Originally Posted by
RustyC
The 50% EQM change was what got me to move from CO to NW. I did it via UA for a year, seriously intending to try them. UA has some good special offers, a much better global alliance and possibility for some really odd MR routings, but the upgrades are less generous, the website booking is a disaster, sale fare availability was an unexpected issue, and they just don't have enough service to ATL. So I comped over to NW. The upgrade batting average is down a good bit this year vs. NW on past years, but bumps are way up, and flexibility is certainly rewarded.
Also, CO has been flying too many RJs on RJ-inappropriate routes. You can fly ATL-IAH-MKE as all-RJ now...fine for miles, but not for comfort. Of course they like being able to offer more flight times, but I think the lower pilot pay and needing only 1 crew member has a lot more to do with it. Generous upgrade benefits aren't worth anything when the plane has no FC.
I'll give you everything, but I cannot agree that upgrades are less generous on UA. Maybe for lower tier elites, upgrades are less generous, but for 1K members you do get 6 system wide upgrade certs that's good on most international fares. Try that on CO. Also, as a NW Gold Elite, I've never got upgraded out of EWR. Yes, I fly mostly EWR-LAX domestically which often sells out, but what's the purpose of free elite upgrades if I never get them and never expect them?
That being said, if you don't buy cheap CO tix, then I would stick with NW for better mileage earning potential. (And if you do have Asian address and can work up to gold elite, free WorldClub membership is very handy
)