I'm <2 mos. from 1MM with UA and will have requalified for 1K by that time without the DEQM. I'm fed up with poor UA service by their front line staff. I'm based in FAT but do at least monthly trips to MCO/JAX and SEA/GEG/PSC. I also visit ORD, CMH, and TX on occasion plus to to Aussie maybe 1X/year. I'm sure this is the 3,000th thread on UA vs. DL, but this is specific to my situation and routings. Here's the metrics I'm considering:

-UA's new co-pay on UG's significantly water down the value of SWU's, so because I'll be 1P for life, all I have to do is buy a cheapo fare and throw down the miles+co-pay to really make up for the SWU. But with DL flying to SYD, even less of a difference.
-I can get similar routings/conx time on either DL or UA to my destinations. DL has far better service out of JAX. Skywest serves both out of FAT. In fact, it's a little bit better for me getting to eastern WA because of QX codeshares and DL out of SLC serves more destinations.
-I like the DL lounge in MCO better than the UA RCC. Not sure about the rest of the system. DL has a JAX lounge and nicer terminal than the ghetto B gates that UA has.
-I'm a former NW gold (10 years ago) so I understand domestic UG structure. UG's cleared more often as there were more seats. Going forward even better as I'd be at Platinum level. What I don't know is how their inflight seat/food/mealtime offerings now compare to UA.
-Or, should I status match with AS and dip in both the DL and CO water and use the status for the west coast (and if I ever go to HI again on AS)?

I'm thinking of getting a status match soon so I can try out the competition this fall. Your thoughts are appreciated!

Sorry but must admit at first I thought, not another POS thread .. sorry

As MM, it will be 1P for life -- but the co-pay point is still valid

I fired Delta as my carrier of choice years ago for several reasons (tired of making connections to go anywhere at all, frequent flyer program dumbed down to be like the rest of them, and...). The biggest problem with Delta is that their seat pitch in coach is only marginally better than the charter airlines of the 1960s and 1970s. I often could not reach down to put my briefcase under the seat in front of me or get it out later; I had to do it from the side. If you're taller than 5-foot-2, E+ would be a good reason to stay with UA.

This seems a question better asked in the MilesBuzz! Forum; I'll move this there.

FlyinHawaiian, Co-Moderator
United Mileage Plus Forum

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I would definately give AS a try - you sound interested... The first step

Also AS is expanding their agreements with DL...

Sometime Fall 09 recip upgrades should begin... And as a BR member you have access to both Skyclubs and President Clubs^^^

Just remember that your CO flights credited to your AS account don't earn EQM.

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The pesky lack of EQM's...

AS does have the stronger presence on the West Coast and paired with DL (NW) and AA for that matter its a good combo-

Also- its pretty to have unlimited space avail upgrades to Hawaii ^

I have tried AS. Not super impressed as a GM but I do like QX.

Will the recip UG on DL confirm with the same timeline as DL status (i.e. up to 5 days?) or is it the day of?

AS does allow you to mop up AA miles in addition to DL miles (CO also, but not elite qualifying, but that may change when CO joins *A).

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The DL recip upgrades are expected in Q4... But we should be treated like a DL FO...

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We've been asking the same question over in the AS forum and at MVPG lunches-
And despite CO joining * we are keeping our agreements, including RDM & CO PC usage ^