Some Observations of AA vs UA by a UA flyer(s)
Jul 16, 2014, 9:02 am
#31
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: LGA/JFK/EWR
Programs: UA 1K1.75MM, Hyatt Globalist, abandoned Marriott LTT (RIP SPG), Hertz PC
Posts: 21,169
If you're a HVF, unless you're a hub/corporate captive, AA has a lot more to offer quality-wise IMO.
If you're a VFF (doing over 100K), I think it's a smart move to cap UA mileage at some point (ideally not a mile over 100,000
) and utilize AA/DL or one of the other niche carriers.
Jul 16, 2014, 9:04 am
#32
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2012
Programs: UA PP, AA, DL, BA, CX, SPG, HHonors
Posts: 2,002
Much lower than LHR. Half, if not cheaper.
Starnet blocking is long gone since March'12 switch to SHARES. The only thing you need for ANA/AC is SN/LO/SQ. I'm not too sure about whether ANA Japanese domestic award seats show up on UA.com though.
That's why I try to maintain ~150-200K balance in both UA and AA accounts. Different miles for different trips.
That's why I try to maintain ~150-200K balance in both UA and AA accounts. Different miles for different trips.
Jul 16, 2014, 9:11 am
#33
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Midwest
Programs: UA GS, UA 1.6MM, AA LT PLT, AA 2.6MM, Intercontinental Royal Ambassador
Posts: 838
It will go up, but it's insanely cheap right now...US to SE Asia, one way C is 55K miles and F is 67.5K miles. On UA partner carriers, C is 80K and F is, what, 140K now?
IME still pretty easy to find CX flights for awards.
Have an interesting story from last week on AA...LGA-DFW (so an hourly shuttle basically), we start to board when the captain comes out and says "sorry, need to de-board, this plane is going out of service".
With UA, this means "flight cancelled, you're screwed, may or may not be auto-rebooked, good luck". On this AA flight, they announced they were pulling a plane from another flight, just needed to switch gates, do paperwork, etc. Delay ended up being 45 min, no biggie.
Now it was a focus city for them, but not a hub, so not like they have tons of 737s sitting around. But based on past (UA) experience, thought for sure I was looking at a cancel. Just shows what you have come to expect w/UA though.
IME still pretty easy to find CX flights for awards.
Have an interesting story from last week on AA...LGA-DFW (so an hourly shuttle basically), we start to board when the captain comes out and says "sorry, need to de-board, this plane is going out of service".
With UA, this means "flight cancelled, you're screwed, may or may not be auto-rebooked, good luck". On this AA flight, they announced they were pulling a plane from another flight, just needed to switch gates, do paperwork, etc. Delay ended up being 45 min, no biggie.
Now it was a focus city for them, but not a hub, so not like they have tons of 737s sitting around. But based on past (UA) experience, thought for sure I was looking at a cancel. Just shows what you have come to expect w/UA though.
Jul 16, 2014, 9:32 am
#34
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Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: DEN
Programs: UA MM Plat; AA MM Gold; HHonors Diamond
Posts: 15,866
...Strengths of AA:
- WiFi (UA has it on some planes, but not enough)
- Better catering
- Easier to get upgraded as EXP than 1K (from IAD)
- Sometimes low-prices P fares (discounted F)
- They still give free upgrades between LAX/SFO and JFK (UA didn't last I checked)
- EXP get a free drink and BoB in Y if not upgraded
- 8 SWU for EXP with no
- Far superior catering in F...
- WiFi (UA has it on some planes, but not enough)
- Better catering
- Easier to get upgraded as EXP than 1K (from IAD)
- Sometimes low-prices P fares (discounted F)
- They still give free upgrades between LAX/SFO and JFK (UA didn't last I checked)
- EXP get a free drink and BoB in Y if not upgraded
- 8 SWU for EXP with no
- Far superior catering in F...
UA has great -UP fares as well. How about DEN--PIT return for $553 in mainline F with meals vs $474 in Y? In "A" (1.75X RDMs) to boot?
Jul 16, 2014, 9:48 am
#35
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Join Date: Jun 2012
Programs: UA PP, AA, DL, BA, CX, SPG, HHonors
Posts: 2,002
Between the PQD requirements, much higher mileage earning on post 3/1/15, and the really horrible cpm in Y, it almost makes me want to book them
Jul 16, 2014, 9:58 am
#36
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Seattle WA
Programs: AS 100K, Marriott LT Platinum
Posts: 1,828
Thanks, OP and others
I agree that coming from UA, AA's lack of free SDC for elites is lame. Nearly ubiquitous domestic WiFi OTOH is great.
I'm curious to learn more about this:
Is this just for connecting, international and/or mixed itins with OW partners? Or for domestic/nonstops too?
Thanks in advance
I agree that coming from UA, AA's lack of free SDC for elites is lame. Nearly ubiquitous domestic WiFi OTOH is great.
I'm curious to learn more about this:
Thanks in advance
Jul 16, 2014, 10:03 am
#37
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Chicago
Programs: AA EXP, UA former 1K (1.9MM and gone), Marriott LT Plat, Hilton Diamond, SPG Plat
Posts: 1,111
It will go up, but it's insanely cheap right now...US to SE Asia, one way C is 55K miles and F is 67.5K miles. On UA partner carriers, C is 80K and F is, what, 140K now?
IME still pretty easy to find CX flights for awards.
Have an interesting story from last week on AA...LGA-DFW (so an hourly shuttle basically), we start to board when the captain comes out and says "sorry, need to de-board, this plane is going out of service".
