switching programs
Oct 5, 2006 | 1:13 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,481
switching programs
Im currently a million miler with EP status with American Airlines. Ive lost quite a bit of trust in AA over the past year and am shopping for a new program.
I live in South America and frequently fly to Europe and the Middle East.
Continental and UA are options and either program, I think, will match my American Airlines status level. Pricing on my routes seem comparable for both UA and Continental. Which has the better frequent flyer program (UA or Continental)?
I live in South America and frequently fly to Europe and the Middle East.
Continental and UA are options and either program, I think, will match my American Airlines status level. Pricing on my routes seem comparable for both UA and Continental. Which has the better frequent flyer program (UA or Continental)?
Oct 5, 2006 | 1:18 pm
#2
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Moreland Hills (CLE)
Programs: Over-entitled UA 1.3MM Gold, AA Gold, Hilton Diamond, Marriott L-T Plat, Hertz PC
Posts: 5,527
For international travel - United (better upgrade policies).
For U.S. domestic travel - Continental (IMHO).
I always thought that AA had the better routes/times/fares to/from Latin America. However, my opinion is somewhat dated.
For U.S. domestic travel - Continental (IMHO).
I always thought that AA had the better routes/times/fares to/from Latin America. However, my opinion is somewhat dated.
Oct 5, 2006 | 1:57 pm
#3
Join Date: Jul 2004
Programs: CO Gold; SPG Gold***; AvisFirst;
Posts: 3,970
I'd say it somewhat depends on whether your SA destinations would be considered international business first on CO. If you are on routes which would be EUA-eligible, then it'd probably be CO.
Oct 5, 2006 | 9:41 pm
#4
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Washington DC
Programs: United Mileage Plus, Hilton Honors
Posts: 935
Originally Posted by Billiken
For international travel - United (better upgrade policies).
For U.S. domestic travel - Continental (IMHO).
I always thought that AA had the better routes/times/fares to/from Latin America. However, my opinion is somewhat dated.
For U.S. domestic travel - Continental (IMHO).
I always thought that AA had the better routes/times/fares to/from Latin America. However, my opinion is somewhat dated.
But I concur with Billiken. UA for upgrades and CO for quality. Note that CO upgrades are about as rare as a visit from the Tooth Fairy and their seats are cramped. UA is better but CO has a better network in the NE.
Oct 6, 2006 | 4:48 pm
#5
Suspended
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,716
Personally, I would switch to NW as you get benefits on CO flights.
Oct 6, 2006 | 4:56 pm
#6
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: ORD
Programs: AA EXP, *wood Plat, Marriott Plat
Posts: 277
I would choose UA since you will probably be on very long flights. If you don't upgrade on CO, then you are in for a very uncomfortable ride in Y. If this happens on UA, at least you will have access to E+ seating with hopefully a blocked middle seat which makes Y a little more bearable.
Oct 7, 2006 | 1:03 pm
#7
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: California
Programs: AA EXP 5 Mil, UA Global Services, BA Gold, DL Diamond, SPG Plat75, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,231
I second laloglz's suggestion. On UA, you have a backup if your upgrade does not come through. With CO, no such luck.