Considering a move to UA MP
 

Full disclosure: I'm still a rookie here on FlyerTalk and I'm looking for personal opinions as I've found most of the facts I think I need.

I'm currently an AS MVPG based out of SFO, I fly nearly 100% partner metal. I've stayed with AS because Seattle is still "home" and AS MVPG and 75K have one of the best "actual miles flown/miles redeemed" ratios. While I may not get UG's, ever, I can earn an award one-way after 3 transcons.

In June my wife and I are moving to CLE and I can't really justify the extra cost of DL flights just to stay within the program. My plan is to wait until July 1 and then status match over to UA where I can easily earn PG and keep it - as well as my AS MVPG - through the end of 2014. At some point next year I'll have to commit to one if I want gold on either for 2015.

I can't say I've heard great things about UA recently, especially here on FT, but all programs garner complaints. I'm curious if anyone is out there who has had a similar experience, or is based out of CLE, and is willing to share.

Thanks in advance!

don't you also have aa as a partner? between both aa and dl, it would seem you have plenty of choices. i'm with ua. but they have been going down the tubes.

My experience with flights ex-CLE w/r/t upgrades hasn't been good. As someone at the *DO in Chicago reported, a UA exec stated that CLE will not be de-hubbed anytime soon b/c of good profitability. Meaning, the airline has found a good balance of filling capacity at moderate fares, while still making good money. Good for the airline's books, bad for CPUs. Anecdotally, the only time I've been upgraded into or out of CLE was on a midcon CLE-DEN. YMMV.

Agreed on all counts, especially UA going down the tubes. If you can make AA and/or DL work for you, I'd go that route.

I say make the move. United is improving whether others would like to admit it or not. CLE is actually one of if not the best rated UA hubs, in CS and in Ontime performance!

Obviously no airline is perfect (& haters gonna hate) and there are also very valid complaints.

Slowly but surely UA will come around. Just my 2c.

CLE flites on United going south - FLL - TPA - MCO are very good for upgrades. As a 1K, i am 6 for 6 thus far in 2013 and will test it again next week to TPA. The United Club in CLE is excellent. Don't know which side of Cleveland you will live, but if you are east of CLE be sure to always check flites from ERIE airport. these go back to CLE to connect, but are often less expensive.

FWIW - CLE is scheduled for de-hub.

UA staff at CLE are excellent.

Fares from CAK & PIT should also be considered.

Really? We all suspect it, but do you have it authoritatively?

See the following:

http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d10778t.pdf

http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CHRG-11...1shrg61688.pdf

The Fed has concerns because ORD and CLE have been overlapped with each other. Since it is obvious that ORD is going to stay. CLE will be on the table.

With UA;s commitment until 2015 for CLE, the following campaign has bee started:

http://www.unitedforthehub.com/

http://my.cose.org/clevelandhub/Default.aspx

If you are still not convinced, look at CVG.

No hateration in my response, but even though CLE may have great employees I believe it is a matter of time before it will be dehubbed esp with ORD being so close.

I also imagine DEN will be on the table. Doesn't make sense to have DEN when IAH is due south.

DEN is greatly located as an east-west connecting hub as well as accessing the Pacific NW, the ski resorts in the Rockies, and most of the Mountain time zone. Internationally, DEN has nonstop to FRA and (soon) NRT, giving it access to 2 of the largest Star hubs. AA and DL would die to have a hub around there. PHX/SLC just doesn't feel like same.

Between DEN, ORD, and IAH, nearly no one requires a significant backtrack when connecting east-west. Other than the southeast, I'd say UA has very well placed hubs. CLE being the sole exception owing to its proximity to ORD, IAD, and to a certain extent, EWR. If only UA switch most of its E145s into E-170s/E-190s, CLE would be decent focus city.

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What do you want from the program? If domestic upgrades are most important than you might have a very different view than someone who cares more about international upgrades or award redemptions.

Considering a move to UA MP
 

If you'll be in CLE, UA is your only hope for non stops and good flight frequency. I've tried US and AA and the service out of CLE is pitiful. In my experience, DL is a train wreck. YMMV.

I've been convinced since day one that UA would screw CLE. However, I was most interested to see on what factual basis you stated that "CLE is scheduled for de-hub." It seems that there is no basis to state that it has so been scheduled. Only fears which will almost certainly prove true. It will be a sad day for CLE when it does happen. "Our" airline is certainly no longer CO.

The evidence is apparent.

1. New routes have been added with hubs, except CLE.

2. UA has not invested in CLE for improvements.

3. No hub city, like CLE, has to form a campaign.