Mileage Plus or AAdvantage?
 

I currently have about the same amount of status miles on both my AA and UA accounts. If I make a trip to the USA later this year, I will most likely accumulate the needed 25k miles for the lowest status of one of these programs. My question is: which one will give me more benefits? Here is some background information.

This year I have had Silver Medallion status with Delta. So far I have absolutely loved it! On two of my three Delta flights this year I have been ungraded to First (domestic) and on my KUL-CGK-KUL KLM flights I was automatically put into Economy Extra. I purchased all the mentioned flights in the lowest fare classes. Of course the free baggage is also nice, but you get that from al the largest US carriers.

Which of the two programs would give me similar or better benefits for next year? I travel basically all over the world, so I really would appreciate benefits on for example Lufthansa, BA or even Finnair (in the DL/KL way) and not only on the US carriers.

Also, will the status benefits (most importantly free bags on US domestic flights) start as soon as I have accumulated the 25k miles or at some later point?

Thank you!

Once you hit 25K a few days later status kicks in and you get the benefits.

If you are planning on LH flights it's a no brainer to go with United -but AA would give you BA and Iberia . Really depends on where you are going to be flying next year.

I've had gold and plat with AA in the past (worth checking out their challenges-that might work best for you) and am currently silver with CO (which now gives me UA too as you can link UA and CO FF accounts). For a mix of US and Europe flying Delta had a lot to offer -unless you want to redeem miles -their redemption is horrible.

Both AA and UA offer the similar domestic upgrade policy that you experienced with Delta. You need to consider your travel route and carrier for next year to make your decision.

As this is not UA-specific but involves choosing among up to three programs, please follow as the thread moves to the MilesBuzz forum. Ocn Vw 1K, Moderator, United forum.

Thanks for the replies! How about, which of the two programs would give me the most benefits on European and why not Asian carriers? AA status on BA vs. UA status on LH? How about AY?

What level of status. Gold AA does not transfer to BA because BA does not have that level. Native elites on any program always have the upper hand when traveling in alliance aircraft.
here is the link

As far as 2P status on UA is Star Alliance Sliver this would not give you much:
Star Alliance Silver Benefits
Here is the link

United would be a far, far better choice for your circumstances.

As a Premier (2P) on United, you would receive Delta-like unlimited upgrades domestically. There is currently a 49% overall upgrade rate reported for 2P.

On American, you need "stickers" to upgrade - each sticker covers 500 miles of travel. Every 10k miles you fly, you earn 4 stickers. Otherwie, you have to buy upgrades at the rate of $30 per 500 miles of travel. Anecdotally, AA Gold upgrades clear somewhat more often - but if you'd rather not pay, that's no good for you.

Assuming you won't be clearing an upgrade more than 50% of the time, then, United gives you access to Economy Plus. On AA, you'll be fighting for the few exit/bulkhead seats with all the other Golds and Platinums.

For international and partner travel, the benefits are basically the same (few) in either program.

It would be worth your time to look up the specific benefits for Premier and Gold, and also oneworld Ruby and Star Alliance Silver.

This is absolutely incorrect information.

+1

Also, look at what you can get later for doing this trip.
Better Seats
On UA, you get economy plus for all elites.
On AA you can get exit rows.
Luggage
UA- *A allows 2 bags of 70 lbs each all over the world for free
AA OW allows 2 bags of 50 lbs each
Domestic Upgrades
UA - possible, but less likely as a 2P
AA - possible, but you have to buy 30$ stickers / 500 miles flown.

UA so far appears better. But, AA - this is where it can get interesting.
Take the AA platinum challenge and qualify - fly 20k miles (10k miles with higher fare classes) after July 1 (like now) and you are Plat till Feb 2013. This Plat status gets you into all OW biz class lounges with a OW ticket (either award or paid)

I think AA if you can do a challenge. YMMV

This post is excellent advice. To clarify on the AA Plat = One World Sapphire = Lounge Access angle, you get lounge access on all international tickets, regardless of class of service flown. (i.e. even though you may be in coach. + the 100% bonus on RDM is nice.

Mileage Plus.

Which program has better award redemptions to Europe out of SFO?

Thanks again for all your replies! I went for the AAdvantage option. The UA alternative sounded a little better, but it would have cost me a few hundred Euros more (+partner) to fly with UA/partners this autumn, so we went for BA/AA. Also status on AA seems like a good option for someone who is based in an AY hub.