Need to choose programs
Nov 10, 2018 | 3:13 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2018
Programs: Marriott Plat, UA Plat
Posts: 2
Need to choose programs
Hi all,
New to this forum.
I used to have status on UA - and cross status with Marriott. I left that job about a year ago and will lose all status in 2019.
At the same time I will begin in Advisory at a B4 firm (M-Thu travel, for sure) at the end of 2018. I am willing to switch to a different airline or hotel program as I am losing that status anyways.
Based out of Chicago (mostly ORD). Any advice for this newb would be most welcome.
Thanks!
New to this forum.
I used to have status on UA - and cross status with Marriott. I left that job about a year ago and will lose all status in 2019.
At the same time I will begin in Advisory at a B4 firm (M-Thu travel, for sure) at the end of 2018. I am willing to switch to a different airline or hotel program as I am losing that status anyways.
Based out of Chicago (mostly ORD). Any advice for this newb would be most welcome.
Thanks!
Nov 10, 2018 | 5:58 pm
#2
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: New York, NY
Programs: DL Gold. UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt (Lifetime Diamond downgraded to Explorist)
Posts: 6,777
Does your company have any corporate travel policies that would influence who you fly?
What are you goals from having status? Perks and/or redemptions?
Do you book your own travel?
Paid by you or via corporate card/travel agent?
Where will you travel to most?
Same for hotels?
Any credit cards?
ORD is generally owned by either UA or AA. Depending on where you’re going most, the schedule of each airline to those most common destinations and personal tastes different airlines work better for different people. AA, in general, treats elites better but if AA has limited service to your primary destinations that doesn’t mean much.
If nothing else, it’d be wise to do an AA challenge off of your UA status so you have something. Be sure to check if your company has any existing arrangements with airlines, hotels & car rental companies.
What are you goals from having status? Perks and/or redemptions?
Do you book your own travel?
Paid by you or via corporate card/travel agent?
Where will you travel to most?
Same for hotels?
Any credit cards?
ORD is generally owned by either UA or AA. Depending on where you’re going most, the schedule of each airline to those most common destinations and personal tastes different airlines work better for different people. AA, in general, treats elites better but if AA has limited service to your primary destinations that doesn’t mean much.
If nothing else, it’d be wise to do an AA challenge off of your UA status so you have something. Be sure to check if your company has any existing arrangements with airlines, hotels & car rental companies.
Nov 10, 2018 | 8:18 pm
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2018
Programs: Marriott Plat, UA Plat
Posts: 2
Thanks for the reply.
I know that it pretty much will be economy booking (but I can choose the airline). Corporate AMEX to pay for it.
I enjoy perks when I fly, and I've felt I've gotten that on United, but I hear people say AA treats elites better. I'm not sure what the specifics of that is though.
I will book my own travel and there aren't preferences to one hotel/car chain or airline, my choice really within cost.
Mostly I'll be traveling ORD to Boston, NYC, D.C., NC, Dallas, banks usually.
I have both the Chase UA Explorer and the Citi AAdvantage - have had status on both previously but liked the schedule of UA more.
How is AA better to elites? I've never had an issue with upgrades on UA, and enjoy the booking/sdc flexibility as well as the app. Is AA good in those areas?
Right now I see myself staying UA and Marriott/SPG - but I could be swayed.
I know that it pretty much will be economy booking (but I can choose the airline). Corporate AMEX to pay for it.
I enjoy perks when I fly, and I've felt I've gotten that on United, but I hear people say AA treats elites better. I'm not sure what the specifics of that is though.
I will book my own travel and there aren't preferences to one hotel/car chain or airline, my choice really within cost.
Mostly I'll be traveling ORD to Boston, NYC, D.C., NC, Dallas, banks usually.
I have both the Chase UA Explorer and the Citi AAdvantage - have had status on both previously but liked the schedule of UA more.
How is AA better to elites? I've never had an issue with upgrades on UA, and enjoy the booking/sdc flexibility as well as the app. Is AA good in those areas?
Right now I see myself staying UA and Marriott/SPG - but I could be swayed.
Nov 10, 2018 | 9:49 pm
#4
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: WAS
Programs: Free Agent
Posts: 1,775