With UA, this means "flight cancelled, you're screwed, may or may not be auto-rebooked, good luck". On this AA flight, they announced they were pulling a plane from another flight, just needed to switch gates, do paperwork, etc. Delay ended up being 45 min, no biggie.
Now it was a focus city for them, but not a hub, so not like they have tons of 737s sitting around. But based on past (UA) experience, thought for sure I was looking at a cancel. Just shows what you have come to expect w/UA though.
IME still pretty easy to find CX flights for awards.
Have an interesting story from last week on AA...LGA-DFW (so an hourly shuttle basically), we start to board when the captain comes out and says "sorry, need to de-board, this plane is going out of service".
With UA, this means "flight cancelled, you're screwed, may or may not be auto-rebooked, good luck". On this AA flight, they announced they were pulling a plane from another flight, just needed to switch gates, do paperwork, etc. Delay ended up being 45 min, no biggie.
Now it was a focus city for them, but not a hub, so not like they have tons of 737s sitting around. But based on past (UA) experience, thought for sure I was looking at a cancel. Just shows what you have come to expect w/UA though.
Jul 16, 2014, 10:04 am
#38
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: NYC / TYO / Up in the Air
Programs: UA GS 1.7MM, AA 2.1MM, EK, BA, SQ, CX, Marriot LT, Accor P
Posts: 6,315
Given their recent announcements the way UA is pricing things lately is understandable, but frustrating. I did notice that if I change the routing to XXX-ORD-ICN-HKG-SIN-NRT-ORD-XXX I can literally save several thousands of dollars - but then I have to fly another airline and add a stop - not the end of the world but frustrating never the less.
Part of the issue seems to be the inclusion of SIN - they won't sell me a business class seat (J0) but will only sell me an A fare in advance as they hold all the seats in advance for connections to SIN from the US... However, I can buy an economy V fare from HKG-SIN-NRT on UA metal for $510 and upgrade - but can't do all segments on one ticket as the system will not allow - so I have to buy 2.
Ugh
Jul 16, 2014, 10:06 am
#39
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: London & Sonoma CA
Programs: UA 1K, MM *G for life, BAEC Gold
Posts: 10,224
I flew AA in First for the first time yesterday and was very disappointed vs UA. On AA's plus side, I thought that the cabin and seat were less dreary, and the FA (for there was only one) was a lot friendlier.
But, there was no PDB, no nuts, even nastier wine than UA has (Hacienda Cab in a small plastic bottle) and no snack box, just some pretzels. I recognise that it was a short flight (LAX-SFO), but at 7:15 in the evening, it was prime dinner time - too early to have eaten before and a little too late to eat after, so it would have been nice to have had the snack basket.
But, there was no PDB, no nuts, even nastier wine than UA has (Hacienda Cab in a small plastic bottle) and no snack box, just some pretzels. I recognise that it was a short flight (LAX-SFO), but at 7:15 in the evening, it was prime dinner time - too early to have eaten before and a little too late to eat after, so it would have been nice to have had the snack basket.
Jul 16, 2014, 1:33 pm
#40
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Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: BOS/ORH
Programs: AS 75K
Posts: 18,323
UA has better seats in F & J on most if not all TPAC/TATL. No MCE and no lie flat on AA except the 777-300ER routes. Real power on UA long haul fleet, not the ancient cigarette lighter type power.
I hear on the AA Transcon premium services flights wine selection is abysmal and so is food. I think i head someone call them "TV dinners". Guess ill find out Saturday when i try out the A321.
I hear on the AA Transcon premium services flights wine selection is abysmal and so is food. I think i head someone call them "TV dinners". Guess ill find out Saturday when i try out the A321.
Jul 16, 2014, 2:14 pm
#41
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Seattle WA
Programs: AS 100K, Marriott LT Platinum
Posts: 1,828
Yes, but AA is actively installing new J seats on the 767s and 772s -- and both are way better than UA C.
Jul 16, 2014, 2:22 pm
#42
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: LAS ORD
Programs: AA Pro (mostly B6) OZ♦ (flying BR/UA), BA Silver Hyatt LT, Wynn Black, Cosmo Plat, Mlife Noir
Posts: 5,992
But, there was no PDB, no nuts, even nastier wine than UA has (Hacienda Cab in a small plastic bottle) and no snack box, just some pretzels. I recognise that it was a short flight (LAX-SFO), but at 7:15 in the evening, it was prime dinner time - too early to have eaten before and a little too late to eat after, so it would have been nice to have had the snack basket.
Also, is 6 or even 6:30pm really too early to eat dinner? -_-
Jul 16, 2014, 3:18 pm
#43
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: PIT
Programs: OZ Diamond, UA Gold
Posts: 9,922
On flights of similar length on UA, I've experienced the snack basket that the FA passes around. I don't know what AA does, but it seems from the OP that AA doesn't even do that.
Jul 16, 2014, 3:22 pm
#44
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Nashville, TN
Programs: Marriott Lifetime Titanium.;UA 1.5MM; UA Lifetime Gold (whoppee); DL Plat
Posts: 2,124
I am beginning my adventure in doing an EXP challenge august 1... I hope I'm not expecting too much.
Jul 16, 2014, 3:24 pm
#45
Suspended
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,790
On LAX-SFO I know WN throws some peanuts/pretzels at you and DL hands out LUVO snacks (I think a wrap and fruit). No clue what AA/UA does.