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Best FF Program when flying LGA to LAX every week?
I currently have most of my points at DL and a decent amount at United. I also just recently signed up for the Amex DL Gold card and was planning with sticking with them. Would I get any benefits from fly this often with another carrier?
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Please forgive me if you’re aware of this but I don’t think any airline flies LGA-LAX nonstop. I have flown LGA-LAX (with a stop) occasionally, to increase miles or increase chances of an upgrade or for a lower airfare, but if I had to do it every week I’d certainly drive the extra 20-30 minutes to JFK (from which several airlines fly nonstop to LAX). The stop increases total travel time by at least 1-1.5 hours and doubles the chances of a delay. Once in a while that’s all worth it, every week is another story.
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Originally Posted by Dr Jabadski
(Post 19423881)
Please forgive me if you’re aware of this but I don’t think any airline flies LGA-LAX nonstop. I have flown LGA-LAX (with a stop) occasionally, to increase miles or increase chances of an upgrade or for a lower airfare, but if I had to do it every week I’d certainly drive the extra 20-30 minutes to JFK (from which several airlines fly nonstop to LAX). The stop increases total travel time by at least 1-1.5 hours and doubles the chances of a delay. Once in a while that’s all worth it, every week is another story.
Especially if price does not matter, I'd recommend going with a frequent flyer program that gives you systemwide upgrades (SWUs) if you fly 100,000+ miles per year (and you will... you should break 250,000 miles per calendar year on your schedule). I think that means AA or UA would be ideal (I believe one or both give you incremental SWUs the more you fly; someone else, please clarify this). DL's SWUs are hard to use. As for upgrade percentage, I'm not sure which of DL, AA or UA is best. Perhaps others can chime in. As for quality of the product, both in Y and up front, I'm also not sure about the differences/intricacies. Hopefully, others can chime in on this, too. It might be worthwhile, by the way, to choose 2 programs and hit the highest tier with each of them. That said, you may not enjoy the process of hitting that highest tier, especially on AA (you only get unlimited upgrades at their highest tier, Executive Platinum, which takes 100,000 miles to hit (granted, the JFK-LAX upgrade is generally tough at lower tiers on other airlines anyway)). All that said, I'm not entirely sure what's most important to you. If you can tell us, that would be great. Things that might be important to you are flight frequency, flights at specific times, upgrade %, quality of product, frequent flyer perks (like SWUs), mile accumulation (i.e. best/highest RDM bonuses for elites), ease of award redemption, etc. Let us know. (Also, I can certainly tell you which program(s) I'd choose, if I were you, and why... but my preferences/priorities may differ from yours.) |
Originally Posted by Yarhead
(Post 19423971)
DL's SWUs are hard to use.
As for upgrade percentage, I'm not sure which of DL, AA or UA is best. Perhaps others can chime in. As for quality of the product, both in Y and up front, I'm also not sure about the differences/intricacies. Hopefully, others can chime in on this, too. For JFK-LAX, upgrades will be tough anywhere. AA only gives UGs to 100K flyers and makes lower tiers apply with 5 upgrade stickers. UA requires RPUs (regional SWUs) for JFK-LAX. Delta includes JFK-LAX on complimentary upgrades but with a 16-person cabin, usually no one below Diamond/Platinum will get upgraded during business hours. However, a SWU puts you at the top of the list. DL runs 757s with Business Elite and some Economy Comfort. UA is changing to 2-cabin 757s with Business First and some E+. Right now, AA doesn't have a "Economy Plus" product on their 767s, but should when they start their A321s in the future. |
This makes me think that UA should be "out" as an option, because even at top tier, there won't be an upgrade chance without RPUs. With DL and American, there's an upgrade chance (albeit only at Executive Platinum with AA). The other plus of focusing on AA and DL is that they have a lot of routes from LGA (and JFK), whereas UA does not, so if you need to fly to other destinations at some point, AA and DL will be convenient.
