flying to US - who or who

[yogi]

Hi everyone,

I have been pondering this and can't quite decide, so thought I would ask my more informed colleagues (that is you).

So, I go to the US not frequently at different times, paying for myself and don't have the money for anything fancy. I am considering going again over their coming summer. I have 102902 UA miles and 13217 in Velocity (from two recent US flights that annoyingly didn't earn me many). I am not a frequent earner and spender of points.

Who should I fly with to the west coast this year? (I am continuing into the middle of the country). I have enjoyed my last flights with VA but points are poor. UA, well, points are better, but apparently UA economy has not improved. Connections onwards with UA are smoother.

Is it more important to have an ok flight with VA and not worry about the points or go with UA?

Thanks!

 

[blackcat20]

I'd vote for comfort over points; whats a few points when you are uncomfortable for 14 or so hours?

 

[pshepvic]

Another option is to split the trip and travel via Asia. That way you end up with two "shorter" flights (maybe around 10 hours each) plus spend a night or two somewhere different on the way. If you've never been to Japan, it is an amazing place, and I highly recommend it. You can fly JAL, earn Qantas points, experience the first class Japanese hospitality, and there certainly is not the "bogan-element" that you tend to get on airlines like VA.

 

[danielc]

Have you considered Air New Zealand as an option ? I have used them several times MEL-AKL-SFO and have always found their economy service to be quite good. They also have modern IFE which will be lacking on UA. Another plus is the 744s offer 34 inches of legroom in economy which is quite generous. Depending on fare class, miles flown on NZ can accrue into your UA MP. Please refer to below link for mileage earning details.

United Airlines - Air New Zealand

 

[notzac]

Is it more important to have an ok flight with VA and not worry about the points or go with UA?

As you've mentioned that you're not a frequent earner/spender of points, I'd say that comfort is a far more important concern. Where do you fly to? Schedule and connections are also always an important consideration.

I wouldn't ever choose to fly UA and probably not DL, mostly because they're US carriers who generally have limited consideration for those flying up the back of the b*s (case in point: no IFE for whY pax on UA's 747s, though that is changing apparently). VA and NZ are both worth considering -- you didn't mention QF, but they're also pretty good, especially if you can get on the A380.

 

[admin]

I just got back from a brief trip to the US on United Economy. Never again!!

A hadn't flown United in years, but am a long-time member of Mileage Plus and had been using the program to earn and burn on other Star Alliance carriers. I flew United primarily because of the good connection and excellent fare.

As others have mentioned, the service (in Economy) is shocking: Rude Flight Attendants, no individual Inflight Entertainment, very average food. On both trans-pacific flights my meal choice wasn't available - can't think of that ever happening to me before. I suspect the FA couln't be bothered to walk down the isle to get the meal.

I have flown the Mel - LA route with Qantas, Air NZ, and now United. In my opinion, United comes a distant third.

 

[Sprucegoose]

Consider Air Pacific......good guys and reasonably priced.

 

[Sprucegoose]

I keep remembering.......Air Canada has some great deals as well, pedestrian but nota shocker like United...depends where you want to end up in the States?