Thinking of making the switch to United from Delta
Jul 13, 2012, 10:59 am
#76
Suspended
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: DEN
Programs: Delta Silver. Former AA gold. UA MP and DL Plat AMEX cardholder
Posts: 1,254
A few positive things about United
Excellent awards availability w *A and the new booking engine means you don't have to call to check award availability on partner airlines
Only 2 (Delta has 3) award categories
787 and the Route network (these our gonna be game changers
(I don't believe that for a second but that's what I'm told
SHARES (you have not really ever had a true airline experience unless it was controlled by SHARES (who by the way is the step brother of H.A.L.
all joking aside, #1 and 2 above is true and important
UA is almost finished putting flat beds on ALL intl aircraft (a few more PMUA 777s and the PMCO 767-400s still need them. Way ahead of Delta here
NO MD-80s
And finally. I have sat next to a number of plats And even a few GOLDS in F on Unlimited Dom upgrades. Out of both IAH and SFO
Excellent awards availability w *A and the new booking engine means you don't have to call to check award availability on partner airlines
Only 2 (Delta has 3) award categories
787 and the Route network (these our gonna be game changers
(I don't believe that for a second but that's what I'm toldSHARES (you have not really ever had a true airline experience unless it was controlled by SHARES (who by the way is the step brother of H.A.L.
all joking aside, #1 and 2 above is true and important
UA is almost finished putting flat beds on ALL intl aircraft (a few more PMUA 777s and the PMCO 767-400s still need them. Way ahead of Delta here
NO MD-80s
And finally. I have sat next to a number of plats And even a few GOLDS in F on Unlimited Dom upgrades. Out of both IAH and SFO
Jul 14, 2012, 1:10 pm
#77
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Bahwstun
Programs: DL DM, Marriott Gold, UA 1K, SPG Gold
Posts: 140
Status Match/Challenge thru *A partners
As a Delta Diamond, I actually like their service and response, but it should come as no surprise to anyone here how much "SkyPesos" are beaten to death...
That said, I am considering a status challenge on UA for the more valuable miles, but I am reading in the terms that it only miles on UA count, NOT *A partners? Reading further, it seems I wouldn't get *G privileges either, which definitely sours the proposition a bit. Almost all of my travel is international, and traveling to Europe sounds much more appealing in LH or LX than UA., or NH/SG/TG to Asia.
Can anyone confirm that EQMs earned on partners indeed do NOT help reach the match requirement?
Thanks
That said, I am considering a status challenge on UA for the more valuable miles, but I am reading in the terms that it only miles on UA count, NOT *A partners? Reading further, it seems I wouldn't get *G privileges either, which definitely sours the proposition a bit. Almost all of my travel is international, and traveling to Europe sounds much more appealing in LH or LX than UA., or NH/SG/TG to Asia.
Can anyone confirm that EQMs earned on partners indeed do NOT help reach the match requirement?
Thanks
Jul 14, 2012, 1:16 pm
#78
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: DCA or IAD (originally DUB)
Programs: UA 1K 1.8MM, Hertz PC, Marriott Platinum/Lifetime Gold
Posts: 7,657
Lots and lots of discussion here http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unite...ted-delta.html
Jul 14, 2012, 1:18 pm
#79
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Bahwstun
Programs: DL DM, Marriott Gold, UA 1K, SPG Gold
Posts: 140
iGracias!
I will have a read through it, but any additional comments/anecdotes are appreciated. To be clear though, my question is specifically targeted to the status challenge process itself
I will have a read through it, but any additional comments/anecdotes are appreciated. To be clear though, my question is specifically targeted to the status challenge process itself
Last edited by anotherTCKid; Jul 14, 2012 at 1:23 pm Reason: added third sentence
Aug 1, 2012, 10:11 am
#80
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: LAX/BUR/ONT
Posts: 79
Thinking of coming to United... Am I crazy??
I am a Delta PM. I fly 100k+ per year all Domestic. I have been with Delta for a while and don't have any complaints about the service or the planes. My biggest gripe is my travel pattern is more in-line with what United offers. With Delta I have to connect the majority of the places I go.
I am based out of LAX. I have heard nothing but issues with United. Am I crazy for thinking about switching to United....? United seems to have better fares on most of the smaller markets I visit as well.
I am based out of LAX. I have heard nothing but issues with United. Am I crazy for thinking about switching to United....? United seems to have better fares on most of the smaller markets I visit as well.
Aug 1, 2012, 10:29 am
#81
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: New Orleans
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 655
Welcome to FT, BigJimmy626.
If UA has better flights and cheaper, switching might work well. A caution, perhaps only for the next few months, is to check how well the flights you're likely to take are doing - there have been multiple reports of delayed/cancelled flights. Use UA's flight status tool to check on representative routes.
UA has done status matches years ago, don't know their current posture, but there's no harm in asking. W/ all the defections - such as mine to AA - UA is likely going to welcome DL flyers.
