I always find these discussions amusing, since I rarely have the UA option - I live in Philadelphia.

On the upside, it is nice to be able to fly direct everywhere I need to go (since I only work in major US cities). PHL is a nightmare, but it helps that I'm never trying to connect through it - being late arriving home is a lot different than being late when you know you're missing your connecting flight. Plus I carry on my bags, so Pee-aitch-El Luggage Hell isn't a worry unless I'm going on vacation or flying overseas.

On the other hand, I think I know what purgatory is going to be like --- I picture it as circling over NJ, waiting to land in PHL on a Friday afternoon........