Based on upgrades (again, not sure what the OP is seeking), I'd aim to reach 100K miles with AA (to reach Exec Plat) and 125K with Delta (to reach Diamond, which also gets lounge access, if I recall correctly). You should end up flying enough to reach top tier on each of those airlines. After you hit the 50K level on either airline, you might be able to status match to a *A carrier like TK so that you can at least have lounge access if you ever need to fly UA (or US to other locations).
Originally Posted by amolkold
(Post 19424256)
DL SWUs are a pain internationally, less so domestically (only need K+ fare).
For JFK-LAX, upgrades will be tough anywhere. AA only gives UGs to 100K flyers and makes lower tiers apply with 5 upgrade stickers. UA requires RPUs (regional SWUs) for JFK-LAX. Delta includes JFK-LAX on complimentary upgrades but with a 16-person cabin, usually no one below Diamond/Platinum will get upgraded during business hours. However, a SWU puts you at the top of the list. DL runs 757s with Business Elite and some Economy Comfort. UA is changing to 2-cabin 757s with Business First and some E+. Right now, AA doesn't have a "Economy Plus" product on their 767s, but should when they start their A321s in the future. |
As already hinted, the JFK-LAX upgrade is rough. On AA, if you aren't EXP, you pretty much will not have a chance at getting the upgrade even using stickers unless you fly at off-times (and even then it's not easy).
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Originally Posted by Dr Jabadski
(Post 19423881)
Please forgive me if you’re aware of this but I don’t think any airline flies LGA-LAX nonstop.
Although I am biased toward AA, I must recommend them especially if you can make EXP. You don't say what class of service you fly this route in, but AA will soon be the only carrier to offer three class service on JFK-LAX, and once their new A321s start coming in, they should have a very decent product, including horizontal lie flat seats in F and J. As an EXP, you should have a chance of a free upgrade clearing, depending on how far ahead you book. As of right now, AA's SWUs are also the most flexible, in that they can be used on any fare. UA's SWU can only be used on W fares or above, which can get quite expensive. DL's SWUs are also considerably more restrictive than AA's. Yarhead makes a good point that it will depend on your own personal preferences, and what is important to us may not be as important to you. |
Originally Posted by amolkold
(Post 19424256)
For JFK-LAX, upgrades will be tough anywhere. AA only gives UGs to 100K flyers and makes lower tiers apply with 5 upgrade stickers. UA requires RPUs (regional SWUs) for JFK-LAX. Delta includes JFK-LAX on complimentary upgrades but with a 16-person cabin, usually no one below Diamond/Platinum will get upgraded during business hours. However, a SWU puts you at the top of the list.
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Originally Posted by Dr Jabadski
(Post 19423881)
Please forgive me if you’re aware of this but I don’t think any airline flies LGA-LAX nonstop. I have flown LGA-LAX (with a stop) occasionally, to increase miles or increase chances of an upgrade or for a lower airfare, but if I had to do it every week I’d certainly drive the extra 20-30 minutes to JFK (from which several airlines fly nonstop to LAX). The stop increases total travel time by at least 1-1.5 hours and doubles the chances of a delay. Once in a while that’s all worth it, every week is another story.
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Originally Posted by Yarhead
(Post 19423971)
Exactly. I take it this will be a flight for work? Assuming you don't want to connect every time, I recommend going with JFK rather than EWR as your new airport, because JFK has 5 non-stop options to LAX: AA, UA, DL, VX and B6. All these options will be useful for you at times, especially if something goes wrong (EWR only has AA and UA flying to LAX). The legacy airlines (AA/UA/DL) should be the way to go as far as perks, etc.
