I would think that it would depend on where you live, level of access to AA and UA flights, and where want to go?
I think both programs have there pluses and over all are about the same. I have better access to AA from my location but prefer UA (out of habit, I guess, and as a 1K MM on UA I already have the benefits).
Note: prior to United's PS service LAX-JFK, I felt AA had the better product on this route.
It's a matter of those factors mentioned above as well as pricing and personal preference.
I think both programs have there pluses and over all are about the same. I have better access to AA from my location but prefer UA (out of habit, I guess, and as a 1K MM on UA I already have the benefits).
Note: prior to United's PS service LAX-JFK, I felt AA had the better product on this route.
It's a matter of those factors mentioned above as well as pricing and personal preference.
Location is key, but I think AA's EXP has a slight edge over 1K all else being equal. The free domestic upgrades (with very high upgrade %) are the kicker, IMHO.
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I'd agree with that (at least for top tier flyers). Of 46 requests I've made since the upgrades became "free" for AA EXP's on a space available basis last year, 44 have cleared (better than 96%). As long at they have that program and I'm sitting up front at that rate, it's hard to look at UA right now.Originally Posted by dspringer28
The free domestic upgrades (with very high upgrade %) are the kicker, IMHO.
The general opinion in the AA and UA forums is that AA's top tier holds a slight advantage due to the free domestic upgrades.
UA's mid and lower level tiers are much better than AA's do to access to E+ seating and better upgrade ability due to no complimentary domestic upgrades for UA top tier.
You can do a search in the AA and UA forums and find lots of information.
UA's mid and lower level tiers are much better than AA's do to access to E+ seating and better upgrade ability due to no complimentary domestic upgrades for UA top tier.
You can do a search in the AA and UA forums and find lots of information.
When you read the threads, you'll find that many of us consider the international biz seat much more comfortable on UA than on AA. I hold top tier in UA and AA; if I could only keep one, it would be UA.
You have to read all of our opinions in the context of your travel patterns, and what maximizes benefit for you.
You have to read all of our opinions in the context of your travel patterns, and what maximizes benefit for you.
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
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Definitely agree with you there. We keep hearing rumors that AA is going to change the business class seats, but with their tight finances that might be sometime down the line. Seem to recall one person posted he was part of a study group on seats last year on AA. UA definitely has a superior product in this area.Originally Posted by SanDiego1K
When you read the threads, you'll find that many of us consider the international biz seat much more comfortable on UA than on AA.