Long-Time Skyteam Member--Divorce?
Oct 8, 2010, 2:33 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: NYC
Programs: DL Diamond + 1MM; AA Gold; UA Gold
Posts: 185
Long-Time Skyteam Member--Divorce?
Here's my deal... I fully recognize that I am not has battle hardened as some others out there... My current stats:
DL 214K miles with 37K MQMS (165K MMM)
AA 110K (just cashed in 400K) with (3K EQMs)
US 64K miles with 2K elite points
I am going to be taking 8-10 business class trips to MENA/yr starting in the next couple of weeks and am torn. I am far and away most loyal to Delta but beyond the fact that the premium class product is sub-par (especially AF and KL), the route network and timing is not as good as both OW and Star. I will be flying mostly to KWI and some to DXB.
Flying UAL gets me direct from IAD to both places but I have the least attachment to Star. OW gets me there with BA but I have to make the TA-stop over (all else equal, I prefer direct flights). Also, UAL is overnight both ways to both locations which gets me home MUCH earlier than the other two alliances.
DL goes direct to DXB but getting to KWI will be a nightmare with 5+hr layovers in AMS and crappy service.
Looking for a longterm partner and not sure how to process this because there are no perfect suitors... Oh, my home base is BOS.
Help.
DL 214K miles with 37K MQMS (165K MMM)
AA 110K (just cashed in 400K) with (3K EQMs)
US 64K miles with 2K elite points
I am going to be taking 8-10 business class trips to MENA/yr starting in the next couple of weeks and am torn. I am far and away most loyal to Delta but beyond the fact that the premium class product is sub-par (especially AF and KL), the route network and timing is not as good as both OW and Star. I will be flying mostly to KWI and some to DXB.
Flying UAL gets me direct from IAD to both places but I have the least attachment to Star. OW gets me there with BA but I have to make the TA-stop over (all else equal, I prefer direct flights). Also, UAL is overnight both ways to both locations which gets me home MUCH earlier than the other two alliances.
DL goes direct to DXB but getting to KWI will be a nightmare with 5+hr layovers in AMS and crappy service.
Looking for a longterm partner and not sure how to process this because there are no perfect suitors... Oh, my home base is BOS.
Help.
Oct 12, 2010, 8:20 am
#2
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: PSM
Posts: 69,232
UA offers IAD-KWI/DXB if you're looking for single connect options with the longest long-haul routing possible. Otherwise you've got EK as an option for DXB with a single connect in either YYZ or JFK or most of Europe and a double connect with them up to KWI.
Oct 12, 2010, 8:26 am
#3
Suspended
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 2,621
DL BE
Here's my deal... I fully recognize that I am not has battle hardened as some others out there... My current stats:
DL 214K miles with 37K MQMS (165K MMM)
AA 110K (just cashed in 400K) with (3K EQMs)
US 64K miles with 2K elite points
I am going to be taking 8-10 business class trips to MENA/yr starting in the next couple of weeks and am torn. I am far and away most loyal to Delta but beyond the fact that the premium class product is sub-par (especially AF and KL), the route network and timing is not as good as both OW and Star. I will be flying mostly to KWI and some to DXB.
Flying UAL gets me direct from IAD to both places but I have the least attachment to Star. OW gets me there with BA but I have to make the TA-stop over (all else equal, I prefer direct flights). Also, UAL is overnight both ways to both locations which gets me home MUCH earlier than the other two alliances.
DL goes direct to DXB but getting to KWI will be a nightmare with 5+hr layovers in AMS and crappy service.
Looking for a longterm partner and not sure how to process this because there are no perfect suitors... Oh, my home base is BOS.
Help.
DL 214K miles with 37K MQMS (165K MMM)
AA 110K (just cashed in 400K) with (3K EQMs)
US 64K miles with 2K elite points
I am going to be taking 8-10 business class trips to MENA/yr starting in the next couple of weeks and am torn. I am far and away most loyal to Delta but beyond the fact that the premium class product is sub-par (especially AF and KL), the route network and timing is not as good as both OW and Star. I will be flying mostly to KWI and some to DXB.
Flying UAL gets me direct from IAD to both places but I have the least attachment to Star. OW gets me there with BA but I have to make the TA-stop over (all else equal, I prefer direct flights). Also, UAL is overnight both ways to both locations which gets me home MUCH earlier than the other two alliances.
DL goes direct to DXB but getting to KWI will be a nightmare with 5+hr layovers in AMS and crappy service.
Looking for a longterm partner and not sure how to process this because there are no perfect suitors... Oh, my home base is BOS.
Help.
Oct 13, 2010, 3:54 pm
#4
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Zurich
Programs: BA GGL, TK*G EL, KL P ELPL, ex AB P, ex LH/LX Sen, HHonors D4L, Bonvoy P
Posts: 1,647
On *A you actually have a few other options with just one transit:
- on LH: BOS-FRA-DXB/KWI
- on LX: BOS-ZRH-DXB (not KWI, but new C-Class to DXB)
- on LH: BOS-FRA-DXB/KWI
- on LX: BOS-ZRH-DXB (not KWI, but new C-Class to DXB)
Oct 19, 2010, 5:00 am
#6
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Circle City
Posts: 3,568
Nov 3, 2010, 11:29 pm
#8
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: NRT / HND
Programs: AA EXP, NH Plat, Former UA 1K
Posts: 5,665
If you prefer DL, then for your KWI trips, how about the DXB flight then a short hop on KU or another local carrier to KWI? KU has a non-stop and there are some other options even after DL's evening arrival in DXB.
Nov 27, 2010, 5:00 pm
#10
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,399
Can you get the KLM Petroleum Card and use its benefits when connecting through AMS? That might be an advantage of staying with DL/SkyTeam. Also, the 777-LR that DL flies to DXB is a fantastic new plane. You would sleep very well on this long flight.
Dec 17, 2010, 11:51 am
#11
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: West of CLE
Programs: Delta DM/3 MM; Hertz PC; National EE; Amtrak GR; Bonvoy Silver; Via Rail Préférence
Posts: 5,384
