Best/worst Big 6 program for low-yield flyers?
Jan 11, 2004, 7:32 pm
#31
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<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Carolinian:
I would rate US down for charging for drinks on international flights which NW and UA do not.</font>
I would rate US down for charging for drinks on international flights which NW and UA do not.</font>
Jan 12, 2004, 10:23 pm
#32
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: Cambridge MA, United States
Posts: 69
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.
Jan 12, 2004, 11:03 pm
#33
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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.
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.
Jul 30, 2004, 8:56 am
#36
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Originally Posted by patwoz
I was just wondering what WN stands for? Is this Northwest?? who offers a free ticket for 4 RT flights?
Jul 30, 2004, 4:24 pm
#38
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Location: Wenatchee, WA
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Originally Posted by gleff
But right now AS lets top elites upgrade any fare at booking, unlimited and free, subject to availability. That's pretty darn low-yield friendly...
"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.
Jul 30, 2004, 4:29 pm
#39
Join Date: Mar 2004
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Originally Posted by patwoz
I think it now takes 8...thanks for your replies