Commuting between SFO and NYC for next 6 months - best carrier to get upgrades often?
Jan 9, 2015, 7:58 pm
#31
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 20
I gave her my conf # for flight this weekend. I then told her I would like to use South African voyager miles. She told me 15K of voyager miles + $75 would get me an upgrade to businessFirst on this flight. As it's SFO - JFK there isn't first class, it's the premium service aircraft.
I asked was there an actual seat available for this upgrade, she said yes, there was one seat available. This was Tues I think, for a flight on the weekend.
Jan 9, 2015, 8:03 pm
#32
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 609
If traveling in business class is important to you (e.g., in order to survive the 3x/month trips), I'd try to book business class on Jet Blue when their $599 fare is available. Otherwise, as other poster said, AA looks much better (and AA's mileage upgrade cost seems more reasonable, i.e., lower co-pay and mileage requirements for deep discount coach fares).
Jan 9, 2015, 8:07 pm
#33
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 20
Its possible that the agent thought you were redeeming UA miles for the mileage upgrade. $75 plus 15k UA miles on M/E/U fare appears just about right. If your fare bucket is in L, then co-pay/mileage requirement would be $250 plus 20k UA miles each way on the p.s. route -- imho that's not a good use of cash and UA miles.
If traveling in business class is important to you (e.g., in order to survive the 3x/month trips), I'd try to book business class on Jet Blue when their $599 fare is available. Otherwise, as other poster said, AA looks much better (and AA's mileage upgrade cost seems more reasonable, i.e., lower co-pay and mileage requirements for deep discount coach fares).
If traveling in business class is important to you (e.g., in order to survive the 3x/month trips), I'd try to book business class on Jet Blue when their $599 fare is available. Otherwise, as other poster said, AA looks much better (and AA's mileage upgrade cost seems more reasonable, i.e., lower co-pay and mileage requirements for deep discount coach fares).
Do you have any opinion on AA versus United's product in economy for this route?
Jan 9, 2015, 11:12 pm
#34
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 609
One thing (in favor of UA) you might want take into consideration besides the frequency of service, is probably the same day change (SDC) policy on UA. UA defines "same day" as +/- 24 hour window of the flight (more generous than other legacy airlines) if there is space available (in the same fare bucket of your booked flight), and once you reach Gold or higher elite status there is no fee to change your flight in this manner. You can check the UA forum for the particulars on how best to take advantage of SDC.
Last edited by deltame; Jan 9, 2015 at 11:27 pm
Jan 10, 2015, 12:04 am
#35
Join Date: Jan 2014
Programs: Amtrak Guest Rewards (SE), Virgin America Elevate, Hyatt Gold Passport (Platinum), VIA Preference
Posts: 3,147
Granted I am biased, but I'd argue for Virgin. Absent any specials (and Virgin has run some impressive specials) you basically get a straight 10-11% back from the FF program, and that goes to 16-18% with the credit card. You've got 6x daily non-stops and 2x daily one-stop/no-change-of-plane flights from SFO to one of the NYC-area airports. Their advance fares are hard to beat in their Main Cabin (you're mostly looking at about $170 each way).
IMHO the strongest argument for them is the fact that they're unlikely to engage in any major devaluations and what-have-you (everyone else is switching to badly devalued models from what I can tell, with AA only being a bit behind the others due to the merger). There's also the fact that if you fly enough to somehow get into Gold (which isn't cheap, but you're flying enough that it could happen depending on how far in advance you book) you can add another 10-11%...so Gold plus the CC gets you to a bit under 30% of your value back absent any specials.
Something also worth noting is that while VX is a bit thin on the complementary upgrades, their premium economy product is about as good as "First Class" on any of the other lines, and their First Class product is flat-out amazing (and there are some deals to be had if you're willing to connect somewhere along the line). In all sincerity, my view is that chasing status and whatnot on the legacies really isn't worth what you get.
Failing VX, JetBlue does seem to be the second-best option out there airline-wise. The problem with both United and AA is that they're down to 31" in a lot of the transcon coach seats, while JetBlue is still at 33" even after the latest shifts if I'm not mistaken, while Virgin is at 32".
(For the record, I do not think I've ever flown United or AA, and though I could probably qualify a few USAir flights as technically being AA now...that would have been back in the 90s).
IMHO the strongest argument for them is the fact that they're unlikely to engage in any major devaluations and what-have-you (everyone else is switching to badly devalued models from what I can tell, with AA only being a bit behind the others due to the merger). There's also the fact that if you fly enough to somehow get into Gold (which isn't cheap, but you're flying enough that it could happen depending on how far in advance you book) you can add another 10-11%...so Gold plus the CC gets you to a bit under 30% of your value back absent any specials.
Something also worth noting is that while VX is a bit thin on the complementary upgrades, their premium economy product is about as good as "First Class" on any of the other lines, and their First Class product is flat-out amazing (and there are some deals to be had if you're willing to connect somewhere along the line). In all sincerity, my view is that chasing status and whatnot on the legacies really isn't worth what you get.
