safari ari

Hello all, I am looking to book a flight from DEN-SFO, both of which connect. One is through LAX, one PHX. They are both 1:05hrs and 1:00hrs for their layover. PHX has a better schedule, but I am looking at, on time record considering the small window. I assume PHX would be easier to connect through, or does LAX have more frequencies a misconnect is not the worst thing? Second, PHX accumulates more miles, I'll need just about as many as I can get at this time to keep status, albeit only 60 more, does AA do a minimum of 500 mile type that some airlines do? I checked the website but saw nothing of it.

Thanks

MiamiAirport Formerly NY George

• Go for PHX and yes AA awards 500 EQMs if you already have elite status,

N1120A

PHX is a pretty shabby airport, but the connections experience is easier on AA than at LAX

SeattleDavid

DEN-LAX and LAX-SFO used to both be Eagle flights and so your connection would be only at the Eagle's nest, but I think DEN-LAX reverted to mainline for at least some flights.

The LAX connection is really easy if they are both Eagle's nest flights, or if they are both mainline - but if they are one of each I would avoid LAX.

Dallas49er

Why not just fly UA (or a LCC) to SFO and The Peoples Republic of San Francisco, and and get that done.

And then plan and do a mileage run (MR) that will satisfy ALL of your self imposed metrics*.

OR: One could just throw caution to the wind, live life dangerously, take life as it comes, .... and just pick an itinerary and go!

Good Luck!

* Metrics work on paper ONLY, not in the real world and real life. They conflict with real life with real weather (unpredictable), real mechanicals (unpredictable), real down line issues (late/illegal crew, etc.)... Statistics are nothing more than that-predictors of the PAST.

I have a fine Swiss watch on my wrist which has 374 moving parts and keeps excellent time. The US air transport system has a kazillion squared moving parts, so to expect Swiss watch efficiency is delusional at best.

3Cforme

That's what I was thinking. I've done plenty of mileage runs over the years but the value of miles and status have declined significantly in the last decade.

United or Frontier to SFO, or Southwest to Oakland. Easy, cheap - DONE.

Cruss74

Southwest also flies DEN-SFO.

MarkOK

I vote for PHX. Not sure what advantage LAX has in this situation. And I would take the Eagle flights over any mainline flight anyday given the option (Not sure some's aversion to the 'small planes' -- they offer quicker boarding, deplaning, and honestly I think there is a little more room in the shoulder-head area if you are next to the window in coach).

And if AA is your only airline you go for status on, I would do the short layover and earn the needed mileage vs flying direct on UA and having to figure a mileage run on AA later. The last thing I want to do (ever) is spend a day and money doing nothing but mileage running; and AA's 'buy up' rates usually offered at the end of the year are rather pricy.

(I always got 500 EQMs minimum before I got any elite status. My family members have no elite status and always get credited the 500 EQM minimum. I really don't know why AA describes this as an "Elite member" benefit vs simple an Aadvantage member benefit)

Dallas49er

Don't travel much, do you?

Austin787

I vote PHX. At LAX, you have better chance of the aircraft having to wait long time for a gate after landing which can cause you to misconnect. Plus, LAX-SFO flights tend to be delayed or cancelled when SFO goes into flow control.

safari ari

I totally forgot LAX-SFO would be out of the eagles nest, and yes DEN-LAX is mainline. So had I remembered, it wouldn't have even been a thought.

safari ari

This is my thought as well, I already have status on another airline, but will be flying AA next year for work again so want to retain it, and another 1-2 hours on a plane when I am already flying will save me time and money down the road. Living in Denver I have avoided UA up until this point, and will continue to do so.

Dallas49er

Welcome to the new and disimproved "DisAAdvantage" program, where if you ain't CK, you ain't ... poo poo. What IVY League MBA thinks that HIGHER status thresholds, combined with fewer and almost useless "benefits" is a good idea? University of Phoenix?

txflyer77

With UA, F9, WN and AS all flying nonstop on this route... I too am puzzled why one would choose AA.

safari ari

AS pulled out of this route in the early part of June. If I hadn't a clue about these routes I would have added that, I made my decision to fly AA and take a detour for an extra hour of flying, not asking for advice or sympathy around this, simply asking LAX or PHX.