A Contest... Which Airline should I pick?
Jan 2, 2005 | 2:49 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Tampa, FL
Programs: DL - Platinum, Hilton -Diamond, Marriott Gold
Posts: 377
A Contest... Which Airline should I pick?
A Contest.... Free UAL drink chits to the person with the most helpful post...
Hey all, Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season! Coming into the new year I have graduated college and have taken a job in the corporate world. The IT company which I am now part of does not consider USAirways to be a preffered carrier. Between that and the current situation with the Legacy carrier I have decided it is time to make a switch. At the end of the Month I am moving to Kansas City (MCI) and leaving a soon to be fiance here in Raleigh (RDU) Needless to say I am going to be going between MCI and RDU quite a bit. Add that to my typical leisure travel (~30k a year) and the added buisness travel. I am a shoe-in for mid-tier, probably upper echelon in 2005. Anyway, the point of this thread is to ask for advice. Right now I am leaning towards Delta, but am open to suggestions. My desires in order of importance are as follows 1. Upgradeability (as a silver or equivelent for the time being) 2. Ease of connection to the East Coast from the Mid-west. 3. Earning of miles (as a heavy leisure flyer I despise 50% earnings on discount tickets.) 4. A decent scotch served in FC (and Coach) Thanks for everyones opinions.... The decsion of the winner will be based solely on my personal opinion...
Hey all, Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season! Coming into the new year I have graduated college and have taken a job in the corporate world. The IT company which I am now part of does not consider USAirways to be a preffered carrier. Between that and the current situation with the Legacy carrier I have decided it is time to make a switch. At the end of the Month I am moving to Kansas City (MCI) and leaving a soon to be fiance here in Raleigh (RDU) Needless to say I am going to be going between MCI and RDU quite a bit. Add that to my typical leisure travel (~30k a year) and the added buisness travel. I am a shoe-in for mid-tier, probably upper echelon in 2005. Anyway, the point of this thread is to ask for advice. Right now I am leaning towards Delta, but am open to suggestions. My desires in order of importance are as follows 1. Upgradeability (as a silver or equivelent for the time being) 2. Ease of connection to the East Coast from the Mid-west. 3. Earning of miles (as a heavy leisure flyer I despise 50% earnings on discount tickets.) 4. A decent scotch served in FC (and Coach) Thanks for everyones opinions.... The decsion of the winner will be based solely on my personal opinion...
Jan 3, 2005 | 2:09 pm
#2
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: MCI
Programs: AA Gold 1MM, AS MVP, UA Silver, WN A-List, Marriott LT Titanium, HH Diamond
Posts: 53,012
Welcome to KC! That's where I've lived for a couple of years, and I've flown that route a few times on US Airways.
First off, what is your list of preferred carriers? If United is one of them, you could continue with MCI-CLT-RDU as you normally would. If you are concerned about US going under, you could begin accruing UA miles/status, and just switch over to MCI-ORD-RDU or MCI-DCA-RDU (assuming UX keeps that route). You'd never have to go through a painful period of reacquiring status.
For duration, Delta is the best bet with connections through ATL - gate-to-gate in about four hours.
I personally like American at MCI - no RJs, frequent flights to both DFW and ORD, and I generally get the upgrades I want as a Gold or Plat. No fare restrictions on upgrades and you earn full miles on any fare. Only downside with RDU is that gate-to-gate is usually closer to 5 hours. So you're leaving 45 minutes or so each way on the table vs. DL through ATL.
There is no longer a Southwest advantage on this route (although there once was) - they are now one-stop through somewhere and are no faster gate-to-gate than Delta. If you already love 'em, then they are as good an option as any. But if you don't, rest assured you aren't missing out on nonstops in your quest for Big Six miles.
First off, what is your list of preferred carriers? If United is one of them, you could continue with MCI-CLT-RDU as you normally would. If you are concerned about US going under, you could begin accruing UA miles/status, and just switch over to MCI-ORD-RDU or MCI-DCA-RDU (assuming UX keeps that route). You'd never have to go through a painful period of reacquiring status.
For duration, Delta is the best bet with connections through ATL - gate-to-gate in about four hours.
I personally like American at MCI - no RJs, frequent flights to both DFW and ORD, and I generally get the upgrades I want as a Gold or Plat. No fare restrictions on upgrades and you earn full miles on any fare. Only downside with RDU is that gate-to-gate is usually closer to 5 hours. So you're leaving 45 minutes or so each way on the table vs. DL through ATL.
There is no longer a Southwest advantage on this route (although there once was) - they are now one-stop through somewhere and are no faster gate-to-gate than Delta. If you already love 'em, then they are as good an option as any. But if you don't, rest assured you aren't missing out on nonstops in your quest for Big Six miles.
Jan 3, 2005 | 2:54 pm
#3
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: STL
Programs: WN, DL, AA; Hyatt or Wyndham
Posts: 1,105
I am also MCI.
I agree with the above post that the best bet time-wise is Delta through ATL, if CLT is out of the picture. However, Delta has significantly downgraded its MCI service post-9/11. MCI-ATL is mostly shuttles with 3 across on each side, no FC. MCI-SLC is all RJ. MCI-CVG is mostly RJ. So no upgrades (or free scotch, good or otherwise) for most Delta MCI flights.
