Originally Posted by
themicah
Unless you're going to be doing JFK-SFO a lot, I'd say skip UA. With the exception of the ps routes (JFK-LAX and JFK-SFO), UA doesn't really have anything going for it in NYC any more.
DL, AA and CO are all better options. From Westchester you'll have to cross the Hudson to get to EWR for CO, so DL and AA are probably better choices. If you're flying enough to get Plat on DL and Gold on NW, I'd say spread yourself between DL and AA. And you can always credit CO and NW flights to DL.
But some more info would also help. Is your flying entirely in coach or is some in first/business? Refundable or nonrefundable fares? What do you want most out of the FF program? Redeem miles for int'l flights/upgrades? Domestic elite upgrades?
As a very long term 1K on UA I would recommend AA. In my opinion UA has significantly decreased service to NY in the past couple years. AA has much better flight options out of both JFK and LGA in my opinion. And while the UA PS service is nice to the west coast, a couple days ago I flew SFO-JFK on AA and it was on an internationally configured 767 with the new generation business class seats. It was a lot nicer than PS in my opinion for business class. Bottom line is that 5 years ago, UA had two terminals at JFK, now they have one - AA has two, one of which is a brand new one with a beautiful Admirals Club. AA is the one happening here.