UA Premier Platinum Moving to Europe
Oct 20, 2014, 2:57 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: LIS/AUS
Programs: UA 1K, Hilton Gold, Marriott Titanium, TAP Gold
Posts: 263
UA Premier Platinum Moving to Europe
Currently based out of SFO as a UA Premier Platinum, I am moving to Berlin, which has pretty poor *A availability.
My travel next year will likely be limited to inter-EU travel with a few trips back to the US (IAH & SFO).
Any thoughts on:
1) Whether I should stick with *A?
2) Whether I should switch to another alliance?
3) Which airline I should switch to?
If sticking with *A, I'm thinking of flying Lufthansa and crediting miles to Aegean to hit gold, and then crediting remainder miles to UA. I'm also considering switching to Air Berlin, requesting a status match for AirBerlin Gold, and then crediting miles to either BA or AA.
Thanks ahead for all your thoughts!
My travel next year will likely be limited to inter-EU travel with a few trips back to the US (IAH & SFO).
Any thoughts on:
1) Whether I should stick with *A?
2) Whether I should switch to another alliance?
3) Which airline I should switch to?
If sticking with *A, I'm thinking of flying Lufthansa and crediting miles to Aegean to hit gold, and then crediting remainder miles to UA. I'm also considering switching to Air Berlin, requesting a status match for AirBerlin Gold, and then crediting miles to either BA or AA.
Thanks ahead for all your thoughts!
Oct 20, 2014, 3:25 pm
#2
Join Date: Nov 2006
Programs: MPC,CA,MU,AF
Posts: 8,171
If you are doing mostly inter-Europe and a few trips back to US, you can consider both Topbonus and staying with UA, although you may miss Platinum for both airlines. You can get to Topbonus Gold (OW Sapphire) on segments and UA Gold (*G) by miles.
Oct 20, 2014, 3:31 pm
#3
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: MRY - CNX - TXL
Programs: UA 1K / *G / Marriott PE / Expedia Gold+ / Hertz PC
Posts: 7,058
The biggest caveat I would say of being based in Berlin now is that LH has switched TXL flights except for FRA & MUC to Germanwings which is a "partner" for UA MP and there have been lots of stories and issues regarding getting miles to post, no *G lounge access etc.
For me depending on my time and what options I have the past 3 trips I have done EWR-FRA J and then booked another ticket for FRA-TXL since you can get them pretty cheap.
Recent ball park figures but EWR-TXL-EWR J could be like $4200, EWR-FRA-TXL-FRA-EWR J like $3900 and then EWR-FRA-EWR $2850. You can get a r/t LH flight for like $150 and with nearly hourly flights that I haven't seen full I wouldn't sweat (too much) late arrival in FRA to miss the TXL flight.
You'll also want to check on the LH earnings as only two fares for intraEU flights earn miles to MP: http://www.united.com/CMS/en-US/mark...spx?ItemId=298
How long will be you living in Berlin? Is it just a year...5 years? Maybe do the status match to Air Berlin who has recently been trying to carve out a market share with Ethiad. See how it goes flying for a while?
For me depending on my time and what options I have the past 3 trips I have done EWR-FRA J and then booked another ticket for FRA-TXL since you can get them pretty cheap.
Recent ball park figures but EWR-TXL-EWR J could be like $4200, EWR-FRA-TXL-FRA-EWR J like $3900 and then EWR-FRA-EWR $2850. You can get a r/t LH flight for like $150 and with nearly hourly flights that I haven't seen full I wouldn't sweat (too much) late arrival in FRA to miss the TXL flight.
You'll also want to check on the LH earnings as only two fares for intraEU flights earn miles to MP: http://www.united.com/CMS/en-US/mark...spx?ItemId=298
How long will be you living in Berlin? Is it just a year...5 years? Maybe do the status match to Air Berlin who has recently been trying to carve out a market share with Ethiad. See how it goes flying for a while?
Oct 20, 2014, 4:31 pm
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: LIS/AUS
Programs: UA 1K, Hilton Gold, Marriott Titanium, TAP Gold
Posts: 263
Thanks for the helpful feedback! You bring up some great points
- Right now, only planning on staying in Berlin for a couple of years
- J class costs look fine...curious whether routing FRA-IAH is comparable in price?
- I wasn't aware that there have been so many problems with Germanwings; I'll research more
- Do you think that Etihad will make waves? The only reason why I want to stick with United is because of the mileage redemption...curious as to whether Etihad's will be as valuable
- Also, crediting AirBerlin miles to AA might not be a strong strategy; as mentioned, there are very low % redemptions...but not seeing a good alternative with OneWorld
- Right now, only planning on staying in Berlin for a couple of years
- J class costs look fine...curious whether routing FRA-IAH is comparable in price?
