Originally Posted by BillScann
Your mom might consider doing a mileage challenge on AA and then getting status comped on UA. She can then choose which way she wants to go. The big pluses with UA are E+ as well as the easy redemption of miles. AA has cheaper 500 mile upgrades, but I've found them far more difficult to use.
A note about DC airports: IAD is not only one of America's worst airports, but is also located in the middle of nowhere. Unless your mom will be working in deepest darkest Virginia, she should fly into DCA whenever possible, even if it means making a connection. The other alternative is BWI, where one can catch a train from there straight into Union Station.
Good luck,
Bill
She will be working at the Pentagon or Chantilly, VA (most likely the Pentagon though). When she went for the interview at Chantilly, she flew into IAD and she said the two are close together. I always prefer to fly into DCA because of where it is located, and I have noticed that it is generally cheaper to fly out of/into DCA than IAD. I did convince her to do a challenge.
Before I chose AA I flew UA to San Antonio and I tried their E+. WOW! I thought it was great; and channel 9 makes it even better. The only problem I have with UA is their price. As a college student I am short on money, so paying extra for UA doesn't work for me. The only thing I can compare E+ to on AA is the exit row. How much are the 500-mile upgrades on UA? Thanks for the help.
p.s.- I think it is very interesting that my family flies 3 different airlines. After my challenge I will become Gold on AA, my dad is Silver on NW, and my mom will be Premier on UA. My brother would rather spend money on beer than fly; and the most of my flying is just to fly!