Failing VX, JetBlue does seem to be the second-best option out there airline-wise. The problem with both United and AA is that they're down to 31" in a lot of the transcon coach seats, while JetBlue is still at 33" even after the latest shifts if I'm not mistaken, while Virgin is at 32".
(For the record, I do not think I've ever flown United or AA, and though I could probably qualify a few USAir flights as technically being AA now...that would have been back in the 90s).
Last edited by GrayAnderson; Jan 10, 2015 at 12:19 am
Jan 10, 2015, 8:35 am
#36
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 20
Granted I am biased, but I'd argue for Virgin. Absent any specials (and Virgin has run some impressive specials) you basically get a straight 10-11% back from the FF program, and that goes to 16-18% with the credit card. You've got 6x daily non-stops and 2x daily one-stop/no-change-of-plane flights from SFO to one of the NYC-area airports. Their advance fares are hard to beat in their Main Cabin (you're mostly looking at about $170 each way).
IMHO the strongest argument for them is the fact that they're unlikely to engage in any major devaluations and what-have-you (everyone else is switching to badly devalued models from what I can tell, with AA only being a bit behind the others due to the merger). There's also the fact that if you fly enough to somehow get into Gold (which isn't cheap, but you're flying enough that it could happen depending on how far in advance you book) you can add another 10-11%...so Gold plus the CC gets you to a bit under 30% of your value back absent any specials.
Something also worth noting is that while VX is a bit thin on the complementary upgrades, their premium economy product is about as good as "First Class" on any of the other lines, and their First Class product is flat-out amazing (and there are some deals to be had if you're willing to connect somewhere along the line). In all sincerity, my view is that chasing status and whatnot on the legacies really isn't worth what you get.
Failing VX, JetBlue does seem to be the second-best option out there airline-wise. The problem with both United and AA is that they're down to 31" in a lot of the transcon coach seats, while JetBlue is still at 33" even after the latest shifts if I'm not mistaken, while Virgin is at 32".
(For the record, I do not think I've ever flown United or AA, and though I could probably qualify a few USAir flights as technically being AA now...that would have been back in the 90s).
IMHO the strongest argument for them is the fact that they're unlikely to engage in any major devaluations and what-have-you (everyone else is switching to badly devalued models from what I can tell, with AA only being a bit behind the others due to the merger). There's also the fact that if you fly enough to somehow get into Gold (which isn't cheap, but you're flying enough that it could happen depending on how far in advance you book) you can add another 10-11%...so Gold plus the CC gets you to a bit under 30% of your value back absent any specials.
Something also worth noting is that while VX is a bit thin on the complementary upgrades, their premium economy product is about as good as "First Class" on any of the other lines, and their First Class product is flat-out amazing (and there are some deals to be had if you're willing to connect somewhere along the line). In all sincerity, my view is that chasing status and whatnot on the legacies really isn't worth what you get.
Failing VX, JetBlue does seem to be the second-best option out there airline-wise. The problem with both United and AA is that they're down to 31" in a lot of the transcon coach seats, while JetBlue is still at 33" even after the latest shifts if I'm not mistaken, while Virgin is at 32".
(For the record, I do not think I've ever flown United or AA, and though I could probably qualify a few USAir flights as technically being AA now...that would have been back in the 90s).
Jan 10, 2015, 12:31 pm
#38
Join Date: Dec 2004
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Titanium, UA Silver, Hilton Gold, Hertz Pres Circle
Posts: 1,509
I'm pretty sure the information the UA rep gave you is inaccurate. I don't see UA having any way to deduct SAA miles. Any use of SAA miles would have to go through SAA.
Also, don't count on channel 9 actually being turned on on the flight. It's at the "captain's discretion." To me, it's definitely not a reason to fly UA, more like oh I'm flying UA today, great might get to listen to channel 9.
Agree that AA's program is the best these days. Like a previous poster said though, VX really gives a nice rebate on fares through it's Elevate program - your points are 10-15% of the fare to book future travel. Elites on VX get comp upgrades to Main Cabin Select (premium economy) within 24 hours of flight. And they've got 4 or 5 JFK-SFO, plus 3 flights to EWR as well in case of emergency.
Also, don't count on channel 9 actually being turned on on the flight. It's at the "captain's discretion." To me, it's definitely not a reason to fly UA, more like oh I'm flying UA today, great might get to listen to channel 9.
Agree that AA's program is the best these days. Like a previous poster said though, VX really gives a nice rebate on fares through it's Elevate program - your points are 10-15% of the fare to book future travel. Elites on VX get comp upgrades to Main Cabin Select (premium economy) within 24 hours of flight. And they've got 4 or 5 JFK-SFO, plus 3 flights to EWR as well in case of emergency.
