About me: I am a 2,000,000 mile platinum on AA with 62 segments last year, most in first or business. I took one round trip (LAX to New Orleans ) on UA and thought I would compare the product.

So, my account compares the >>average<< of many trips on AA to >>one round trip << on UA.


Website - AA wins hands down. AA.com stands head-and-shoulders above United.com in terms of speed, ease of use, features, and organization.

Terminals at LAX - about the same. I am not a red carpet member so I did not visit the UA club, but the new Admirals club at LAX is very good.

Planes - UA used a A319 that was in great shape, whereas I find AA these days a mixed bag with some planes great and some worn and shabby. It seemed to have a little more room inside expect for the front bathroom which, to my amazement, seemed even smaller that the front one on AA’s 737!

Seats - about the same. UA’s FC seat seemed a little more comfortable than the blue seat, but less comfortable then the old brown seat. The trays, back-of-the seat-ahead pouches, extra drink tray, etc, were not as convenient and useful as either of AA’s FC seats.

IFE - about the same number of choices and video/audio quality. It was nice to be able to talk up and down the aisle without hitting your head on the monitors as UA has LCDs that drop down from the overhead bins bottoms like the TWA 757s.

Food - UA a little seemed better. Larger portions and slightly better presentation. Metal forks and spoons are nice. Wines - AA’s a little better.

Flight Attendants - About the same. Good, attentive service, pleasant demeanor, and attitude. This was a big surprise to me as the last time I took UA in first or business the FAs had a real attitude. Back then it was, “Achtung! You miserable schwinhund are now on a United Airlines flight, I am the boss of the plane, you will do things my way or I will throw you out the door in mid-air!”

But, the UA flight back was delayed two hours because of the required hours of rest for the crew in New Orleans. Then United spends more 45 minutes to tank up some extra fuel to save money at LAX. As the plane had sat there all night, why didn’t they think of that sooner?

Also, there was no information until well after the planned departure time as what was going on or even that there was a delay. UA knew that the flight could not leave until the crew had their hours of rest, so why make the passengers sit around confused. I would have had time for another beignet at the Café du Monde. I have usually been better informed of delays on AA.

Overall: I see no reason to move to UA nor would I see a reason for someone with status and lots of miles on UA to move to AA. Until recently I would have said that MRTC was THE reason to stay or switch to AA, as I do get stuck in the back of the bus and that extra bit of space is wonderful, but MRTC is not long for this world.