Especially if price does not matter, I'd recommend going with a frequent flyer program that gives you systemwide upgrades (SWUs) if you fly 100,000+ miles per year (and you will... you should break 250,000 miles per calendar year on your schedule). I think that means AA or UA would be ideal (I believe one or both give you incremental SWUs the more you fly; someone else, please clarify this). DL's SWUs are hard to use. As for upgrade percentage, I'm not sure which of DL, AA or UA is best. Perhaps others can chime in. As for quality of the product, both in Y and up front, I'm also not sure about the differences/intricacies. Hopefully, others can chime in on this, too. It might be worthwhile, by the way, to choose 2 programs and hit the highest tier with each of them. That said, you may not enjoy the process of hitting that highest tier, especially on AA (you only get unlimited upgrades at their highest tier, Executive Platinum, which takes 100,000 miles to hit (granted, the JFK-LAX upgrade is generally tough at lower tiers on other airlines anyway)). All that said, I'm not entirely sure what's most important to you. If you can tell us, that would be great. Things that might be important to you are flight frequency, flights at specific times, upgrade %, quality of product, frequent flyer perks (like SWUs), mile accumulation (i.e. best/highest RDM bonuses for elites), ease of award redemption, etc. Let us know. (Also, I can certainly tell you which program(s) I'd choose, if I were you, and why... but my preferences/priorities may differ from yours.) Flight frequency would be nice but not necessary. I will probably be flying out the same time every Sunday and Thursday. High upgrade % isn't so important but would be nice. I believe mile accumlation and ease of award redemption would be the most important to me. Since I am just starting to travel this much for work, my preferences may change with time (Upgrade % might be the #1 choice). |
Originally Posted by amolkold
(Post 19424256)
DL SWUs are a pain internationally, less so domestically (only need K+ fare).
For JFK-LAX, upgrades will be tough anywhere. AA only gives UGs to 100K flyers and makes lower tiers apply with 5 upgrade stickers. UA requires RPUs (regional SWUs) for JFK-LAX. Delta includes JFK-LAX on complimentary upgrades but with a 16-person cabin, usually no one below Diamond/Platinum will get upgraded during business hours. However, a SWU puts you at the top of the list. DL runs 757s with Business Elite and some Economy Comfort. UA is changing to 2-cabin 757s with Business First and some E+. Right now, AA doesn't have a "Economy Plus" product on their 767s, but should when they start their A321s in the future. And is there a website that breaks down all the different fare codes? |
Originally Posted by calguy32
(Post 19426791)
Please excuse my ignorance, but could you tell me what RPUs and SWUs are?
And is there a website that breaks down all the different fare codes? Their intended use is international upgrades to business class on expensive (last minute) typically company bought coach tickets. Often, their greatest and best use is for stealing the upgrades from a diamond on an otherwise hard-to upgrade flight :). Around ~80% went unused when all platinums got them. I guess they're now renamed "systemwide upgrades": http://www.delta.com/skymiles/about_...erts/index.jsp |
Originally Posted by calguy32
(Post 19426781)
I believe mile accumlation and ease of award redemption would be the most important to me.
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Originally Posted by hindukid
(Post 19426862)
Skymiles are often referred to as skypiles because they are not good for anything.
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Originally Posted by sk8uno
(Post 19424413)
As already hinted, the JFK-LAX upgrade is rough. On AA, if you aren't EXP, you pretty much will not have a chance at getting the upgrade even using stickers unless you fly at off-times (and even then it's not easy).
While I'm currently booked to about 225k EQM for the year, I won't comtemplate actively collecting Skypesos by focusing on DL (in addition to AA/UA). |
Originally Posted by calguy32
(Post 19426781)
Thanks for all this information.
Flight frequency would be nice but not necessary. I will probably be flying out the same time every Sunday and Thursday. High upgrade % isn't so important but would be nice. I believe mile accumlation and ease of award redemption would be the most important to me. Since I am just starting to travel this much for work, my preferences may change with time (Upgrade % might be the #1 choice). |
Originally Posted by Yarhead
(Post 19427069)
This response is very helpful. I already have an idea as to how you should take it from here. I'm currently drafting it. The other thing I'm wondering is whether you at all plan to do other travel besides JFK-LAX, and also to which destinations you'd likely book your award tickets.
