I am in the middle of deciding whether to switch from DL to UA's FF program for next year. While I have generally had good experiences with DL, I HATE their partners (read: AF) and need more partners in Asia. Now, I have read and re-read the info on both of them but wanted to make sure I am right on this one.

- MQM/EQM => Both DL and UA enables you to earn these on ALL alliance partner airlines right?

- Double regular miles => DL is 100% for Gold members for ALL alliance flights. UA is 100% for only UA, US, and some LH flights.

Am I right on this? And US mirros UA on this as well right ... except from 2006, Gold will earn only 50%?

Thanks,
A.

Sorry I'm not sure of the answers to your questions. I'll leave them to someone who is certain. But a couple of thoughts:
1. You might want to post this question on the UA board instead, since you'll get more UA expertise there.
2. Even though I agree that Star Alliance covers Asia the best (since it includes Thai, Singapore, ANA and Asiana, not to mention UA), you might nevertheless check out One World. It has better connections and more options for Caracas; CX is a great airline; CX connects better to many Asian destinations (at least from the West Coast), since its midnight departures get you into Hong Kong early morning; and, at least flying C class, you accumulate the same EQMs and regular mile bonuses on CX as you would on AA.

Anyway, good luck with the decision!

While I adore CX, I cannot start with another program/alliance ... will make me more indecisive and drive me mad! I have 5 Gold statuses and it sucks.

-A.

As this is cross-posted now on the United board, I am closing it here:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=501620