UMTravels

This is just a quick post to layout my feelings about various airlines since I’ve had the chance to fly some that I don’t regularly fly.

Thoughts on domestic airlines (that I fly) in order of my preference, but there is a HUGE gap between number one and number two:

• Alaska Airlines: If you are going for elite status and you are trying to be frugal in purchasing tickets, Alaska is the last US airline to be totally mileage-based, rather than revenue-based. Elite status gets you free checked bags (as does their credit card) and the possibility of getting upgraded to Premium (extra legroom, free cocktails, snack) or even First Class. Customer service is consistently great – to the point if the flight is delayed (mechanical, not weather) you will often get a text/email while you are still on the plane saying you will get a link for either extra frequent flier miles, or dollars off your next trip.
• Delta Airlines: As with the rest of the list, it’s revenue-based, with elite members getting a larger number of points. If you search out the cheapest fare, even if the routing is less convenient, you aren’t going to get all that many points. Should you want to achieve their highest elite level (Diamond Elite) you better to be prepared to shell out at least $20,000 worth of tickets which is WAY OUT of my league, though I’ve enjoyed having top level status for the last two years because of a status match that made an offer from Delta I’d never seen – no dollar spent minimum on the 8-round trips – I did it for $1100 and got about $10,000 worth of benefits out of it (Global Upgrades, Lounge Membership, Miles, etc.). Customer service is high, but occasionally spotty on board.
• United: Again, revenue-based as above. Less cash spend to get to the top level (1K), but still expensive – and you still have to fly a certain amount of miles as well, not just buy a bunch expensive tickets. Customer service is medium-high, but improving. Front-line employees have been empowered to resolve customer issues by issuing miles or dollars off instantly via their company supplied smart phones. On a Denver flight the outlets at my seat weren’t working and I got 3,750 extra miles, which was oddly a little more than I actually EARNED on the flight.
• American: Revenue-based, about the same spend as United. Sadly, American is a partner with Alaska Airlines so I do end up flying them occasionally, usually International via mileage tickets. They are finally getting rid of some of their ancient equipment used on their South America routes (not uncommon for Delta and United to use their oldest equipment to that continent). Service is medium. It always feels hit or miss with whether they actually want to be working or not.

So, the above is really geared towards earning Elite Status and the perks that come with it.

Don’t travel often?

In the states, fly Southwest Airlines because of their free checked bags and very flexible cancellation policy. They do have an elite program, but they also only offer one class of service, so no upgrades – just boarding earlier.

Travelling overseas, fly the Middle Eastern or Asian airlines with possible (lean towards Middle Eastern as Asian airlines tend to pack in the economy seats). They tend to have better seat pitch (distance between seats) and much better food. Or the European airlines I tend to avoid Lufthansa if I can – even in Business Class (First Class tickets are rarely available to partner airlines for mileage tickets).

Got questions? Want help with a travel problem – message me. Helping people figure out travel is what brings joy to my life.

As an FYI, at least until the end of the year, I have the following airline status:

• Alaska 100K – next year HOPEFULLY 75K but its going to be close
• Delta Diamond Elite via match until the end of January – next year, no status
• United Premier Gold for life since I’m a million-miler flyer with them
• Air Canada 75K until the end of the year, got through a status match – nothing for 2023, but I do have their credit card
• Might still have StarLux, based in Taiwan, next to top level, but got it right before COVID and haven’t flown them yet, but it was for three years

Well, that’s it for the day.

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