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Originally Posted by Yarhead
(Post 19427069)
This response is very helpful. I already have an idea as to how you should take it from here. I'm currently drafting it. The other thing I'm wondering is whether you at all plan to do other travel besides JFK-LAX, and also to which destinations you'd likely book your award tickets.
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Although the JFK flights are much nicer - i'd consider flying into EWR on UA. Those flights are eligible for complimentary upgrades and many have the lie flat seats from the former continental international 757s.
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Originally Posted by ericcheung
(Post 19427239)
Although the JFK flights are much nicer - i'd consider flying into EWR on UA. Those flights are eligible for complimentary upgrades and many have the lie flat seats from the former continental international 757s.
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Originally Posted by calguy32
(Post 19426781)
Thanks for all this information.
Flight frequency would be nice but not necessary. I will probably be flying out the same time every Sunday and Thursday. High upgrade % isn't so important but would be nice. I believe mile accumlation and ease of award redemption would be the most important to me. Since I am just starting to travel this much for work, my preferences may change with time (Upgrade % might be the #1 choice). Based on what you typed above: Mileage Accumulation Rankings: 1. DL (25% bonus after 25K MQM, 100% bonus after 50K MQM, 100% bonus after 75K MQM, 125% bonus after 125K MQM) -Source: Delta website 2. AA (25% bonus after 25K EQM, 100% bonus after 50K EQM, 100% bonus after 100K EQM) -Source: AA Website 3. UA (25% bonus after 25K PQM, 50% bonus after 50K PQM, 75% bonus after 75K PQM, 100% bonus after 100K PQM) -Source: UA Website Ease of Award Redemption Rankings: 1. UA 2. AA 3. DL (distant 3rd) By most accounts, UA is best for easy online redemption and excellent availability (even for most partners). AA also is pretty good (with excellent off peak international redemption rates along with discounts on some domestic destinations if you carry their credit card), but they're somewhat handicapped by a more limited array of international offerings and a less stout route network on Oneworld rather than UA's Star Alliance. DL falls very, very far behind in online booking capability AND award availability (for award availability, note that they're very stingy with awards on their own metal; awards on partners are often available, but they're usually difficult or impossible to book online, with few exceptions). Upgrade Percentage: 1. AA 2. DL 3. UA (distant 3rd) From my understanding, you'd likely see the most regular upgrades on AA, especially because they only give automatic upgrades to their top tier, Executive Platinum, elites. You reach that tier after only 21ish round trips (or after finding a way for them to match other status you've earned; used to be tricky on AA, but you might find luck if you try to go that route; window has opened recently, especially for UA 1Ks, but it may close by the time itd be relevant for you). Also, you get SWUs when you hit Executive Platinum with AA. They're most valuable for paid international flights, but if you end up really wanting to guarantee a domestic upgrade, you can use them on those too. DL Diamond status would put you in good shape for DL upgrades. Also, have in mind that on some of your work fares (if in a high fare class), you may also use the more-limited-than-AA upgrade certs that DL gives you when reaching high status levels. Have in mind that when you reach Diamond status, you also get free DL airport lounge access, which might be nice pre-flight. Also, ponying up for the DL Reserve Amex wouldn't hurt, though even without it, you'd be in better shape than with UA. From what I understand from other posts, UA does not complimentarily upgrade any of its elites on JFK-LAX, and EWR-LAX (if convenient for you, that's another story, but if not...) is apparently tough to come by re: upgrades. So UA seems to lose in the upgrade category on the NYC-LAX route. Remember that JFK-LAX is, in general, tough to upgrade, but you should be strategic about this, because you might find that with your rigorous travel schedule, upgrades will become more important than you expect. Conclusion: I'm happy to give some analysis about what I think you should do, based on the above and possibly other factors, in an upcoming post. |
My Gut Feeling on What You Should Do
Really, my gut feeling on what you should do depends partially on when you will begin (and potentially end) your travel schedule and how many elite qualifying miles and on which airlines you've already banked this year.
