Originally Posted by Eastbay1K

I have no idea what sort of responses, if any, the OP may desire. I'm taking it as more of a warning shot for those in a similar boat.

If $ isn't an object in flying carrier A over B and the "most convenient" or "most comfortable" should rule, for those that haven't experienced an airline's top tier at its best, there are good reasons for the loyalty, and they primarily revolve around IROPS. And the associated service can be invaluable. As a UA 1K for much of the 90s (top tier then except some unpublished stuff), the agents would take care of us during IROPS in a way that no one else received. Booked on 3 flights at the same time on the same PNR in the hopes that one might actually operate. Top of every WL. Expert phone agents who knew their stuff. No reasonable request refused.