Correct me if I'm wrong...
Dec 18, 2014 | 4:36 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: NYC
Posts: 5
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-
I'm traveling between NYC and Denver most often. I would likely be a gold status on each.
Any thoughts appreciated-
Dec 18, 2014 | 4:53 pm
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: ATL
Programs: DL Scattered Smothered Covered Medallion, Some hotel & car stuff, Kroger Plus Card
Posts: 10,800
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.
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.
Dec 18, 2014 | 5:44 pm
#4
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: SEA
Programs: Million Miles achieved | 2017 Delta Platinum, United NADA, Global Entry, PreCheck, NEXUS
Posts: 1,295
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.
Dec 18, 2014 | 7:09 pm
#5
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Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
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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.
UA's merger with CO is still a mess. DL operations perform much better.
Dec 18, 2014 | 7:56 pm
#6
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Dec 18, 2014 | 8:30 pm
#8
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Posts: 102,617
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.
Dec 18, 2014 | 8:41 pm
#9
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actually the April schedule is 2x each airport
Dec 18, 2014 | 9:42 pm
#10
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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.
It is so very helpful to you and others when the TITLE includes enough words to be understood.
Dec 18, 2014 | 11:06 pm
#11
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: San Diego
Programs: IHG Diamond, HH Diamond, DL Diamond and 2MM
Posts: 3,637
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.
Last edited by Bowgie; Dec 18, 2014 at 11:15 pm Reason: Corrected the dollar MQD threshold amount
Dec 18, 2014 | 11:10 pm
#12
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: LAS HNL
Programs: DL DM, 5.7 MM, UA 3.1 MM, MARRIOTT PLATINUM, AVIS FIRST, Amex Black Card
Posts: 4,480
Dec 19, 2014 | 2:10 am
#13
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Join Date: Sep 2009
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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.
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.
Dec 19, 2014 | 3:52 am
#14
Join Date: Jun 2005
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Posts: 8,208
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.
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.
Dec 19, 2014 | 8:35 am
#15
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: BOS, BWI, DCA, IAD
Programs: American, Delta, JetBlue, United
Posts: 2,399
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-
I'm traveling between NYC and Denver most often. I would likely be a gold status on each.
Any thoughts appreciated-