Another factor is time - it's mid year, so it would be difficult to accumulate much status this year w/out a challenge or match. Even if a move to UA is best for you, might be best to wait until Jan to make the move.
happy travels
If UA has better flights and cheaper, switching might work well. A caution, perhaps only for the next few months, is to check how well the flights you're likely to take are doing - there have been multiple reports of delayed/cancelled flights. Use UA's flight status tool to check on representative routes.
UA has done status matches years ago, don't know their current posture, but there's no harm in asking. W/ all the defections - such as mine to AA - UA is likely going to welcome DL flyers.
Another factor is time - it's mid year, so it would be difficult to accumulate much status this year w/out a challenge or match. Even if a move to UA is best for you, might be best to wait until Jan to make the move.
happy travels
Aug 1, 2012, 10:34 am
#82
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: LAX/BUR/ONT
Posts: 79
Welcome to FT, BigJimmy626.
If UA has better flights and cheaper, switching might work well. A caution, perhaps only for the next few months, is to check how well the flights you're likely to take are doing - there have been multiple reports of delayed/cancelled flights. Use UA's flight status tool to check on representative routes.
UA has done status matches years ago, don't know their current posture, but there's no harm in asking. W/ all the defections - such as mine to AA - UA is likely going to welcome DL flyers.
Another factor is time - it's mid year, so it would be difficult to accumulate much status this year w/out a challenge or match. Even if a move to UA is best for you, might be best to wait until Jan to make the move.
happy travels
If UA has better flights and cheaper, switching might work well. A caution, perhaps only for the next few months, is to check how well the flights you're likely to take are doing - there have been multiple reports of delayed/cancelled flights. Use UA's flight status tool to check on representative routes.
UA has done status matches years ago, don't know their current posture, but there's no harm in asking. W/ all the defections - such as mine to AA - UA is likely going to welcome DL flyers.
Another factor is time - it's mid year, so it would be difficult to accumulate much status this year w/out a challenge or match. Even if a move to UA is best for you, might be best to wait until Jan to make the move.
happy travels
Thanks for the tips. I will contact them for a status match. I figure I don't have much to lose since I am PM on DL until 2014 at this point. I can try UA for a few trips and see if I like them. If not, I'll go back to DL.
Out of curiosity, how do you like AA?? They are an option for me as well.
Last edited by BigJimmy626; Aug 1, 2012 at 10:36 am Reason: Adding comment
Aug 1, 2012, 10:48 am
#83
Join Date: Mar 2008
Programs: DL BA Amex
Posts: 916
look at the "DEALS & OFFERS" --> "MEAGEPLUS NEWS& OFFERS" tab on UA.com. There is a listing for the STATUS MATCH CHALLENGE promotion.
I'm not sure if they match DM to 1K, but I think they will let you challenge to Platinum. You would have to fly 25k BIS miles within 90 days.
Beware, UA is a mess right now with constant IT issues, delays and cancellations. Delays and cancellations are problems on some routes, not so much on others.
also, note that if you COMPLETE your challenge before July 1st, status is only valid for the rest of the year. If you complete your challenge AFTER July 1st, status is valid for the rest of the year AND the entire next year. (at least that is the way the current T&C reads)
I'm not sure if they match DM to 1K, but I think they will let you challenge to Platinum. You would have to fly 25k BIS miles within 90 days.
Beware, UA is a mess right now with constant IT issues, delays and cancellations. Delays and cancellations are problems on some routes, not so much on others.
also, note that if you COMPLETE your challenge before July 1st, status is only valid for the rest of the year. If you complete your challenge AFTER July 1st, status is valid for the rest of the year AND the entire next year. (at least that is the way the current T&C reads)
Aug 1, 2012, 11:05 am
#84
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: New Orleans
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 655
Thanks for the tips. I will contact them for a status match. I figure I don't have much to lose since I am PM on DL until 2014 at this point. I can try UA for a few trips and see if I like them. If not, I'll go back to DL.
Out of curiosity, how do you like AA?? They are an option for me as well.
Out of curiosity, how do you like AA?? They are an option for me as well.
Get thru to the AAngels on the phone in a ring or two, they try to help. Excellent treatment at airport. Recent rt MSY...SJU, all upgrades but one cleared 4 days in advance, w/ last one just a day in advance. Stood by for earlier flights on some legs, managed to do so and keep upgrade.
Am voting w/ my feet - just booked AA EWR-PVG (almost a mr deal @ $650 ai rt for almost 18K eqm). Will make 30K+ by end of Aug, 55K+ by end of year. Only book UA when I have to (e.g., DFW-DUB @ $505 ai, repositioning flight to DFW on AA).
Don't mind connections, rather welcome them in fact, so for me AA works well, tho not so well to Asia.
Aug 1, 2012, 11:29 am
#85
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Benicia, California, USA
Programs: AA PLT,AS,UA PP,J6,FB,EY,LH,SQ,HH Dmd,Hyatt Glbl,Marriott Plat,IHG Plat,Accor Gold
Posts: 10,820
I am a Delta PM. I fly 100k+ per year all Domestic. I have been with Delta for a while and don't have any complaints about the service or the planes. My biggest gripe is my travel pattern is more in-line with what United offers. With Delta I have to connect the majority of the places I go.
