Some Observations of AA vs UA by a UA flyer(s)
Jul 16, 2014, 3:28 pm
#46
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Join Date: Mar 2013
Programs: DL PM, MR Titanium/LTP, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 10,130
The thing I miss the most from UA since switching over to AA is the SDC policy. *A is also leaps and bounds above OW.
Otherwise AA IMO is superior in pretty much every other category (I don't do much international travel so the lack of 100% international fully lie-flat seats in J doesn't really impact me)
Otherwise AA IMO is superior in pretty much every other category (I don't do much international travel so the lack of 100% international fully lie-flat seats in J doesn't really impact me)
Jul 16, 2014, 3:51 pm
#47
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Join Date: Feb 2012
Programs: AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Delta Silver Medallion, Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador
Posts: 14,117
I gave up on UA and went with AA about two years ago. Thus far, my experience has been:
AA:
ACs are good, though not something I would pay for if they did not come with my CC.
Better service within the continental US, to the Caribbean, and to South America.
IRROPS are rare, and handled with courtesy.
Decent to good menus in F/J (considering it's airplane food).
Five Star Service at JFK departures works as advertised.
J seats on the 757 international configuration to SJU are fantastic.
More points accumulation as mid-tier Aadvantage member.
United:
Better coverage to Europe and Asia.
Star Alliance is much better by far (we still fly SQ and even LH to get to FRA; trying to do this via OW is complicated and/or expensive).
Better coverage to Canada (via AC).
AA:
ACs are good, though not something I would pay for if they did not come with my CC.
Better service within the continental US, to the Caribbean, and to South America.
IRROPS are rare, and handled with courtesy.
Decent to good menus in F/J (considering it's airplane food).
Five Star Service at JFK departures works as advertised.
J seats on the 757 international configuration to SJU are fantastic.
More points accumulation as mid-tier Aadvantage member.
United:
Better coverage to Europe and Asia.
Star Alliance is much better by far (we still fly SQ and even LH to get to FRA; trying to do this via OW is complicated and/or expensive).
Better coverage to Canada (via AC).
Jul 16, 2014, 4:29 pm
#48
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
"Snack basket" is different from "snack box" in FT lingo. UA does pass around the snack basket on SFO-LAS (although how many times exactly is very dependent on the crew IME). The FT'er I responded to mentioned he got pretzels, so I just wanted to make sure the context was understood.
Jul 16, 2014, 4:36 pm
#49
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: PIT
Programs: OZ Diamond, UA Gold
Posts: 9,926
"Snack basket" is different from "snack box" in FT lingo. UA does pass around the snack basket on SFO-LAS (although how many times exactly is very dependent on the crew IME). The FT'er I responded to mentioned he got pretzels, so I just wanted to make sure the context was understood.
Yes, I know that. I misread the OPs post, missing the part where he got pretzels. Regardless, UA still more than what the OP got on AA
Jul 16, 2014, 4:36 pm
#50
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Jul 16, 2014, 4:45 pm
#52
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Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Bay Area, CA
Programs: UA Plat 2MM; AS MVP Gold 75K
Posts: 35,068
Jul 16, 2014, 4:47 pm
#53
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Benicia CA
Programs: Alaska MVP Gold 75K, AA 3.8MM, UA 1.1MM, enjoying the retired life
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Didn't know they flew to Alberta. My flights have always been over to the B.C. side. Learn something new here every day. 
Jul 16, 2014, 4:53 pm
#54
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: LAX
Programs: UA:1k; MR: PLT; Hilton: Gold
Posts: 1,324
I always like reading threads like this. I went from DL to AA to UA, consistently at the 50k elite level.
I'm surprised nobody has mentioned the EQM/EQP split over at AA. For people who fly a mix of deep discount economy and the occasional premium J/F, AA is terrible from a status earning perspective. For all the shortcomings on UA, the reason I'm very happy with my move so far:
- SDC that I have had great experience with so far
- Miles I can actually use to/from Europe (without insance BA "surcharges")
- Upgrades based on fare code, not time of request (this one is specific to me because 80% of my travel is booked less than 7 days out)
I'm surprised nobody has mentioned the EQM/EQP split over at AA. For people who fly a mix of deep discount economy and the occasional premium J/F, AA is terrible from a status earning perspective. For all the shortcomings on UA, the reason I'm very happy with my move so far:
- SDC that I have had great experience with so far
- Miles I can actually use to/from Europe (without insance BA "surcharges")
- Upgrades based on fare code, not time of request (this one is specific to me because 80% of my travel is booked less than 7 days out)
Jul 16, 2014, 5:13 pm
#56
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: DFW
Programs: AA 1M
Posts: 31,475
I still prefer UA policy of operating metal rules. Much easier to find such flights and often cheaper. I don't need to worry about finding codeshare flights. The cheaper of the two will still give the same amount of miles.
Jul 16, 2014, 5:14 pm
#57
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: DFW
Programs: AA 1M
Posts: 31,475
Jul 16, 2014, 6:57 pm
#58
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
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, 8:29 pm
#59
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Everywhere you wanna be
Programs: AA EP | UA 1K
Posts: 1,657
I enjoy AA's policy, but the codeshares are sometimes more expensive than booking on the other carrier's flight number.
Noticed someone said UA earns miles for shopping and cars. Pretty sure both UA and AA use the same exact shopping vendor to earn miles, and AA earns plenty miles on rental cars/hotels too.
the lack of a free SDC policy for elites annoys me, hopefully they bring over the US policy of waived SDC fees for elites. However, all 4 times ive stand byed for SDC for free, ive cleared everytime with ease.
Jul 16, 2014, 9:28 pm
#60
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: WAS, LAX
Programs: AS 100K
Posts: 1,330
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