Post-Southwest Flight Experience And Things United Can Learn
Jul 18, 2016, 6:11 pm
#61
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: VPS
Programs: IHG Diamond, Delta PM, Hilton Gold, Accor Gold, Marriott Silver
Posts: 7,269
Quite contrary, I think this is the biggest downside of WN. I use my UA miles when I need to book a really last minute trip (read: fares are super high) or when I want to go to an "obscure" destination with limited service and high fares (e.g. BNA 
). If the cost in miles was directly proportional to the cost in dollars, then the entire special utility of the miles is gone, and they turn into a simple rebate program.
). If the cost in miles was directly proportional to the cost in dollars, then the entire special utility of the miles is gone, and they turn into a simple rebate program.United- 25K miles + close in non-elite fee (not the greatest route though)
Delta- 30K miles and token security fee (better routing)
American- about $575 cash rate
Southwest- $875 in cash or points since the Wanna Get Away Fares were sold out
Jul 18, 2016, 7:26 pm
#62
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: SEA/ORD/ADB
Programs: TK ELPL (*G), AS 100K (OWE), BA Gold (OWE), Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Plat, IHG Plat
Posts: 7,763
The little LA airports are very nice, especially since traffic is a nightmare going from LAX to most places you would care about. I'm still amazed, though, every time I remember UA doesn't even fly SJC-LAX 
But WN is the clear winner for actually flying things like SJC-BUR, and on something other than a CR2.
But WN is the clear winner for actually flying things like SJC-BUR, and on something other than a CR2.
Jul 18, 2016, 11:04 pm
#63
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: IAH
Programs: DL DM, Hyatt Ist-iest, Stariott Platinum, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 12,795
This is quite the double edged sword.... Don't get me wrong, I like being able to redeem a RT flight for ~10k miles (which I did during the anniversary sale last month) But it also means last minute awards are astronomical. That's why it's good to have multiple currencies!