Originally Posted by
FreqFlyerPhil
I'm located in PIT, so my DL direct flights are ATL, CVG, JFK, and STC, and JFK is the only place I would fly direct with any regularity. Most of my travel is in the northeast, but includes cities up and down the Eastern Seaboard. I can get anywhere I need to go through CVG and JFK - BUT, most of those flights would be direct on US.
I will fly upwards of 100K miles this year, and last year didn't consolidate on any one carrier. I want to make the most of my company-funded travel, and am torn between US and DL.
Originally Posted by
FreqFlyerPhil
DL would offer me 100% bonus miles and proportedly has better customer service.
This just about everyone would agree with (with a few - we all know who - exceptions )
Originally Posted by
FreqFlyerPhil
However, I read that award tickets are hard to come by
Not true. In reality they probably are about the same when you're comparing DL vs US; I have had no problems booking out of IAH here, and we're just a hub-connecting spoke like PIT is.
Originally Posted by
FreqFlyerPhil
UGs may be tough. My handful of flights last year on DL to ATL/CVG did not overly impress me.
UG's depend on your status and when you're flying. I'd say my upgrade rate is > 75% nowdays as a platinum (including ATL - Spoke ). It is however very (very) hard to upgrade hub-hub with DL due to the load factors - they just sell a lot of seats in 1st on say ATL-LAX.
Originally Posted by
FreqFlyerPhil
US has been good for UG - I'm 100% when UG is possible - and their staff has been top notch. Most flights are direct (though RJ/DH8). Negatives are that I get only 50% bonus miles and US seems to be destroying any reason to remain loyal (decreasing FC seats, closet space, diluting elite levels, etc., etc.)
The reasons you posted also explain why your upgrade rate is good
- less competition = better upgrade chances
Originally Posted by
FreqFlyerPhil
So, DL loyalists - why should I go out of my way to join your ranks? It won't take much arm twisting, but I'd like to know what I'm missing!
Out of PIT the main benefits you would gain is friendlier crew overall, and more mileage accrual - the latter is a big deal if you are trying to get the best bang for your dollar (transpacific or RTW awards with partners for example). Oh, and free alcohol in clubs if you do decide to join the CRC/WC/PC triplet (joining any of them will give you access to the others, on any ticket within the US)
Its all a matter of what you value more, time (more time when connecting, risk of MX/WX issues) or value (more mileage, awards, higher chance of VDB vouchers)