Seeking Advice on New Carrier
Dec 18, 2002 | 7:32 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Clifton,VA,USA
Posts: 1
Seeking Advice on New Carrier
I've been 1K on UA since the program began. I've always felt a bit guilty giving my business to such a lousy company (bad management, arrogant workers, lack of customer focus) but was induced to concentrate on one carrier for the benefits of highest elite status.
With the bankruptcy filing, the future of the MP program has a new shadow cast over it. Then, a few days ago, I sat in the front row of C on a 777 and watched the employee lounge fill up. The United employee class is just too galling in their current situation. If they continue to insist on putting employees ahead of customers, I gotta walk.
I am looking for a new carrier to switch to. I fly out of DCA or IAD and do about 125K to 150K a year, 80% of it domestic spread around the county -- not restricted to any region. Very little of my travel is last minute, so not much is full Y.
From lurking on these boards, it seems my choices are AA or NW/CO/DL. I would really appreciate comments on any of the following:
a. AA vs. the NW/CO/DL combination.
b. If the combination, should I join NW or CO? (Seems like DL is only good for filling in where NW and CO don't fly.)
c. These boards say NW and CO are great for upgrades for elites, but not so good for award availability. Is that shortage of award space also an issue for their top elite levels?
d. Am I correct in assuming CO and NW don't have an employee class?
e. Anything else you think might be relevant to me or any of the many other UA MP members looking for a switch.
Thanks in advance.
With the bankruptcy filing, the future of the MP program has a new shadow cast over it. Then, a few days ago, I sat in the front row of C on a 777 and watched the employee lounge fill up. The United employee class is just too galling in their current situation. If they continue to insist on putting employees ahead of customers, I gotta walk.
I am looking for a new carrier to switch to. I fly out of DCA or IAD and do about 125K to 150K a year, 80% of it domestic spread around the county -- not restricted to any region. Very little of my travel is last minute, so not much is full Y.
From lurking on these boards, it seems my choices are AA or NW/CO/DL. I would really appreciate comments on any of the following:
a. AA vs. the NW/CO/DL combination.
b. If the combination, should I join NW or CO? (Seems like DL is only good for filling in where NW and CO don't fly.)
c. These boards say NW and CO are great for upgrades for elites, but not so good for award availability. Is that shortage of award space also an issue for their top elite levels?
d. Am I correct in assuming CO and NW don't have an employee class?
e. Anything else you think might be relevant to me or any of the many other UA MP members looking for a switch.
Thanks in advance.
Dec 18, 2002 | 8:57 am
#2
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Dallas Texas USA
Programs: AA Lifetime Platinum 3MM - DL - UA - HHONORS - HYATT - MARRIOTT - SPG
Posts: 136
I really like AA EXP being in Dallas flying a lot internationally, but think a comp to NW immediately is probably best for you being in DC as you will be Gold or Plat immediately and ride in first class almost all the time on coach fares for domestic.
Mileage earning is similiar on both options.
100% AA or DL, 125% CO or NW for top tier
AA Vipows are great for International upgrades but if 80 % are domestic flights then not as big a deal for you as others.
AA has MRTC and domestic upgrades will be more costly with 4 e upgrades per 10000 flown and no cost on NW or CO.
This means 20% in first class based on earned upgrades and you buy the rest at $ 40 per 500 miler.
A. I would pick NW/CO
B. NW much better than CO program at this time.
C. Yes, great upgrades for Gold or Plat members but awards are hard to find for all unless flexible. Where and how do you use awards? AA has a lot of international seats for EXP's compared to others.
D. No one is as bad as UA for Employee First Class. You should be in First class domestic on NW or CO 95 % of the time if requesting upgrades 72 hrs in advance.
E. Immediate comp from UA to NW is probably easier at this time, but both should give you 75k level immediatley. Do a search on comps for these carriers.
I would look at the route maps and schedules for each option and consider this. You should have a lot of options with DCA , IAD and BWI all close by. Connections on every flight can get old unless miles are worth more than your time.
Mileage earning is similiar on both options.
100% AA or DL, 125% CO or NW for top tier
AA Vipows are great for International upgrades but if 80 % are domestic flights then not as big a deal for you as others.
AA has MRTC and domestic upgrades will be more costly with 4 e upgrades per 10000 flown and no cost on NW or CO.
This means 20% in first class based on earned upgrades and you buy the rest at $ 40 per 500 miler.
A. I would pick NW/CO
B. NW much better than CO program at this time.
C. Yes, great upgrades for Gold or Plat members but awards are hard to find for all unless flexible. Where and how do you use awards? AA has a lot of international seats for EXP's compared to others.
D. No one is as bad as UA for Employee First Class. You should be in First class domestic on NW or CO 95 % of the time if requesting upgrades 72 hrs in advance.
E. Immediate comp from UA to NW is probably easier at this time, but both should give you 75k level immediatley. Do a search on comps for these carriers.
I would look at the route maps and schedules for each option and consider this. You should have a lot of options with DCA , IAD and BWI all close by. Connections on every flight can get old unless miles are worth more than your time.