It's economy. And for an extra hundred bucks you get to go the long way and collect more EQMs.

US has the older planes with leather seating, IIRC, but it still gets you from A to B.

Both airlines will charge you for food and drinks, I believe. With Elite status you'll have lounge access and extra baggage allowance.

I say go for it if you need the Status miles. WHY Not?

You could probably make an over night in LAS too just to mix it up a bit.