A couple months ago, I posted my semi-empirical theory that -- no matter what some pundits said -- UA and AA were the best for ff mile redemption. I also opined that DL might be the worst.

http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthrea...14#post6782814

Tomorrow, the WSJ will print a study by its influential airline columnist Scott McCartney which says the same thing. The story is password protected, although I'm sure a "sister" publication will print a public version tomorrow.

Here's the summary of McCartney's research, though:

"AMR Corp.'s American and UAL Corp.'s United were the most generous, with coach seats available at their lowest award levels on 14 of 24 trips checked. Continental Airlines Inc. and Northwest Airlines Corp. fell in the middle. US Airways, however, offered its lowest-priced award on only two of 24 itineraries; Delta on zero."

Given its source, I suspect this report will make considerable waves in the industry.