Should I switch from UA / DL? DM or AAdvantage? Benefits? Differences? (consolidated)
May 6, 2014, 11:42 pm
#76
Join Date: Apr 2014
Programs: Hyatt Diamond, SPG Plat
Posts: 182
So, my previous airport was ELP which had no direct flights (and Delta status, which also has few direct flights), so I am used to connections now and don't really mind them, especially if I have lounge access. So I am thinking that based on your comment, I should still try to stick with AA, so that I have better upgrade possibility. I've heard horror stories about the Techbros hogging all the upgrades on United out of SFO.
What perks matter to you?
On UA, you can get lots of places nonstop from SFO. You can also use your miles easily with a lot of options to get to those places. But as a Gold, you will likely very seldom see an upgrade.
On AA, the story is reversed. (Generalizing, but you get the point)
On UA, you can get lots of places nonstop from SFO. You can also use your miles easily with a lot of options to get to those places. But as a Gold, you will likely very seldom see an upgrade.
On AA, the story is reversed. (Generalizing, but you get the point)
May 7, 2014, 2:02 am
#77
Join Date: Nov 2010
Programs: WN peon (was A+), IHG Plat Hilton HHonors Gold DL SkyPesos PM (still a peon) US Chmn, Hawaiian Haole
Posts: 1,166
DL jumped to US
I made the DL -> US jump last August. Paid the $200 for a silver preferred trial program, made Chairman's status (30K miles within 90 days) and have been flying US ever since. I started getting some upgrades last year after making US Gold. and consistent upgrades last year (Nov-Dec) after making Chairman's. As Chairman's in 2014 I am a nifty 25/25 upgrades, and most of this out of US hub PHL. As a Delta DM for all of 2013, I was getting only about 50% upgrades. This year dropped to Delta PM, I am a measly 2/15 on upgrades.
All bets are off when the merger is fully implemented ...
All bets are off when the merger is fully implemented ...
May 7, 2014, 8:58 am
#78
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Atlanta,GA
Programs: American AAdvantage ExecPlat, Former DL Skymiles Diamond (MM), Marriott Lifetime Platinum
Posts: 203
I'm currently Diamond on Delta but I'm looking to move over to AA for the obvious reasons. Will AA provide any type of status match? Will USAir provide a status match? Or should I just stick with the AA Challenge?
I'm based in Miami so I'm guessing the AA Challenge shouldn't be an issue. Thoughts?
I'm based in Miami so I'm guessing the AA Challenge shouldn't be an issue. Thoughts?
Currently, it's worth the hassle.
May 7, 2014, 10:24 pm
#79
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: SUV
Programs: UA *G MM
Posts: 7,018
US Airways offered me Gold for 90 days as a trial because I purchased a discounted F class ticket in February. Credited to UA so they know that I am a 1K.
I matched status to AA EXP, but never flew them once, two years ago. Was Plat until end of this February and now they are trying to get me to buy status. Gold for $649 or Plat for $1199.
I matched status to AA EXP, but never flew them once, two years ago. Was Plat until end of this February and now they are trying to get me to buy status. Gold for $649 or Plat for $1199.
May 8, 2014, 6:41 am
#80
Moderator: American AAdvantage, Signatures
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: London, England
Programs: UA 1K, Hilton Diamond, IHG Diamond Ambassador, National Exec, AA EXP Emeritus
Posts: 9,765
I made the DL -> US jump last August. Paid the $200 for a silver preferred trial program, made Chairman's status (30K miles within 90 days) and have been flying US ever since. I started getting some upgrades last year after making US Gold. and consistent upgrades last year (Nov-Dec) after making Chairman's. As Chairman's in 2014 I am a nifty 25/25 upgrades, and most of this out of US hub PHL. As a Delta DM for all of 2013, I was getting only about 50% upgrades. This year dropped to Delta PM, I am a measly 2/15 on upgrades.
All bets are off when the merger is fully implemented ...
All bets are off when the merger is fully implemented ...
~Moderator
Aug 24, 2014, 6:02 pm
#81
Join Date: Jul 2004
Programs: HHonors Dia, Priority Club Plat, Marriott, SPG, Htz Gold
Posts: 173
AA v. DL
Thoughts? In my area, DL planes are nicer, amenities are better and price is comparable. I've been gold, plat or chairman;s US dividend miles for 25 years but I think I gotta switch. Looking for reason not to.
