Originally Posted by
LewDog
I know NYC - ORD is a relatively short flight, but all of the UA flights are completely seat map sold out (assign at ckin) so as a "nobody" on UA, I don't relish the thought of a middle seat for 3 hours.
That's because the brain surgeons at UAL don't let you see E+ access as a US preferred.
If you are a US preffered the good news is, is that because all the schlub seats are sold out you'll most likely get the up to E+ as a status holder in the Star Alliance. Despite what rhetoric UA likes to spin, they really don't have that many status holders on every flight to occupy all E+ seats and you get the up before Ma and Pa Kettle (although on this route there's not that many of 'em).
I do LGA/HPN - ORD all the time on UA and in E+ the ride is fine (and not 3 hours) unless you get a bad penalty box wait for ATC flow.
I still maintain that UA is playing their E+ card totally wrong.
AA also offers non-stops if you're that worried about the middle seat, but you don't get the mileage. And ATA does Midway. Or you could do JFK or EWR and really beef up your options. Also check HPN if you're not in Manhattan. UA runs E-170's on the route and they also have E+ and are a nice ride.