Hi,

I am new to FF and I wanted to pick your veteran brains a little. I am trying to decide on weather using Delta or United. I have read the reviews on both and am still undecided. I do like the many airline partners that United has, but then Delta has the million miles permanent elite. Can some of you tell me what you think of the two, along with some pros and cons, and which would you pick. BTW, I am based out of Phoenix, AZ. Thanks for the advice.

Anthony

Hi, jedimaster1, and a belated welcome!

I can't be of much use in comparing the two programs since I don't fly United much. There are lots that do, though, and I'm sure you'll find no lack of opinions!

I would like to say something about the Delta million miler program, though. Bear in mind that now Delta only counts BASE miles towards qualification. No bonus miles, no dining miles, etc. It is much, much harder getting a million miles on Delta than it used to be, so just keep that in mind when deciding.

Both programs have pros and cons, it's important to remember how they work out in the REAL world, and in your own personal travel situation, that counts.

Good luck!

Hi,

For what it's worth, UA actually has a similar million-miler deal. If you fly a million _actual flight_ miles, you're 1P (Prem. Ex, the next-to-highest level of elite) for life.

I didn't pay attention before I clicked on reply, so I don't know where you're based out of -- but you should probably base your decision in large part (duh) on which airline is more of a presence in your market. Ie, I live in Boulder, which is near Denver, which is a hub for UA -- so I fly United almost exclusively. I've been quite happy with their ff program.

Well, it comes down to where you fly.

On United, you tend to get more inflight services, such as audio on almost every flight, and you get your meals on board.

We can *easily* get into a fight over which airline is best.... I've flown both of them, and you can guess which one I am loyal to! United also gives Premier, Premier Exec, and PE 1K members Economy Plus, which gives you 3 to 5" of extra legroom.... delta gives you.... well, heh...

On the other hand, your Delta and United miles can be redeemed and earned on eachother....

again, it all boils down to who you fly the most and whose airline partners suit you more.

Neither - Go with America's Worst (HP) since you live in Arizona

Seriously though, it really depends on where you fly. My personal preference is United because of where I live and where I fly. I also like UA's star alliance partners becaise it allows you the freedon to earn more qualified miles - IMHO.

------------------
Ken in Sacramento

Thanks everyone for the info. So far it looks like only the United people are posting and so the pendulum is swinging in their favor.

Anthony

Also a United person, but base it on which airline you will be using most. The good thing, is once you make a decision on one or the other, you can earn all your miles on that one, as you can earn united miles (though not status miles) on delta flights and visa versa.

If you are trying for the million mile mark, I would stick with what ever airline you choose, but if you are accruing miles and fly both airlines based on price like me. You can earn miles for Delta Skymiles on United flights and vice versa. I found this out about 6 months ago when I was flying on United with a great price. I don't have a United FF account as I have only flown the airline twice before, but I was able to accrue the miles on my skymiles account which I have had since 1992.

If it is a lifetime elite you are looking for, you are better off with United. It gives you a mid tier elite ( 100% Bonus ) rather than a low level elite that Delta gives.

From what I've heard, United and Delta do not have a very good relationship and that their ties with each other could be severed soon. Can anyone shed any light on this subject? I know that miles on each could be placed used for the other but the question is for how much longer?

Anthony

This may be heresy for a mileage board, but I think you're putting the cart before the horse. The first question is where you fly, who serves those destinations best from where you are, and is their FF program good enough to be acceptable. Only if the airlines are close, or if one of their programs really sucks, do program issues come into it.

Another question is the kinds of tickets you usually buy. On Delta, you can't upgrade most discount economy fares. United has no such restriction. If this matters to you, points to UA, especially since you'll get increased legroom on any fare once you're elite. If you usually pay full Y or better, points to DL: less competition for the front cabin, so their tight seating in back won't matter to you.

If there was one right answer for everyone, everyone would be on the same airline - and then it wouldn't need a frequent flyer program at all!