Correct me if I'm wrong...
 

After a day spent researching, it seems to me that mileageplus and skymiles is effectively the same -in terms of qualifying, benefits, and general reward travel. Aside from ticket pricing (which is often close enough to not cause worry), what should I consider when deciding which airline (United or Delta) to spend my money with? They seem the same in general. I don't get it...

I'm traveling between NYC and Denver most often. I would likely be a gold status on each.

Any thoughts appreciated-

This is also posted on FT UA.

Some would argue that UA miles are "easier" to spend.

If ticket prices are drastically different, or if one is consistently a few dollars less than the other, then I'd probably say choose based on that and forget about status altogether. If they really are nearly identical all the time, I personally prefer the product and service on DL over UA, but that's a matter of personal preference.

The other thing you could think about is aspirational award travel. UA miles/status works for you if you're ever looking to try other *A carriers like SQ, LH, etc. DL gets you SkyTeam which..well..DL has nice J cabins, KE is decent, and AF/KL/AZ are still trying to catch up.

On Delta (qualifying miles) MQMs accrued above your earned status threshold will continue to roll over to the next qualification year. United does NOT rollover excess miles.

UA will have nonstops between DEN and at least EWR. DL will require connections, probably with a choice of ATL, DTW, or MSP from LGA or JFK.

UA's merger with CO is still a mess. DL operations perform much better.

not so fast ... looking at weekdays in mid Apr, DL has a pair of nonstops to DEN from both JFK and LGA

Just look at the schedules. I suspect you will find that United has more direct flights that fit your needs. I also suspect you will wish they didn't. ;)

OK I'm surprised as I don't think of JFK and LGA as DL hubs except JFK for international flights, although only one flight per day from either airport isn't real useful.

actually the April schedule is 2x each airport

To the OP - I see you are new here.

It is so very helpful to you and others when the TITLE includes enough words to be understood.

The above is very important. To that I would add:

1. Delta allows Diamonds to waive the $12,500 (I think) MQD spend requirement on Delta tickets by instead spending $25,000 on ANYTHING with a Delta Amex Skymiles credit card. United has no credit card spend waiver for its 1K's (those with 100,000 mile status.)

2. Delta's operational performance is way better than United.

And also start the same thread on FT UA. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unite...-im-wrong.html

1. It's not just for DMs. Currently people can waive their MQD requirement by having total qualified spend of $25,000 or more on any combination of DL AmEx cards in their own name and associated to their account.

Yes, but Bowgie was referring to how there is NOT waiver for UA 1K's in comparison to how there is still a (credit card) waiver for DL Diamonds.

Much depends on how you wish to use your miles. I like to use mine for USA-Europe award travel, and UA (and its partners) have much more award availability at the lowest level than DL and its partners.