Bankruptcy doesn't mean that the airline shuts down and closes its doors and ceases operations. USAirways is still flying its full schedule, and my friend who works there is still getting her paycheck.

If UAL files for bankruptcy, they'll still be operating. It will take years before they go away -- if they do.

I wouldn't let bankruptcy considerations affect my travel plans. Investing plans, yes, travel plans, no.

Well then isn't getting miles into a frequent flyer account a type of "investing"???

Bankrupt airlines rarely survive in anything close to their current form... just CO comes to mind. And FF miles often survive, ala EA, PA and TW. But if I had to start fresh in Chicago, there is no choice IMO, and that would be AA.

IIRC the only airline to ever go BK and still exist is CO. All others that come to mind have faded out of existence. Their FF programs may have transferred over, but the ariline as a separate entity does not.



[This message has been edited by zipual (edited 08-15-2002).]

Sorry 'bout the overuse of acronyms!! I think I've been reading this message board too long!

It is not necssary to use MDW in order to benefit from the "Southwest effect." AA and UA (and just about everybody else) match Southwest MDW fares on flights into ORD. I fly RDU-ORD with some frequency, always get those WN-equivalent fares (advance purchase; the walk-up fares may differ significantly).

One note of distinction between UA and AA:

AA: much better coverage of the south.
UA: much better coverage of the west.

I wouldn't sweat it. Like I said, if UAL files for bankruptcy, they won't shut down and cease operations. That means they won't kill the Mileage Plus program.

If UA kills MP, then it would be end of UA. Remember both CO and TW didn't kill their FF program when they were in chaper 11...

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Give Midway a try either AA or WN. New terminal is easier than Ohare, quick downtown on Orange El and better food (local restaurants) than Ohare and no waiting for a gate to open up.

HP filed for Chapter 11 about 10 years ago. Whether they have survived, though, is another debate.

Mike

AA flies to Dallas (I think DFW although in the past it may have been Love Field) and will start service to LGA in the fall.

I wouldn't play to much into the AA Midway thing - the fares may be a little cheaper from there but everything requires connection through Dallas.

Thanks guys! I think I'm leaning a little toward AA for the MRTC extra legroom. They should be rewarded for their efforts in that arena. Also they fly some thru MDW although that means DFW and that almost negates this advantage.

It seems that AA's FF program is a little more innovative and easier to earn non-flight points in than UA's.

One advantage UA DOES HAVE is that their weekend special offerings are consistenly better than AA's.

Since ATA has no FF program, I guess my discount airline will be WN. I mean, after all, you can't expect a FlyerTalker to fly an airline with no FF program!

mac

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I'm guessing out of ORD, except for TX, UA is likely to have a better schedule to the places you want to go. Plus, it you travel just weekends, you are right on the UA weekend specials. If you get to some sort of exalted status, UA will treat you well out of ORD.

HOWEVER - MDW with SW is likely to have the lowest fares on average - due to SW and ATA. If price is paramount, consider basing out of MDW.

And, despite UA advantages, AA tends to better overall on treatment (except for meals). I would also be leery of dealing with any airline while they go through bankruptcy - it tends to distract the staff and make everyone grumpy, especially those who are losing equity and facing layoffs.

I use UA and AA about 75%/25% (which means no elite status on AA ). Maybe I'll put my mind to that and get to AA elite if I can't find anything better to do this fall.

Anyway, with the combo I am assured of getting anywhere I need to for business at essentially any time of the day. Business fares (defined for this purpose as no w/e stay) tend to be exactly the same.

I use WN ONLY when I can't plan ahead for leisure travel. Typically I'll use it for short hops to CLE and CMH to visit friends and family. You can't beat $60 r/t.

My suggestion is to pick either UA or AA as your primary program, but to do your best to get the other when you're not able to fly your primary.

The above is common sense, but you should also consider getting an affinity CC and otherwise funneling partnership miles into the OTHER program. This gives you a fighting chance to get to award-ticket-generating levels in both programs more quickly, even with modest flying on your primary carrier, and reduces the chance that your infrequent trips on the non-primary carrier will result in orphaned miles.

Diversify. Where do you have miles banked now? If it's DL, a UA partner, go AA.

Bottom line: airlines may go out of business, consolidate, or whatnot. Last thing you want is all your eggs (miles) in one basket (account).