Therefore, if I were you, I would NOT pick my new carrier based on who does MCI-RDU best. All carriers will make you connect on this route, and none are that great at service. I would pick my new carrier based upon a combination of (1) which one at least FLIES MCI-RDU; and (2) of these, which is most convenient, and can I use most often, on my business trips.
Good luck and happy flying!
Edited to add: thanks for the offer of UAL certs, but I don't fly UAL. May someone else use and enjoy them!
I agree with the above post that the best bet time-wise is Delta through ATL, if CLT is out of the picture. However, Delta has significantly downgraded its MCI service post-9/11. MCI-ATL is mostly shuttles with 3 across on each side, no FC. MCI-SLC is all RJ. MCI-CVG is mostly RJ. So no upgrades (or free scotch, good or otherwise) for most Delta MCI flights.
Therefore, if I were you, I would NOT pick my new carrier based on who does MCI-RDU best. All carriers will make you connect on this route, and none are that great at service. I would pick my new carrier based upon a combination of (1) which one at least FLIES MCI-RDU; and (2) of these, which is most convenient, and can I use most often, on my business trips.
Good luck and happy flying!
Edited to add: thanks for the offer of UAL certs, but I don't fly UAL. May someone else use and enjoy them!
Last edited by Delta Hog; Jan 3, 2005 at 2:56 pm Reason: Additional information
Jan 3, 2005 | 4:30 pm
#5
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Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: MCI
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Originally Posted by Delta Hog
I am also MCI.
I agree with the above post that the best bet time-wise is Delta through ATL, if CLT is out of the picture. However, Delta has significantly downgraded its MCI service post-9/11. MCI-ATL is mostly shuttles with 3 across on each side, no FC. MCI-SLC is all RJ. MCI-CVG is mostly RJ. So no upgrades (or free scotch, good or otherwise) for most Delta MCI flights.
Therefore, if I were you, I would NOT pick my new carrier based on who does MCI-RDU best. All carriers will make you connect on this route, and none are that great at service. I would pick my new carrier based upon a combination of (1) which one at least FLIES MCI-RDU; and (2) of these, which is most convenient, and can I use most often, on my business trips.
I agree with the above post that the best bet time-wise is Delta through ATL, if CLT is out of the picture. However, Delta has significantly downgraded its MCI service post-9/11. MCI-ATL is mostly shuttles with 3 across on each side, no FC. MCI-SLC is all RJ. MCI-CVG is mostly RJ. So no upgrades (or free scotch, good or otherwise) for most Delta MCI flights.
Therefore, if I were you, I would NOT pick my new carrier based on who does MCI-RDU best. All carriers will make you connect on this route, and none are that great at service. I would pick my new carrier based upon a combination of (1) which one at least FLIES MCI-RDU; and (2) of these, which is most convenient, and can I use most often, on my business trips.
Only one other option besides the RJ to SLC: Southwest.
Jan 3, 2005 | 4:37 pm
#6
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Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: MCI
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Posts: 53,012
Originally Posted by jfe
I think Pan Am or TWA would serve you well 
Jan 3, 2005 | 6:10 pm
#7
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Join Date: Aug 2001
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Nothing non-stop MCI-RDU. Connecting you're served by AA (ORD, DFW, LGA), NW (MEM, MSP), DL (ATL, CVG), CO (EWR, CLE), UA (ORD), and Airtran (ATL).
You've got a honeymoon to finance with miles, so I'd base the decision on where you want to go on the honeymoon.
Airtran easy to eliminate due to no international network.
I'd eliminate UA due to uncertain future.
That leaves CO/NW, AA and DL.
My preference is AA. DL as a close second. I'm not a huge CO fan.
AA has a great network in oneWorld, good departure times out of MCI for RDU (DFW, ORD, LGA) and you can Gold/Plat challenge for status once you start flying.
You've got a honeymoon to finance with miles, so I'd base the decision on where you want to go on the honeymoon.
Airtran easy to eliminate due to no international network.
I'd eliminate UA due to uncertain future.
That leaves CO/NW, AA and DL.
My preference is AA. DL as a close second. I'm not a huge CO fan.
AA has a great network in oneWorld, good departure times out of MCI for RDU (DFW, ORD, LGA) and you can Gold/Plat challenge for status once you start flying.
Last edited by skofarrell; Jan 3, 2005 at 6:12 pm
Jan 3, 2005 | 6:29 pm
#8
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Atlantic/Gulf Coast USA
Programs: Skyteam Elite, Starwood Gold, Kmart ShopYourWay Rewards
Posts: 1,361
don't choose NW-overpriced, under(or should I say over) competitive airline with many old planes (in my opinion). Also out of the way hub in MSP and teeny tiny operations in MEM.
don't choose FL-bad benefits, horrible legroom pitch, messed up my reservations.
So, choose AA (oneworld benefits) or DL (skyteam) and you'll be set.
don't choose FL-bad benefits, horrible legroom pitch, messed up my reservations.
So, choose AA (oneworld benefits) or DL (skyteam) and you'll be set.