- I wasn't aware that there have been so many problems with Germanwings; I'll research more
- Do you think that Etihad will make waves? The only reason why I want to stick with United is because of the mileage redemption...curious as to whether Etihad's will be as valuable
- Also, crediting AirBerlin miles to AA might not be a strong strategy; as mentioned, there are very low % redemptions...but not seeing a good alternative with OneWorld
The biggest caveat I would say of being based in Berlin now is that LH has switched TXL flights except for FRA & MUC to Germanwings which is a "partner" for UA MP and there have been lots of stories and issues regarding getting miles to post, no *G lounge access etc.
For me depending on my time and what options I have the past 3 trips I have done EWR-FRA J and then booked another ticket for FRA-TXL since you can get them pretty cheap.
Recent ball park figures but EWR-TXL-EWR J could be like $4200, EWR-FRA-TXL-FRA-EWR J like $3900 and then EWR-FRA-EWR $2850. You can get a r/t LH flight for like $150 and with nearly hourly flights that I haven't seen full I wouldn't sweat (too much) late arrival in FRA to miss the TXL flight.
You'll also want to check on the LH earnings as only two fares for intraEU flights earn miles to MP: http://www.united.com/CMS/en-US/mark...spx?ItemId=298
How long will be you living in Berlin? Is it just a year...5 years? Maybe do the status match to Air Berlin who has recently been trying to carve out a market share with Ethiad. See how it goes flying for a while?
For me depending on my time and what options I have the past 3 trips I have done EWR-FRA J and then booked another ticket for FRA-TXL since you can get them pretty cheap.
Recent ball park figures but EWR-TXL-EWR J could be like $4200, EWR-FRA-TXL-FRA-EWR J like $3900 and then EWR-FRA-EWR $2850. You can get a r/t LH flight for like $150 and with nearly hourly flights that I haven't seen full I wouldn't sweat (too much) late arrival in FRA to miss the TXL flight.
You'll also want to check on the LH earnings as only two fares for intraEU flights earn miles to MP: http://www.united.com/CMS/en-US/mark...spx?ItemId=298
How long will be you living in Berlin? Is it just a year...5 years? Maybe do the status match to Air Berlin who has recently been trying to carve out a market share with Ethiad. See how it goes flying for a while?
Oct 20, 2014, 5:04 pm
#5
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: MRY - CNX - TXL
Programs: UA 1K / *G / Marriott PE / Expedia Gold+ / Hertz PC
Posts: 7,058
There is a thread in the UA forum about 4U (Germanwings) I'm on my phone or I would find and link you. It's caused me to make an extra stop when I fly CDG-TXL or LHR.
I can't say for IAH prices but look at FRA-IAH or MUC-IAH and consider like I said giving yourself a cushion and booking a sep ticket if you're paying for J. Last trip it was like $2000 less flying just to FRA in J and then buying another ticket to TXL. Hell I would even take the train to save 2k and fly J TATL.
I can't speak too much about Air Berlin and their redemptions but I did read something about LH trying to sue or get the gov't involved about the routes and things Ethiad was pushing AB.
Ps I think you'll love Berlin and remember you can also fly SK or SN depending on where you want to go in Europe and credit to MileagePlus.
I can't say for IAH prices but look at FRA-IAH or MUC-IAH and consider like I said giving yourself a cushion and booking a sep ticket if you're paying for J. Last trip it was like $2000 less flying just to FRA in J and then buying another ticket to TXL. Hell I would even take the train to save 2k and fly J TATL.
I can't speak too much about Air Berlin and their redemptions but I did read something about LH trying to sue or get the gov't involved about the routes and things Ethiad was pushing AB.
Ps I think you'll love Berlin and remember you can also fly SK or SN depending on where you want to go in Europe and credit to MileagePlus.
Oct 20, 2014, 8:46 pm
#6
Moderator: Hyatt Gold Passport & Star Alliance
Join Date: May 1998
Location: London, UK
Programs: UA-1K 3MM/HY- LT Globalist/BA-GGL/GfL
Posts: 12,089
Please continue the discussion here - http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unite...l#post23707258
Oct 21, 2014, 1:14 pm
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: PDX
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Plat
Posts: 11,500
I'd stick with UA. I also second the idea of simply flying into FRA/MUC and buying a separate ticket to TXL (or just taking the train).
On another note, I am jealous of your move. Berlin has been one of our goals for a long time but I just haven't found a position that would let us move there.
On another note, I am jealous of your move. Berlin has been one of our goals for a long time but I just haven't found a position that would let us move there.
Oct 21, 2014, 6:14 pm
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: LIS/AUS
Programs: UA 1K, Hilton Gold, Marriott Titanium, TAP Gold
Posts: 263
I think that's probably the *best* option...although, I couldn't help but hoping for the possibility to quit flying United 
...
...I'd stick with UA. I also second the idea of simply flying into FRA/MUC and buying a separate ticket to TXL (or just taking the train).
