Do all programs have access to same Star Awards?
Apr 30, 2009 | 4:12 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: So. Cal
Programs: ALL
Posts: 115
Do all programs have access to same Star Awards?
I've redeemed all of my United miles for an upcoming flights for my family and am now at zero. I am thinking of switching to US Airways DM since my primary is the Starwood AMEX which transfers 1:1 at US Airways but 2:1 to United MP. However, it seems there is more availability/flexibility in booking award flights on United than US Airways in my market (SAN).
My questions is if I switch to US Airways DM, will I be more limited in booking Star Award flights on United than if I had United miles? Are United and US Airways equal when it comes to booking other Star Awards (on other Star Alliance flights --- like Thai, Singapore, etc.)?
Thanks in advance!
My questions is if I switch to US Airways DM, will I be more limited in booking Star Award flights on United than if I had United miles? Are United and US Airways equal when it comes to booking other Star Awards (on other Star Alliance flights --- like Thai, Singapore, etc.)?
Thanks in advance!
Apr 30, 2009 | 4:35 pm
#3
Join Date: May 2006
Location: New York, London, Sydney
Programs: United GS/2MM, DL*P, VS*G, AA*EXP, Avis CHM, Hertz Platinum, Sixt*D, HH*D, HGP*P, Starwood*P
Posts: 9,881
US is imperfect. So are AC and SQ.
But all of them are better for star awards than UA. Depending on your destination, I love AC.
But all of them are better for star awards than UA. Depending on your destination, I love AC.
May 1, 2009 | 12:13 pm
#4
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Chicago
Programs: UA- 1P
Posts: 274
What's the point of UA MP if you are not a 1K? If gold status and award redemption are the top criterias, aren't AC or BD better?
May 1, 2009 | 2:31 pm
#5
Join Date: May 2006
Location: New York, London, Sydney
Programs: United GS/2MM, DL*P, VS*G, AA*EXP, Avis CHM, Hertz Platinum, Sixt*D, HH*D, HGP*P, Starwood*P
Posts: 9,881
The downside to BD is that diamond club's future is very uncertain. Plus, their fuel surcharges on awards are obscene.
Same is true for AC if you're on AC metal, but that's easy to avoid. But they have their own problems: superbly expensive awards to certain regions and problems with LX availability.
UA's upside is earning capabilities. Miles on every cheapo fare class, 100% boni, promotions, credit cards, etc. Also, until recently, and even now, a pretty cheap award chart relative to some other carriers.
And, as you mention, at 1K, the SWUs and Cr-1s are invaluable.
Same is true for AC if you're on AC metal, but that's easy to avoid. But they have their own problems: superbly expensive awards to certain regions and problems with LX availability.
UA's upside is earning capabilities. Miles on every cheapo fare class, 100% boni, promotions, credit cards, etc. Also, until recently, and even now, a pretty cheap award chart relative to some other carriers.
And, as you mention, at 1K, the SWUs and Cr-1s are invaluable.
May 3, 2009 | 4:09 pm
#6
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Los Angeles, CA; Philadelphia, PA
Programs: FA
Posts: 6,491
One very important distinction that the US based programs have (ie: UA and US) is the shelf life of the miles earned. AFAIK, all other *A programs expire earned miles within a specific time period regardless of activity.
LAX
LAX
May 3, 2009 | 4:38 pm
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: London, UK and Southern France
Posts: 18,892
