I will be traveling on a weekly basis to a city that United doesn't serve (ERI - Erie, Pa.). I could take United to Pittsburgh and then transfer to US Express. Is this a smart thing to do or am I better off taking the whole trip on US Airways (still connecting in Pittsburgh)?

I am 1k with UA and a nobody on US Airways. From a straight mileage earning situation it makes sense to split the flying but I am concerned that this will upset the balance on more important issues, such as connections and the like. I did some quick research on the PIT aiport and gate wise, I still am chugging through the terminal no matter what airline I fly (it looks like a lot of the flights to ERI leave from the commuter terminal). Does anyone know of any security issues? Can I go from UA to US without being rescreened?

Please Help!! This sucks!

Also the ERI airport is served by NW Express via Detriot so that is a third option.

If it makes any difference I live in Chicago.

[This message has been edited by neo_781 (edited 02-26-2002).]

I would do the UAL thing if I were you.

My parents are both Chairman's on USAir (dad is a 2 million and mom is a 1 million).

PIT's express gates are basically in Erie, they are such a hike away. You might as well fly on the airline you want to be on anyhow, IMHO.

Remember also that US has 2 gates at ORD and 0 at MDW.

I assume you are doing this for business? Do you have the luxury of being able to pay refundable in case of a last minute problem (i.e. problem in Chicago and you can call last minute to protect yourself on US)

That is my 2 cents for what it is worth. The nice thing is PIT is one of the best airports. If you do choose the US route, the Supervisor is the most wonderful airline employee. And there is a lot of shopping in PIT...including the GAP!!!

Have you looked into getting status on US with your 1K status on UA?

You could always drive to Erie. . .it's not all that far.

I would think that UA/US would be a bit more expensive than straight US, no? If there is a big fare difference (and you or your employer care), I'd probably ask for a US comp and go with US. Driving from PIT to Erie seems a bit silly to me (2 hours each way).

yeah, driving on a regular basis doesn't appear to be a great option. I checked Cleveland, Buffalo and Pittsburgh and they are all right at 2 hours from Erie. It would be a problem on the return as the last flight of the day from each of these airports to Chicago requires me to leave work around 2 or 3 pm which will probably be unacceptable when I could stay to 5 pm and catch the connection back to Pittsburgh and be home at the same time.

Looks like I'll just have to suck it up unless someone more senior wants to avoid US as well. Then I can follow his lead

Also UA/US is about 3x's more expensive ($400 vs $1200+).

Kiss 1K goodbye

I got comped UA Prem Exec from US Gold. Since you fly this route regularly, I would ask for for US Gold & I do not see any problem giving you status. Call US & ask what is needed for the comp. You could explain that UA does not service the route ORD-Erie & US does. I explained on my comp that US does not fly to SIN & does not fare out from LAX to the western half of the US. Prem Exec card arrived within 2 weeks this past July.

Chemsi - who did you speak with at united?
Where did you have to fax your US Gold card to?
-andy