GPU of 1K UA vs SWU of EXP AA -- Which provides more value?
Jul 16, 2019, 3:43 pm
#6
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: SFO
Programs: Marriott Ti/LTP
Posts: 1,329
The number of people that are able to directly compare the two with personal experience is going to be very little, even here on FT.
AA does have the benefit of having no minimum fare requirement though.
AA does have the benefit of having no minimum fare requirement though.
Jul 16, 2019, 3:56 pm
#7
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Philadelphia
Programs: United 1K, Bonvoy Ambassador
Posts: 118
As an AA Executive Platinum and UA 1K I feel AA has more value.
1. Can be used on any fare.
2. Can be used from Business to First on 3-class aircraft including Premium Transcon where you can access Flagship Dining with great food, wine, and Krug Champagne.
Only downside is AA is making business cabins smaller while United is adding Premium seats.
1. Can be used on any fare.
2. Can be used from Business to First on 3-class aircraft including Premium Transcon where you can access Flagship Dining with great food, wine, and Krug Champagne.
Only downside is AA is making business cabins smaller while United is adding Premium seats.
Jul 16, 2019, 4:11 pm
#8
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Anywhere but home
Programs: UA 1K/MM, DL GM/MM, HH Dia, PC Plat, MR Gold, ALL Sil,
Posts: 4,552
If the OP would have asked 2 years ago, I would have said AA. Today I would say UA. IME, it's increasingly difficult to find TATL or TPAC availability on both carriers, but now especially on AA. Yes, you have to purchase a mid-fare on UA (W class or higher) but I can find more advanced inventory on UA than I can on AA for the routes I fly. And as chgodrew pointed out, UA's premium cabins are steady or expanding while AA's are steady or contracting.
Jul 16, 2019, 5:26 pm
#9
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,405
Jul 16, 2019, 5:29 pm
#10
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BOS/EAP
Programs: UA 1K, MR LTT, HH Dia, Amex Plat
Posts: 32,046
Jul 16, 2019, 5:56 pm
#11
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: En Route
Programs: Many
Posts: 6,798
Jul 16, 2019, 6:23 pm
#13
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Anywhere but home
Programs: UA 1K/MM, DL GM/MM, HH Dia, PC Plat, MR Gold, ALL Sil,
Posts: 4,552
Jul 16, 2019, 6:33 pm
#15
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: CHS
Programs: UA GS, Bonvoy Amabassador, Hertz PC
Posts: 2,589
As an AA Executive Platinum and UA 1K I feel AA has more value.
1. Can be used on any fare.
2. Can be used from Business to First on 3-class aircraft including Premium Transcon where you can access Flagship Dining with great food, wine, and Krug Champagne.
Only downside is AA is making business cabins smaller while United is adding Premium seats.
1. Can be used on any fare.
2. Can be used from Business to First on 3-class aircraft including Premium Transcon where you can access Flagship Dining with great food, wine, and Krug Champagne.
Only downside is AA is making business cabins smaller while United is adding Premium seats.
If the OP would have asked 2 years ago, I would have said AA. Today I would say UA. IME, it's increasingly difficult to find TATL or TPAC availability on both carriers, but now especially on AA. Yes, you have to purchase a mid-fare on UA (W class or higher) but I can find more advanced inventory on UA than I can on AA for the routes I fly. And as chgodrew pointed out, UA's premium cabins are steady or expanding while AA's are steady or contracting.
EXP gets 4 with a chance at an additional 2 (I think that is still the case - I am sure people will tell me if it isn't)
1K gets unlimited GPU (RPU are now capped) with extra PQM
GPU can be used on ANA and LH and I am 100% in the past 3 years - like 15/15 on upgrades on LH and 3/3 on NH
GPU can be used on up to 4 segments on UA or a single segment on LH/ANA