Who's your "other" program?
Jun 27, 2011, 10:34 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: CHA
Programs: DL GM, Marriott Gold, HHonors Gold, Priority Plat, Nat'l Exec
Posts: 233
Who's your "other" program?
I'm interested in seeing what Delta elites view as their secondary airline program... You know, for those times when Delta isn't an option. I've got a couple of trips coming up where Delta won't be an option. I've often wondered what other airline I should try to keep up my points and/or obtain status with. There's no way my travel would support three programs.
Out of CHA we have Delta, AA, and US Air. I don't consider Allegiant or Vision options. This is FT, so I'm sure we'll have many opinions.....
So if Delta isn't your primary program, who is? Why? If Delta is your primary program, who do you consider to be your secondary?
Out of CHA we have Delta, AA, and US Air. I don't consider Allegiant or Vision options. This is FT, so I'm sure we'll have many opinions.....
So if Delta isn't your primary program, who is? Why? If Delta is your primary program, who do you consider to be your secondary?
Jun 27, 2011, 10:37 am
#2
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Enn Why Cee
Programs: DL, CO, LH, BA etc...
Posts: 1,570
I collect on Aegean so that I get the *G for a long period of time and easily (20K status miles!)
Once I make that, I credit to UA/CO because I have balances there - to keep them active and to maybe work toward a spoiling trip in SQ F or something
Once I make that, I credit to UA/CO because I have balances there - to keep them active and to maybe work toward a spoiling trip in SQ F or something
Jun 27, 2011, 10:55 am
#6
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: DAB
Programs: DL PM UA PSilver Marriott Lifetime Plat, AMEX Platinum, Avis PC, UA MPPPlus
Posts: 961
My goal this year is the same one I had last year, which is to maintain Gold status on both DL and CO. This allows for flexibility but still Elite benefits when I travel. Once I hit that goal during the year, I'll usually fly more DL the rest of the year due to roll over MQMs.
I haven't been using US out of DAB, as it's pretty much all RJs now, and will usually fly out of MCO on CO or UA if travelling on a *A carrier.
I haven't been using US out of DAB, as it's pretty much all RJs now, and will usually fly out of MCO on CO or UA if travelling on a *A carrier.
Jun 27, 2011, 10:59 am
#8
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 662
I have status through AmEx, which makes me a bit agnostic between DL, US and CO (through Sept). But I'll fly WN if they're the only direct flight (Denver, Las Vegas from RDU) and UA or AA if I'm paying and they're substantially less expensive (which never happens anymore).
That said, I've flown Delta 90% percent of the time in the last year. Their options on my specific routes, their domestic award availability and their constant top-notch mile-inflating promotions through AmEx work for me, although I understand the frustration of the non-AmEx or primarily international flyer.
That said, I've flown Delta 90% percent of the time in the last year. Their options on my specific routes, their domestic award availability and their constant top-notch mile-inflating promotions through AmEx work for me, although I understand the frustration of the non-AmEx or primarily international flyer.
Jun 27, 2011, 11:00 am
#10
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: ATL
Programs: DL SkyMiles, MR, HH, ICH/PC, Avis Pref., Hertz Gold
Posts: 2,897
Out of ATL, FL is your only other choice with a comprehensive nonstop network.
A few years ago when they matched Elite status, I used them for a while when the only other option was ASA. The Elite status back then would get you free upgrades - I really didn't care about free flights.
A few years ago when they matched Elite status, I used them for a while when the only other option was ASA. The Elite status back then would get you free upgrades - I really didn't care about free flights.
Jun 27, 2011, 11:09 am
#12
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: BDU
Programs: DL:MM, Marriott:LTT
Posts: 8,779
Based in ATL, so FL was my #2 airline. With the takeover, and my dislike of WN, I've stopped flying them. US/UA is now my #2. Between the two programs, I can get just about any airport in the country.
Jun 27, 2011, 11:16 am
#13
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Anywhere but home
Programs: UA 1K/MM, DL GM/MM, HH Dia, PC Plat, MR Gold, ALL Sil,
Posts: 4,552
I've been 95% exclusive to DL but now am booking more than half of my international travel with United. UA's FF program is superior in several respects, particularly their SWU program. So, now I'm about 70% Delta, 30% United.
Jun 27, 2011, 11:18 am
#14
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: BSL/FRA or PHL
Programs: LH Miles and More, DL SkyMiles, Bonvoy, Hilton
Posts: 2,335
I'm interested in seeing what Delta elites view as their secondary airline program... You know, for those times when Delta isn't an option. I've got a couple of trips coming up where Delta won't be an option. I've often wondered what other airline I should try to keep up my points and/or obtain status with. There's no way my travel would support three programs.
Out of CHA we have Delta, AA, and US Air. I don't consider Allegiant or Vision options. This is FT, so I'm sure we'll have many opinions.....
So if Delta isn't your primary program, who is? Why? If Delta is your primary program, who do you consider to be your secondary?
Out of CHA we have Delta, AA, and US Air. I don't consider Allegiant or Vision options. This is FT, so I'm sure we'll have many opinions.....
So if Delta isn't your primary program, who is? Why? If Delta is your primary program, who do you consider to be your secondary?
I used to be a UA Mileage+ member, but one day I looked at my account and realized I had about 140k miles in it and only 7k actual UA miles (rest was OZ and LH).
If you can stand US as your secondary carrier, *A has superior award redemption policies (IME, anyway) and *G status has great lounge access internationally.
Jun 27, 2011, 11:22 am
#15
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: CVG
Programs: Delta - PM / MM, UA 1K Starwood-Gold
Posts: 451
Before 2009, I was 100% DL. ( Except for intra-Asia flights)
Starting in 2009, I started splitting my business between DL and CO.
For the last 2 years...
CO - 120,000+ per year
DL - 100,000 per year
But now waiting to see how the CO/UA merger goes. With the introduction of EC, DL came back into the mix for International travel. But too much is uncertain for me to throw all of my miles at one carrier
Starting in 2009, I started splitting my business between DL and CO.
For the last 2 years...
CO - 120,000+ per year
DL - 100,000 per year
But now waiting to see how the CO/UA merger goes. With the introduction of EC, DL came back into the mix for International travel. But too much is uncertain for me to throw all of my miles at one carrier