That said: Based on what you're looking for, AA seems to be best (mainly and only after achieving Executive Platinum), and DL is not far behind, even though DL gets a bad rap for its difficulty with online award booking. UA would be more of a contender if it had upgrade potential, due to its ease of award booking (but remember that mileage accumulation is weaker). I know you mentioned that upgrade potential isn't as much of a priority right now but could be in the future... if there's at all a chance it will become a priority, then I'd recommend going with DL/AA if your regular, long distance flying is relevant long-term. I could take my actual advice in several different directions, but it'll all depend on exactly when your new flying schedule begins and ends, and what happens after that. Please let me know.
Originally Posted by Yarhead
(Post 19427472)
Take a good look at the 3 websites below. You would end up earning top tier status on whichever 1 or 2 airline(s) you choose. But keep in mind the lower tiers, as you will hit those tiers on the way to top tier.
Based on what you typed above: Mileage Accumulation Rankings: 1. DL (25% bonus after 25K MQM, 100% bonus after 50K MQM, 100% bonus after 75K MQM, 125% bonus after 125K MQM) -Source: Delta website 2. AA (25% bonus after 25K EQM, 100% bonus after 50K EQM, 100% bonus after 100K EQM) -Source: AA Website 3. UA (25% bonus after 25K PQM, 50% bonus after 50K PQM, 75% bonus after 75K PQM, 100% bonus after 100K PQM) -Source: UA Website Ease of Award Redemption Rankings: 1. UA 2. AA 3. DL (distant 3rd) By most accounts, UA is best for easy online redemption and excellent availability (even for most partners). AA also is pretty good (with excellent off peak international redemption rates along with discounts on some domestic destinations if you carry their credit card), but they're somewhat handicapped by a more limited array of international offerings and a less stout route network on Oneworld rather than UA's Star Alliance. DL falls very, very far behind in online booking capability AND award availability (for award availability, note that they're very stingy with awards on their own metal; awards on partners are often available, but they're usually difficult or impossible to book online, with few exceptions). Upgrade Percentage: 1. AA 2. DL 3. UA (distant 3rd) From my understanding, you'd likely see the most regular upgrades on AA, especially because they only give automatic upgrades to their top tier, Executive Platinum, elites. You reach that tier after only 21ish round trips (or after finding a way for them to match other status you've earned; used to be tricky on AA, but you might find luck if you try to go that route; window has opened recently, especially for UA 1Ks, but it may close by the time itd be relevant for you). Also, you get SWUs when you hit Executive Platinum with AA. They're most valuable for paid international flights, but if you end up really wanting to guarantee a domestic upgrade, you can use them on those too. DL Diamond status would put you in good shape for DL upgrades. Also, have in mind that on some of your work fares (if in a high fare class), you may also use the more-limited-than-AA upgrade certs that DL gives you when reaching high status levels. Have in mind that when you reach Diamond status, you also get free DL airport lounge access, which might be nice pre-flight. Also, ponying up for the DL Reserve Amex wouldn't hurt, though even without it, you'd be in better shape than with UA. From what I understand from other posts, UA does not complimentarily upgrade any of its elites on JFK-LAX, and EWR-LAX (if convenient for you, that's another story, but if not...) is apparently tough to come by re: upgrades. So UA seems to lose in the upgrade category on the NYC-LAX route. Remember that JFK-LAX is, in general, tough to upgrade, but you should be strategic about this, because you might find that with your rigorous travel schedule, upgrades will become more important than you expect. Conclusion: I'm happy to give some analysis about what I think you should do, based on the above and possibly other factors, in an upcoming post. |
Originally Posted by Yarhead
(Post 19427472)
Mileage Accumulation Rankings:
1. DL (25% bonus after 25K MQM, 100% bonus after 50K MQM, 100% bonus after 75K MQM, 125% bonus after 125K MQM) -Source: Delta website 2. AA (25% bonus after 25K EQM, 100% bonus after 50K EQM, 100% bonus after 100K EQM) -Source: AA Website
Originally Posted by Yarhead
(Post 19427472)
From my understanding, you'd likely see the most regular upgrades on AA, especially because they only give automatic upgrades to their top tier, Executive Platinum, elites.
