Some Observations of AA vs UA by a UA flyer(s)
Feb 5, 2015, 12:42 am
#121
Join Date: Jan 2013
Programs: UA S, Marriott Gold (UA), Hertz PC (UA), HH Gold (cc), Avis PP, National EC Executive
Posts: 280
Arguably million miler (once you achieve it) is better on UA than AA.
Better on UA:
- Status for spouse
- Ability to achieve 3rd, 4th tier (1K and GS) by hitting 3MM and 4MM (AA doesn't grant status above platinum, which is equivalent to UA gold)
- At 3MM and 4MM, RPUs, GPUs granted every year for MM status (is this correct?) Does your spouse also get RPUs, GPUs?
Better on AA:
Any base miles that count toward EQMs count toward MM (even if they're flown on another airline).
Better on UA:
- Status for spouse
- Ability to achieve 3rd, 4th tier (1K and GS) by hitting 3MM and 4MM (AA doesn't grant status above platinum, which is equivalent to UA gold)
- At 3MM and 4MM, RPUs, GPUs granted every year for MM status (is this correct?) Does your spouse also get RPUs, GPUs?
Better on AA:
Any base miles that count toward EQMs count toward MM (even if they're flown on another airline).
Feb 19, 2015, 5:35 pm
#122
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 64
Of course better than sitting in economy, but nothing compared to real business class seats (or the old, angled seats, apart from the screen and entertainment). I would not waste an SWU let alone pay for this experience.
Feb 19, 2015, 7:19 pm
#124
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: San Diego, CA/Boston, MA
Programs: United Lifetime Plat 2 million, Starwood Platinum, Alaska MVP Gold 75k
Posts: 143
Still I think United has by far the best lifetime program out there. Wonder when and how they will scale it back.
Apr 14, 2015, 12:44 pm
#125
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 7
United program vs American/Us air
My daughter is moving to Arlington Virginia and is planning on getting a card with airline miles. She has offers from both for 50,000 start up points. She will be traveling on vacations, not so much business. She plans to use this as her main credit card to build miles for trips. Expert opinion on best card for her. She will be very close to Reagan airport but will be able to fly out of Dulles as well. Thanks!
Apr 14, 2015, 12:52 pm
#126
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.997MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,859
Is the question about
1) which airline is better?
2) which airline frequent flyer program is better?
3) which credit card is better?
Those are three different questions and may have different answers.
1) which airline is better?
2) which airline frequent flyer program is better?
3) which credit card is better?
Those are three different questions and may have different answers.
Apr 14, 2015, 12:59 pm
#127
Suspended
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 48
My guess is which credit card is better for her traveling patterns
Depends on where she vacations. If she's more LAS/CUN/SJD, then either airline is fine. If South Florida and near Caribbean like Bahamas, then AA.
Absent of that information, I'll say AA.
Depends on where she vacations. If she's more LAS/CUN/SJD, then either airline is fine. If South Florida and near Caribbean like Bahamas, then AA.
Absent of that information, I'll say AA.
Apr 14, 2015, 1:01 pm
#128
Join Date: Jul 2011
Programs: AA Plat, UA 1K>Plat>moving to Silver
Posts: 2,090
I would say it almost entirely depends on which airline has the routes she wants to take. For me that is UA, usually out of IAD, but sometimes DCA. For someone else that could be AA/US out of DCA.
Apr 14, 2015, 1:08 pm
#129
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 163
For overseas travel, UA/Star Alliance will be better because of direct flights out of IAD. DCA a) is limited to domestic and international routes with pre-clearance (Bahamas, Canada, some others) b) 1,500 mile flight lengthlimited with only a few transcon exceptions.
Apr 14, 2015, 1:12 pm
#130
Suspended
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 48
For overseas travel, UA/Star Alliance will be better because of direct flights out of IAD. DCA a) is limited to domestic and international routes with pre-clearance (Bahamas, Canada, some others) b) 1,500 mile flight lengthlimited with only a few transcon exceptions.
Another point for OP is that with new entrants like jetBlue, DCA-Florida prices are very reasonable, making them a bad use case of miles, even at saver economy levels.
Apr 14, 2015, 1:21 pm
#131
Join Date: Feb 2006
Programs: UA, Starwood, Priority Club, Hertz, Starbucks Gold Card
Posts: 3,953
If she is likely to earn more miles through CC purchases than actual flying, IMO the UA card/program is better. Mileage Plus X is something they don't have at AA. Also, MP award redemption is still better (at this point), especially considering the strength of *A partners and their coverage worldwide.
Still, YMMV, so you need to do a little more homework yourself (i.e., if this matters, the UA Explorer card doesn't charge foreign transaction fees, while the equivalent Citi AA card does).
Still, YMMV, so you need to do a little more homework yourself (i.e., if this matters, the UA Explorer card doesn't charge foreign transaction fees, while the equivalent Citi AA card does).
Apr 14, 2015, 1:27 pm
#132
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Dallas, TX, AA 3MM EXP, WN
Posts: 1,808
If she is only traveling on vacation etc, it may also depend what she want to use miles for. If domestic, ie flying Las Vegas, FLA with girlfriends, WN may be her better option as status won't be achieved.
Apr 14, 2015, 1:40 pm
#133
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
Posts: 31,849
AA offers a 40K off peak award to Europe and South America, so you have enough miles right from the start for a free trip. The season for Europe runs from October 15-May 15.
Apr 14, 2015, 2:00 pm
#134
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 7
Thanks everyone! Sounds like UA may be best! She will be traveling for vacation and wants to explore Europe more. She can afford the domestic 200 dollar airfare to Florida for ex. I appreciate everyone's advice!
Apr 14, 2015, 2:02 pm
#135
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: LAX
Posts: 10,912
Get both of course! Why limit yourself to one option?