lstoner,

Though I am not retired, I am in the same boat as you - looking for the opportunity to upgrade internationally without having to pay even more than the hard-earned miles or certificates already to be given up to do so.

This is exactly why I gave CO (and effectively NW, since as partners their FF programs are nearly identical) the boot, enjoying my comped 1K status on UA and in fact having just delighted on ORD-HKG last week in business class on a 747 using a SWU for the same price I'd have paid to sit in 30 cramped pitch-inches on CO. (Here's a taste of the loyalty you engendered in this Platinum Elite, you asses in Houston!)

Since I do a lot of travel involving Asia, UA and its participation in the Star Alliance suit me fine. Neither AA nor any of its OneWorld partners serve my primary airport, and I just can't justify driving an additional 45 minutes sitting in traffic jams and, not to mention, higher fares, to do AA/OneWorld.

Moreover, at the very worst I will find myself in Economy+ on UA, which suits me perfectly fine. Also, I have found UA's culture to be a lot more professional, more informed, and down-to-business than NW/CO, as well, not the least by way of noting that the demeanor of UA flight attendants even in coach are generally more cheerful, attentive, and talkative, while on NW/CO you're doted on in World Business Class/BusinessFirst, but more often than not you won't even get eye contact or a smile in coach. (Note to airline management: Hey - don't you guys know that millionaire business owners fly coach, too, especially on Asian flights? Don't look down on coach pax just cause they're in coach - you are very well alienating an entire high-yield market segment even before you realize it's there).

With the way domestic first these days on NW/CO is more cramped than the coach cabin on the same flight following the spate of comping Elite status just for breathing (CO is great at this), Economy+ is mighty fine as right off the bat you'll have the seat next to you blocked off if available when making seat reservations. Just try to ask NW/CO to block off an adjacent seat for you; you'll get the "that seat's already taken," which is airlinese for "NO."

Say it loud, say it proud: There is life after CO/NW, "Winner of the Best Elite Program Freddie Seven Years Straight." Who cares what awards an airline wears if its benefits don't work for you? The "unlimited complimentary domestic first class upgrades," which have been the hallmark of the NW/CO programs, are either just not there anymore, or are a journey in themselves just to obtain. Just look up "EUA" in the NW/CO threads...

On a final note, UA will meet all of your criteria, including comping status and a credit card, concerning which you would do well to look into the MBNA-Amtrak GuestRewards MasterCard. This is an annual fee-free card that allows you to accure points in the Amtrak Guest Rewards program which in turn can be converted in 5000-mile blocks into UA miles (among partner rewards).

[This message has been edited by Beef or Chicken? (edited 05-09-2002).]