Originally Posted by Yarhead
(Post 19427472)
Also, you get SWUs when you hit Executive Platinum with AA. They're most valuable for paid international flights, but if you end up really wanting to guarantee a domestic upgrade, you can use them on those too.
The new lie-flat business class is rolling out next month, so I'm a very EXP right now.
Originally Posted by Yarhead
(Post 19427472)
From what I understand from other posts, UA does not complimentarily upgrade any of its elites on JFK-LAX, and EWR-LAX (if convenient for you, that's another story, but if not...) is apparently tough to come by re: upgrades. So UA seems to lose in the upgrade category on the NYC-LAX route.
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FlyerChrisK, excellent insight all around! I hope the OP will note all of your insight. I wish I flew enough to be able to be Exec Plat on AA and get those SWUs! Also, that's a great anecdote about your luck with op-ups on PS.
RE: your point about Skypesos, I agree to an extent, though I've seen a lot of DL opportunities for redemption lately. That said, I've learned more and more about Skymiles/partner availability over the years, and that kind of knowledge would be less necessary with AA/UA, which are, by default, much better. I happen to think that, for me, AA miles are SO valuable, even more so than UA, because I am a coach redeemer. Their off peak awards and Citicard discounts come in handy for me. But most on these forums redeem for J, and the award charts tend to be similar across DL/AA/UA for J redemptions. I'm looking forward to hearing more about the OP's travel patterns so that I can better identify a good plan of attack, if you will. Things change drastically if the JFK-LAX hop is only a few months long, 6 months long, a year long, etc.
Originally Posted by FlyerChrisK
(Post 19427661)
The 125% earning rate as a Delta DM is mitigated by the difficulty in finding low availability awards, sadly. They don't call them Skypesos for nothing.
Yes, EXPs have a terrific upgrade rate (I've missed only JFK-SFO once this year out of about 90k BIS). Importantly, AA systemwides work on any fare, allowing you to fly to Europe and back in business class for $440 (if you find the right fare :D) as I did last month. UA requires buying at least a W fare (not excessively more in some markets), but DL is outright hostile. The new lie-flat business class is rolling out next month, so I'm a very EXP right now. If you're a 1K, op-ups on p.s. are not too rare. I had a very, very lucky string of 3 in August (out of 5 p.s. flights; the other 2 were instrument-backed upgrades at the time of booking). Nonetheless, hope is not a viable strategy for upgrades. |
What about Alaska (AS)? AS is partners with both AA and DL. You will be able to earn status with AS by flying both DL and AA. Wouldn't placing miles in an AS account also allow you have flexability with flight schedules?
I am asking these questions because I may switch to AS so that can place all my DL and AA flights into one program. I am also tired of the high mileage rates needed for DL award flight and AA is in the middle of economic and labor problems. I hope my questions are not stupid. I just would like some expert opinions about AS since I have only flown them a few times. Thanks for any info. |
Originally Posted by Open Jaw
(Post 19427943)
What about Alaska (AS)? AS is partners with both AA and DL. You will be able to earn status with AS by flying both DL and AA. Wouldn't placing miles in an AS account also allow you have flexability with flight schedules?
I am asking these questions because I may switch to AS so that can place all my DL and AA flights into one program. I am also tired of the high mileage rates needed for DL award flight and AA is in the middle of economic and labor problems. I hope my questions are not stupid. I just would like some expert opinions about AS since I have only flown them a few times. Thanks for any info. |
Excellent post Yarhead. Very informative and thoughtful
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still prefer ewr and (reluctantly) UA.
EWR is a UA hub. They offer several options that only a major hub can provide. Even as a 1K, with global status flyers on board, upgrades are less frequent than they were with CO. (God, I miss that airline!)
but it all depends on where you live. Long Island - JFK. NJ - LGA or EWR Westchester - LGA or white plains although have been hearing that Delta will be expanding offerings at LGA. |
Originally Posted by calguy32
(Post 19426781)
Thanks for all this information.