Jan 10, 2015, 1:18 pm
#39
Moderator, OneWorld
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: SEA
Programs: RAA RIP; AA ExEXP
Posts: 11,833
<Beating dead horse>
I did some more math and determined that 18 round trips SFO-JFK, the first two of which would be SFO-DFW-LGA-ORD-SFO in a YUP fare (for the Platinum challenge) and the rest simple discount economy SFO-JFK-SFO nonstops, with one weekend mileage run (say, SFO-DFW-SJU-DFW-SFO) thrown in somewhere along the line, would end up with the following AA totals:
Total spend, using cheapest ITA fares - $8870 (includes Plat challenge fee)
Elite qualifying miles - 100,875 (Executive Platinum)
Redeemable miles - 201,750
Flights eligible for MCE (= UA E+) or better at booking: 100%
500-mi upgrade "stickers" earned - 36
Elite check-in and security - 100%
Extra baggage allowance - 100%
Systemwide upgrades available at end - 8
</beating>
I did some more math and determined that 18 round trips SFO-JFK, the first two of which would be SFO-DFW-LGA-ORD-SFO in a YUP fare (for the Platinum challenge) and the rest simple discount economy SFO-JFK-SFO nonstops, with one weekend mileage run (say, SFO-DFW-SJU-DFW-SFO) thrown in somewhere along the line, would end up with the following AA totals:
Total spend, using cheapest ITA fares - $8870 (includes Plat challenge fee)
Elite qualifying miles - 100,875 (Executive Platinum)
Redeemable miles - 201,750
Flights eligible for MCE (= UA E+) or better at booking: 100%
500-mi upgrade "stickers" earned - 36
Elite check-in and security - 100%
Extra baggage allowance - 100%
Systemwide upgrades available at end - 8
</beating>
Jan 10, 2015, 1:58 pm
#40
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BOS
Posts: 15,027
Jan 10, 2015, 3:54 pm
#41
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: SFO
Programs: AA Plat, HH Diamond, SPG Gold, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 49
Do you have any opinion on AA versus United's product in economy for this route?[/QUOTE]
I've flown SFO-JFK at least 15 round trips over the last two years. Although I'm an AA Plat (which I originally got through a Challenge!
), I have also flown on United a number of times on the PS flights in both E+ and Business.
My flexible schedule has allowed me to pick and choose the flights with the most availability. As a result, I've been very successful with my AA upgrade requests. The A321B is a wonderful way to transcon, especially on the longer westbound flights. The MCE seats seem very narrow to me but nothing terrible.
Business on the United PS flights are very comparable to the AA product. I really enjoyed my flights even when I was in E+. FWIW, United's IFE is extensive and fantastic.
All in all, I'd suggest AA based on my experiences. I also really dislike UA's move to income-based requirements since I fly on deep discount fares.
Hope that helps!
I've flown SFO-JFK at least 15 round trips over the last two years. Although I'm an AA Plat (which I originally got through a Challenge!
), I have also flown on United a number of times on the PS flights in both E+ and Business.My flexible schedule has allowed me to pick and choose the flights with the most availability. As a result, I've been very successful with my AA upgrade requests. The A321B is a wonderful way to transcon, especially on the longer westbound flights. The MCE seats seem very narrow to me but nothing terrible.
Business on the United PS flights are very comparable to the AA product. I really enjoyed my flights even when I was in E+. FWIW, United's IFE is extensive and fantastic.
All in all, I'd suggest AA based on my experiences. I also really dislike UA's move to income-based requirements since I fly on deep discount fares.
Hope that helps!
Apr 24, 2015, 9:26 am
#42
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 20
Update to the thread. Thanks for all the info and replies everyone.
I ended up going with United. First step was doing a status challenge. Started on a Premier Silver status challenge, but shifted that to Premier Platinum (requested via email) as I realized I could hit that target (18,000 PQM in 90 days).
I didn't realize at the time, but with the challenge I was instantly upgraded to Premier Platinum for the 90 days. So instant access to economy plus seats and boarding group 1 every time.
I flew United - SFO - JFK 3 times in last 90 days, everytime in economy plus. Thought it was great. I also flew Jetblue JFK-SFO once. I prefer United for the ability to listen to the pilot, and for SFO-JFK the number of flight times per day was/is great for me time.
I met the challenge requirements so will be Platinum for rest of year. Had good overall experience with United.
I ended up going with United. First step was doing a status challenge. Started on a Premier Silver status challenge, but shifted that to Premier Platinum (requested via email) as I realized I could hit that target (18,000 PQM in 90 days).
I didn't realize at the time, but with the challenge I was instantly upgraded to Premier Platinum for the 90 days. So instant access to economy plus seats and boarding group 1 every time.
I flew United - SFO - JFK 3 times in last 90 days, everytime in economy plus. Thought it was great. I also flew Jetblue JFK-SFO once. I prefer United for the ability to listen to the pilot, and for SFO-JFK the number of flight times per day was/is great for me time.
I met the challenge requirements so will be Platinum for rest of year. Had good overall experience with United.