LEt me start by saying I love UAL - well as much as anyone could actually enjoy travelling by air these days. A recent first class trip on Northwest from PVD -> LAX made me realize how good UA is relative to some of the competition - but that's another thread.

I'm a 1K that travels overnight pretty much weekly. My frustration is around schedule cut backs, not just direct flights but connecting flights. I am also frustrated by current load factors resulting in my frequently being unable to reserve a seat in economy plus or even an isle seat anywhere in coach. Most recent example is flight from MSP to LAX on Aug 3 where I am on a middle seat at the back of the bus.

I am begining to think it may make sense to split flights between AA and UA and to select airline based on flight schedule convenience and availability of aisle / economy plus seat. Of course, allocating over period to maintain both Prem Exec and AA Plat.

Wondering how many people think it's worth giving up 1K benefits for convenience and comfort of additional flexibility. Perhaps I am expecting to much as a traveller with 1K status?