Flight frequency would be nice but not necessary. I will probably be flying out the same time every Sunday and Thursday. High upgrade % isn't so important but would be nice. I believe mile accumlation and ease of award redemption would be the most important to me. Since I am just starting to travel this much for work, my preferences may change with time (Upgrade % might be the #1 choice). |
Originally Posted by Open Jaw
(Post 19427943)
What about Alaska (AS)? AS is partners with both AA and DL. You will be able to earn status with AS by flying both DL and AA. Wouldn't placing miles in an AS account also allow you have flexability with flight schedules?
Originally Posted by Open Jaw
(Post 19427943)
I am also tired of the high mileage rates needed for DL award flight
AS also only permits a single partner per award, so you can't do something like fly to Europe on DL and fly back on KL.
Originally Posted by Open Jaw
(Post 19427943)
AA is in the middle of economic and labor problems.
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2 questions: If all this flying is for work, I assume you will be reimbursed 100% of your airfare costs (at the least) right, so cost won't be a factor? If so, then I will also assume that accumulation of miles earned from these trips will be used for your personal trips?
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Originally Posted by Zolomark
(Post 19429241)
2 questions: If all this flying is for work, I assume you will be reimbursed 100% of your airfare costs (at the least) right, so cost won't be a factor?
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Originally Posted by Yarhead
(Post 19427069)
This response is very helpful. I already have an idea as to how you should take it from here. I'm currently drafting it. The other thing I'm wondering is whether you at all plan to do other travel besides JFK-LAX, and also to which destinations you'd likely book your award tickets.
I plan to go to Europe sometime in 2013, but other than that I am open to vacation destinations. |
Originally Posted by Yarhead
(Post 19427155)
Other question: When are you beginning these travel patterns?
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Very, very good questions and posts by everyone. If the OP can take a look at and answer the questions posed by some of us, we'll be able to provide some final insight. Good thread.
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Originally Posted by Zolomark
(Post 19429241)
2 questions: If all this flying is for work, I assume you will be reimbursed 100% of your airfare costs (at the least) right, so cost won't be a factor? If so, then I will also assume that accumulation of miles earned from these trips will be used for your personal trips?
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Originally Posted by FlyerChrisK
(Post 19429268)
It depends on the OP's travel policy? Many firms require flying the cheapest carrier (or the cheapest within some margin), so Mileage Plus is moot if you can never book United flights due to price (for example).
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Originally Posted by calguy32
(Post 19429460)
Mid November.
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Originally Posted by calguy32
(Post 19429455)
Thanks for your advice.
I plan to go to Europe sometime in 2013, but other than that I am open to vacation destinations. |
Originally Posted by Yarhead
(Post 19427751)
FlyerChrisK, excellent insight all around! I hope the OP will note all of your insight. I wish I flew enough to be able to be Exec Plat on AA and get those SWUs! Also, that's a great anecdote about your luck with op-ups on PS.
RE: your point about Skypesos, I agree to an extent, though I've seen a lot of DL opportunities for redemption lately. That said, I've learned more and more about Skymiles/partner availability over the years, and that kind of knowledge would be less necessary with AA/UA, which are, by default, much better. I happen to think that, for me, AA miles are SO valuable, even more so than UA, because I am a coach redeemer. Their off peak awards and Citicard discounts come in handy for me. But most on these forums redeem for J, and the award charts tend to be similar across DL/AA/UA for J redemptions. I'm looking forward to hearing more about the OP's travel patterns so that I can better identify a good plan of attack, if you will. Things change drastically if the JFK-LAX hop is only a few months long, 6 months long, a year long, etc. This might be helpful to mention that I currently have about 14,000 UA miles MQM and was mistaken about my DL account, I have about 9000 MQM, but 40000 miles overall. |
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