Ok - I need just 3k miles for the next status level on Detla and just 4k miles for the next status level on United. I have one trip coming up on the 31st of December. I can qualify for the next level with either airline (Delta or United) but not both. Questions is - If I can only get enough for miles for the next level on just one airline - which one am I better off doing? Would I rather be Premier with Delta or United? The hub city makes no difference as they both fly where I need. So all things being equal, which program should I do?

Thanks!

I'd go for UA - only because SkyMiles roll-over.

As this topic isn't about mileage runs but rather comparing two FFP I'll move it over to the Information Desk for others to offer their input.

tcook052
Mileage Run Forum Moderator

Thanks.

I agree. As a current Diamond Medallion, all the BS about valuing our business on DL is just that. What they really value is the high dollar spenders no matter what SkyPeso level they are. It's only getting worse and worse. Not all supposed partners will allow you to accrue SkyPeso MQM's. So why have a partner and why use them is you can't accrue mileage? I can't figure that one out. Skyteam (and the term team is a sarcastic term) is the weakest alliance out there.

I am looking to run from the skypeso program myself.

I am in a situation that is similar yet entirely different.

I too am choosing between UA and DL for 2014, but this is because I am moving from the EWR area to the CVG area. I just reached Platinum on UA and am considering a possible status match to DL. This year I think was an unusual occurrence that I would reach Platinum, if I matched to Delta I would probably reach only Gold by the end of the 90 days (especially because its so hard to reach Platinum on their match program). My travel is mostly business, where I am required to choose the cheapest flight between two points (within reason), but some personal.

Factors to consider:

-DL has more direct flights ex-CVG but you never know when they might cut down on these
-Partner airlines--with US airways leaving Star Alliance after March it will be harder to rig my business flights to earn miles on UA. DL has Alaska and Virgin (I think), UA has Air Canada. Most of my flying is confined to North America.
-Already have 100K lifetime miles with United (after not even two years of traveling with them), and if I have any hopes of getting to Million Miler status I need to be consistent.
-Crossover rewards, Sheraton with DL vs. Marriott with UA. I've been sticking with Hilton and IHG until now because they tend to have better price points.
-Prices for a lot of routes seem to be roughly equal for the two airlines, maybe a little bit less with DL
-My wife has *G through Aegean. This is a bonus in favor of United since we can use the lounge if we travel together. But it's also a bonus in favor of Delta since between the two of us we'd have benefits on two different alliances.
-Mileage redemption is worse with DL, but UA is getting worse as well. On the other hand, DL miles don't expire. I currently have 240K miles with UA and 0 with DL
-My Chase Sapphire preferred points can transfer into UA, but not DL, though it could transfer to DL partner Korean.

Advice is greatly appreciated. I have a flight that I'll probably need to book by 1/2 and I'd like to get the year started off in the right direction.

This question comes up quite frequently and my sense of the plurality (majority?) opinion is:

Delta treats you better vs. United has easier award redemption

My personal philosophy is to fly paid flights on Delta and sign up for credit cards that earn on United. Then I can enjoy elite perks on my economy class tickets on an airline that loves me and also redeem premium cabin space with (relative) ease, which is a situation where elite status perks matter less.

DL MQMs rollover only if one achieves Silver (25,000 status miles or 30 segments) or higher. Also, the value of rollover will be limited next year by the MQD (or waiver based on legitimate foreign address or $25,000 spend on DL AmEx cards) requirements.