On another note, I am jealous of your move. Berlin has been one of our goals for a long time but I just haven't found a position that would let us move there.
On another note, I am jealous of your move. Berlin has been one of our goals for a long time but I just haven't found a position that would let us move there.
Oct 21, 2014, 6:17 pm
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: LIS/AUS
Programs: UA 1K, Hilton Gold, Marriott Titanium, TAP Gold
Posts: 263
All true...I think the verdict is to stay with UA + *A, and I should probably do the address switch to eliminate PQD requirement for next year as soon as I move.
There is a thread in the UA forum about 4U (Germanwings) I'm on my phone or I would find and link you. It's caused me to make an extra stop when I fly CDG-TXL or LHR.
I can't say for IAH prices but look at FRA-IAH or MUC-IAH and consider like I said giving yourself a cushion and booking a sep ticket if you're paying for J. Last trip it was like $2000 less flying just to FRA in J and then buying another ticket to TXL. Hell I would even take the train to save 2k and fly J TATL.
I can't speak too much about Air Berlin and their redemptions but I did read something about LH trying to sue or get the gov't involved about the routes and things Ethiad was pushing AB.
Ps I think you'll love Berlin and remember you can also fly SK or SN depending on where you want to go in Europe and credit to MileagePlus.
I can't say for IAH prices but look at FRA-IAH or MUC-IAH and consider like I said giving yourself a cushion and booking a sep ticket if you're paying for J. Last trip it was like $2000 less flying just to FRA in J and then buying another ticket to TXL. Hell I would even take the train to save 2k and fly J TATL.
I can't speak too much about Air Berlin and their redemptions but I did read something about LH trying to sue or get the gov't involved about the routes and things Ethiad was pushing AB.
Ps I think you'll love Berlin and remember you can also fly SK or SN depending on where you want to go in Europe and credit to MileagePlus.
Oct 21, 2014, 8:02 pm
#10
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: MRY - CNX - TXL
Programs: UA 1K / *G / Marriott PE / Expedia Gold+ / Hertz PC
Posts: 7,058
And the point that may have gotten lost in my post was that being in TXL you aren't automatically locked into what LH has turned into crappy 4U routes.
From TXL you can fly directly to EWR, BRU, FRA, ARN, OSL, CPH, ZRH, MUC, LIS, TLV, ATH, IST, VIE and with a connection you can still stay on "real" *A to get to any other major capital/city...Rome, London, Paris, Warsaw, Dublin, Geneva, Barcelona, Prague, etc. For me the biggest pain is that LHR/CDG-TXL are 4U which now means having to make a connection.
And if you fly LX on some of these shorter routes and are a nerd you can geek out getting to fly on the Avroliners.
From TXL you can fly directly to EWR, BRU, FRA, ARN, OSL, CPH, ZRH, MUC, LIS, TLV, ATH, IST, VIE and with a connection you can still stay on "real" *A to get to any other major capital/city...Rome, London, Paris, Warsaw, Dublin, Geneva, Barcelona, Prague, etc. For me the biggest pain is that LHR/CDG-TXL are 4U which now means having to make a connection.
And if you fly LX on some of these shorter routes and are a nerd you can geek out getting to fly on the Avroliners.
Oct 22, 2014, 6:27 am
#11
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Stuttgart, Germany
Programs: UA 1P 1MM, IHG Plat, HH Silver, DB BahnComfort
Posts: 332
I agree completely with JVPhoto. I live in Stuttgart, and after my most recent experience with Germanwings, I will continue my efforts to avoid them whenever possible. When I fly STR-TXL, I now use Air Berlin, even though I only have BA Blue status. Still better than 4U! But if you are flying a lot of intra-Europe flights, you'll have no problems connecting from TXL with LH, LX, OS or other *A carriers. And I think the Senator Lounge in TXL is quite nice, even though it's not too big.
Have fun in Berlin, it's a great city!
Have fun in Berlin, it's a great city!
Nov 3, 2014, 1:04 pm
#12
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: LIS/AUS
Programs: UA 1K, Hilton Gold, Marriott Titanium, TAP Gold
Posts: 263
Wanted to share a very interesting analysis by LufthansaFlyer who is switching from MileagePlus to Miles & More.
Although, I think I'm going to stick with UA.
Although, I think I'm going to stick with UA.
Nov 3, 2014, 1:26 pm
#13
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: GRR, USA
Posts: 3,298
Wanted to share a very interesting analysis by LufthansaFlyer who is switching from MileagePlus to Miles & More.
Although, I think I'm going to stick with UA.
Although, I think I'm going to stick with UA.
Nov 5, 2014, 1:01 am
#14
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MEL CHC
Posts: 21,017
Your question of UA vs another alliance/airline ffp has been asked before
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/infor...help-here.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/onewo...help-here.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/infor...help-here.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/onewo...help-here.html