Except even as a low tier elite you can always avoid coach on international flights ...

Just wanted to point out that CO/NW offer a 50% bonus for their lowest tier elite, while most of the others offer less for their lowest level. Apologies if already mentioned, as I only scanned this thread--great topic. Many might argue that it's harder to use miles on CO, so the 50% doesn't matter, so it's arguable. However, I haven't had as many problems redeeming for standard (lower cost) awards as others.

I have flown on all of the big 6, Southwest & Midwest. Concentrating on just the big 6, I would rank them the following way:

1. AA
2. UA
3. US
4. NW . . . .

99. CO/DL

#1 & #2 are in the finish.

AA is better for me because of better upgrades. No H fare worries on using miles. Upgrade on any AA published fare using miles. I had no status & was able to upgrade a cheap fare using miles.

UA is fine. Top tier SWU's upgrades (1K's) started out quite restrictive but UA sent out 4 much less restrictive SWU's. Less miles needed to go to Australia on an award.

#3 & #4: US & NW has their advantages. US has limited overseas routes but lower tiers can upgrade transtlantic routes using modestly restrictive SWU's. Most except for lowest fares can be upgraded. My experience with US is Silver (25K level), transatlantic upgrades only clear at the gate, if they do. Gold domestic upgrades cleared decently. Transtlantic upgrades as a Gold cleared ahead of time & at the gate. As Chairman's, transatlantic upgrades usually cleared in advance.
NW: I have read the Gold/Plat members clear domestic upgrades pretty well. Intl, that's another matter.

CO/DL: Why did I select them as #98,99? Try 50% EQM for low fares, with CO intl, the lottery on upgrades, etc. CO could be better because of the domestic upgrades. Read the CO & DL boards, I flew both of them alot in the early/mid 1990's. Good then, changed for the worse after that.

Bottom line: AA is #1 with me because it meets my needs best. UA comes in a fairly close second.

I'm Confused
 

:rolleyes: :confused:

Hi,

I was just wondering what WN stands for? Is this Northwest?? who offers a free ticket for 4 RT flights? Thanks...Pat

WN stands for Southwest.

-Chris

WN is Southwest. You used to be able to get a free trip after 4 RT with their online booking bonus. Now it takes 6 trips.

I think it now takes 8...thanks for your replies

This, unfortunately, is not true. I'm an Alaska MVP Gold, and the policy on First Class Upgrades for MVP Golds is:

"Anytime on qualifying fares (booked in Y, S, B, M, H, or Q); 72 hours prior to departure on other fares"

(From http://www.alaskaair.com/mileageplan/MVPStatus.asp)

Still, even at discount coach fares, I'm batting 100 percent for upgrades at the 72 hour window.

If you book online you get an extra credit, for a total of 3 credits per round trip. 16/3 = 5.33, or 6 round trips for a free ticket. Add in 1/2 credit for rental car and/or hotel stays and you can easily get a free trip after 4 or 5 trips. I earn 2 free southwest tickets a year just on car rentals and hotel stays.