I'm looking at flying NYC-PSP in a few weeks. VX has a nonstop JFK-PSP but nothing nonstop on the way back (why?). Also, the routing on the way back is bizarre: PSP-SFO-LAX-JFK. What's up with that?

Thanks for any comments...I've never flown VX before.

In E, what are peoples' thoughts on VX vs UA, which seems to be the other option?

Have you tried checking a different day to go back? Maybe the route is only flown on certain days? Also knowing flights into PSP, there may be some seasonality to the flight as well - given that the closer you get to the summer, the less people go out to the desert b/c of the heat.

As far as comparisons between UA, I find VX to be a much better experience in most parts. The two things I liked better about UA was E+ and the rare chance of an upgrade (very few CPU's, but upgrading with miles was possible about half the time). You could pay more for MCS on VX - you get similar legroom to E+ and free food/drinks, plus priority boarding, etc., however the price difference is usually a few hundred dollars.

The things I like best about VX are: new planes, better food in economy, great IFE, consistent wi-fi, and excellent customer service. UA is getting better with wi-fi but is still inconsistent. I had plenty of flights where there was supposed to be wi-fi but it wasn't turned on or didn't work, or was so slow that it was unusable.

Bottom line - if you can make VX work, I would say go for it. I know UA doesn't fly direct from JFK or EWR to PSP, so you would have to connect and likely go on an RJ to PSP.

Thanks. This is what I'd thought...besides, I find UA to be a cut below the rest in any case.

My schedule is pretty fixed. You're right - it looks like they only do the return flight on Wed and Sat. I need to go back on a Monday. Kayak says to wait to buy with a 70% chance that prices will drop. I will give it another day or two...

I think PSP-->JFK is only flown directly on Wednesday and Saturday.

PSP-SFO-LAX-JFK is strange though. It's pretty inefficient, especially when you could probably do PSP-SFO-JFK. When you arrive at SFO (or maybe even LAX), you could ask to be transferred to a SFO-JFK flight and skip the LAX stop. YMMV, but it's certainly possible.