I am based out of LAX. I have heard nothing but issues with United. Am I crazy for thinking about switching to United....? United seems to have better fares on most of the smaller markets I visit as well.
I am based out of LAX. I have heard nothing but issues with United. Am I crazy for thinking about switching to United....? United seems to have better fares on most of the smaller markets I visit as well.
UA is in meltdown mode, with problems that start at the top with its leadership and that accordingly will not end in a few months. Those problems include but are not limited to a lousy IT/reservations system, frequently delayed and canceled flights (more than any other domestic airline, I believe), and extremely poor handling of irregular operations when maintenance or weather problems crop up. Peruse some of the other threads here to get a flavor of everything that's going wrong. Sure, any airline screws up and has disgruntled customers, but UA is far worse than the pack in both respects.
You'd be much better considering AA, which has an LAX hub and thus might be decently suited to some of your travel needs. If your patterns include West Coast trips, UA is ahead, but you can compensate for this by accruing and redeeming AA miles on AS (which is a good airline and has a good West Coast network), plus get perks such as exit row seats on AS if you have sufficient AA status.
Last edited by Thunderroad; Aug 1, 2012 at 1:04 pm
Aug 1, 2012, 12:59 pm
#87
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: LGA/JFK/EWR
Programs: UA 1K1.75MM, Hyatt Globalist, abandoned Marriott LTT (RIP SPG), Hertz PC
Posts: 21,172
Agreed - if you like flights that run on time (or even run at all), UA is not the airline for you!
From First to Worst in two short years.
From First to Worst in two short years.
Aug 4, 2012, 9:23 am
#88
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: LAX/BUR/ONT
Posts: 79
Aug 19, 2012, 4:53 pm
#89
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: LAX, SFO
Programs: DL DM
Posts: 245
Just came to UA as DL DM
Hi guys,
Just had my DL status matched on UA. I had some questions about UA's program.
1) How do you get UA mileage credit when flying on partners such as Singapore Airlines?
2) How do you find award pricing for UA partner airlines?
3) What are the international upgrades like--on Delta you have to pay for very expensive economy fares to be able to upgrade with SWU or miles.
4) How often can you expect to upgraded on UA flights as a 1K member? On DL as a DM I am probably around 90%--I usually only miss JFK-SFO or JFK-LAX flights. Wondering how those routes on UA would be in terms of upgrade chances...
Just had my DL status matched on UA. I had some questions about UA's program.
1) How do you get UA mileage credit when flying on partners such as Singapore Airlines?
2) How do you find award pricing for UA partner airlines?
3) What are the international upgrades like--on Delta you have to pay for very expensive economy fares to be able to upgrade with SWU or miles.
4) How often can you expect to upgraded on UA flights as a 1K member? On DL as a DM I am probably around 90%--I usually only miss JFK-SFO or JFK-LAX flights. Wondering how those routes on UA would be in terms of upgrade chances...
Aug 19, 2012, 9:12 pm
#90
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Planet Earth
Programs: | *G | STE | HGP ♦ | SPG Au | MR Au
Posts: 3,772
Hi guys,
Just had my DL status matched on UA. I had some questions about UA's program.
1) How do you get UA mileage credit when flying on partners such as Singapore Airlines?
2) How do you find award pricing for UA partner airlines?
3) What are the international upgrades like--on Delta you have to pay for very expensive economy fares to be able to upgrade with SWU or miles.
4) How often can you expect to upgraded on UA flights as a 1K member? On DL as a DM I am probably around 90%--I usually only miss JFK-SFO or JFK-LAX flights. Wondering how those routes on UA would be in terms of upgrade chances...
Just had my DL status matched on UA. I had some questions about UA's program.
1) How do you get UA mileage credit when flying on partners such as Singapore Airlines?
2) How do you find award pricing for UA partner airlines?
3) What are the international upgrades like--on Delta you have to pay for very expensive economy fares to be able to upgrade with SWU or miles.
4) How often can you expect to upgraded on UA flights as a 1K member? On DL as a DM I am probably around 90%--I usually only miss JFK-SFO or JFK-LAX flights. Wondering how those routes on UA would be in terms of upgrade chances...
2) you can find them on ua.com award engine
3) I believe for swu you need minimum w fare, with miles you can do it for lower fares but some fares you need to pay money and miles. http://www.united.com/web/en-us/content/mileageplus/awards/upgrade/mua.aspx
4) I did a status challenge for 1k recently. By my count I missed upgrades on about 5 segments out of 28. So about 80%. All of my flights were trans con and 12 segs were bos to sfo. Some misses were due to sdc because my flight was late and I missed my connection. For irrops they aren't as good as dl in my limited exposure to both.
Last edited by DHalltheway; Aug 19, 2012 at 9:29 pm