Normally, I would not do mileage runs just for the sake of doing them. Ideally, I am looking for some added value. So I never calculate the cost per mile. If the price and timing feel right, I'll go ahead and book it.

If you go to the MR forum, I think you will find most people say 3 cpm (cents per mile) is the target, even though those have been hard to come by this year. Personally, I would pay more for an AC MR for 3 reasons:

• I live 20 minutes from the Toronto airport
• I have the opportunity to upgrade
• I get double miles on AC metal

I just did BUF-CLT-PHL-SAN-IAD-CLT-BUF last week for $215 on United (even though 5 of the 6 segments were on US Air), which generated 6702 status miles. I had a credit that was about to expire on United, so my actual cpm was about half that amount.

If you want status based on segments, I think the target is less than $30 per segment.

If you only knew my cost per segment to achieve SE status :o

Nice number,good for you:)

I've flown UA only a handful of times. I havn't had too many complaints.
I did a, YYC-DEN-Burbank. and Burbank-SFO-YYC all on UA. I found the service fine and the staff friendly. The flight left on time, and got me there on time.
I also did a paid J flight from yyc-sea-ord-sav-ord-sea-yyc once and the service was perfect. F/A's friendly and aircraft alright. No complaints from me.

I would agree with those that said AC is better than UA, but honestly UA isn't that bad. And when your household income is less than 60K/year sometimes it's more affordable to fly UA.

I'm flying to europe in two weeks. Air Canada wanted $1350 per person incl. Tax while United only wanted 949 including tax.... So, guess who I picked?

It's like comparing Lays Ketchup chips to No Name Ketchup chips. Same vegetable, same type of flavouring just slightly different taste. They both taste alright, and both fill you up while making you gain weight. :)

Well, maybe,not exactly! Did UA get me to my destination on time, in relative comfort and safety? Yes. Was it an enjoyable travel experience that you would repeat even if you did not have to? No.

If UA costs less on the same route, it's more affordable to fly UA whether your household income is less than, equal to, or more than 60K/year.;)

From what you posted, I guess you would pick UA.@:-) But I would have never picked UA, even if it's for free! AC has better planes and service, I can use my upgrade certs, and most importantly, no transiting in the US!^