Aug 24, 2014, 6:18 pm
#82
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: DL: Silver; AA: EX PLAT; UA: Silver; HY: DIA; HH: DIA; MR: TIT
Posts: 1,708
Inability to ever use miles for awards at 'normal' redemption levels is the show-stopper that prevents me from switching...
Aug 24, 2014, 6:55 pm
#84
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: BOS, BWI, DCA, IAD
Programs: American, Delta, JetBlue, United
Posts: 2,051
Aug 24, 2014, 6:57 pm
#85
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: SAN
Programs: AA EXP (2MM), DL MM, Hyatt Glob (LT), Hilton Diamond, Bonvoy Gold (LT)
Posts: 126
You might to look at the following thread on the DL forum:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/delta...dm-united.html
Although the initial topic is about DL vs UA, there is a thoughtful comparison of DL and AA in around post #49.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/delta...dm-united.html
Although the initial topic is about DL vs UA, there is a thoughtful comparison of DL and AA in around post #49.
Aug 24, 2014, 8:34 pm
#87
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: ONT/FRA
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 878
Due to my location, I travel on both AA and DL on a regular basis (pretty much alternate between them week-to-week). Nashville is a "focus" city for DL. I think my sig line below says it all. It's always great to find that I'm #10 of 24 on the DL upgrade list, with two F seats available, as is the case for my flight out of BNA tomorrow.
Edit: as of this morning, three hours prior to departure, I'm #11.
Edit: as of this morning, three hours prior to departure, I'm #11.
Last edited by BSBD; Aug 25, 2014 at 6:13 am
Aug 24, 2014, 8:39 pm
#88
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 1999
Location: So Fla & NYC
Programs: DL DM/2MM, UA MM, BV LT Titanium, HH Diamond
Posts: 23,766
I have a question about the difference between the RJ facilities each of these companies have in NYC.
I am disgusted with DL's bus to the plane third world RJ setup at LGA and the terrible RJ farm that they have at JFK.
Is it any better than this over at AA? The awful Chautauqua ERJs on my RJ routes are essentially the same so that has no bearing on the subject.
Thanks in advance for any information the AA flyers can provide.
I am disgusted with DL's bus to the plane third world RJ setup at LGA and the terrible RJ farm that they have at JFK.
Is it any better than this over at AA? The awful Chautauqua ERJs on my RJ routes are essentially the same so that has no bearing on the subject.
Thanks in advance for any information the AA flyers can provide.
Aug 24, 2014, 8:47 pm
#89
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 9,916
I have a question about the difference between the RJ facilities each of these companies have in NYC.
I am disgusted with DL's bus to the plane third world RJ setup at LGA and the terrible RJ farm that they have at JFK.
Is it any better than this over at AA? The awful Chautauqua ERJs on my RJ routes are essentially the same so that has no bearing on the subject.
Thanks in advance for any information the AA flyers can provide.
I am disgusted with DL's bus to the plane third world RJ setup at LGA and the terrible RJ farm that they have at JFK.
Is it any better than this over at AA? The awful Chautauqua ERJs on my RJ routes are essentially the same so that has no bearing on the subject.
Thanks in advance for any information the AA flyers can provide.
At JFK the RJs go mainly from the far end (Gate 31) of the satellite building so you have access to both ACs and the FL. My recollection is it is 100% via jetbridge.
Aug 24, 2014, 9:01 pm
#90
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 1999
Location: So Fla & NYC
Programs: DL DM/2MM, UA MM, BV LT Titanium, HH Diamond
Posts: 23,766
At LGA the downside with RJs is they mainly leave from the C gates and the AC is in the D pier. The problem is the two piers are not connected airside so if you want to visit the AC you have to clear security in the D pier, then exit and clear security again in the C pier....
At JFK the RJs go mainly from the far end (Gate 31) of the satellite building so you have access to both ACs and the FL. My recollection is it is 100% via jetbridge.
At JFK the RJs go mainly from the far end (Gate 31) of the satellite building so you have access to both ACs and the FL. My recollection is it is 100% via jetbridge.
I have one more question. Since I am not using AA for anything else (yet), the AC is immaterial but a huge bonus would be if the RJs at LGA are jetbridge as well as those at JFK. Is that the case?