far more flexible in such situations and at the top, they really aim to please the flyer. Also, a 1K agent has enormous discretion to deal with live events while the GGL agent is much more likely to have their hands tied and leave it to the airport.

UA GS and 1K obviously come with far more upgrade benefits than BA does (in that domestic upgrades are unlimited with a companion and you get lots of points for international upgrades; that said BA upgrade certs while few book into the lowest revenue class in the cabin and thus can be confirmed at booking far easier). As a BA GGL, I have a pretty substantial record of J to F op-ups but I imagine this will change going forward with the disappearance of 14 seat F cabins. I have never been op-uped Y to J short haul (I don't book Y long haul).

The other area BA will lag is priority boarding. BA GGL is lumped in with Group 1 which can be nearly 50% of the plane at times. UA GS and UA 1K board before even First Class.

Also lounge access - BA status gives you OW lounge access on any flight. Domestically, I believe that you still need to purchase a UA Club membership.