I fly A TON these days — almost twice a month. Out of SFO, usually to NYC and other east coast airports and Seattle. I’d love to start flying with an airline to accumulate status in order to amass points and other perks that will ease the weariness and cost of all the travel. Any suggestions as to which airline and associated credit card to choose? I am currently buying all my flights with Chase sapphire reserve and have priority pass, but usually go for cheapest ticket rather than prioritizing one airline.
I mean, United might as well own SFO.
Alaska is downsizing at SFO too
You're not going to get meaningful status for your flight volume, even if it feels like it's a lot. I think your current strategy is fine.
You might be able to scratch UA silver or gold but keep in mind that's 15/30 segments and $5k/$10k spend.
You could go for AA Plat, but from SFO you'll be limited to hub flights or connecting, and will likely have to supplement with cc spend to reach 75k LP.
I was thinking this too. 2 round trip flights a month feels like a lot, but it only really results in mid-tier status on any airline (without additional cc spend on the airline card). And it will take this full year of flying to reach status so you won't see the benefits until next next year. Would second the recommendation for Alaska or Delta, though upgrades on transcon routes (even with status) is rare.
And, SFO to NY/ORD are filled with 1k flyers, so the chances of upgrades still kind of suck even with gold.
UA silver gets you economy plus at check in, and UA gold gets you that at booking. This is nothing to sneeze at, Delta treats the equivalent as an upgrade you have to waitlist for
alaska? maybe
You should estimate your airfare spend for the year and see where that gets you in line for status.
If you go with an airline other than UA, you will likely be adding connections.
It is very tough to get upgrades on transcon flights I wouldnt expect any. If you can get midtier status, does extra leg room seats and potentially faster phone/irrops service make it worth it for you? This is all a personal question and very individualized.
What are the other east coast airports - BOS, DCA / IAD, PHL? Do you buy economy, or are you willing to purchase First / Business?
If you are an economy class focused traveller, then United is the default choice. You could consider Alaska / American as they are partners with more valuable miles than United, but Alaska just cut SFO-BOS. But, if you are flying primarily to NYC, Philadelphia, DC, Miami, Chicago, etc. then the Alaska + AA combo may be a better option.
With the new BlueSky partnership, being able to earn United miles on JetBlue is a compelling option. United offers the worst overall transcon product vs JetBlue, American, and Delta in that there is no access to a premium lounge, check-in, etc., with the hard-product not exactly ground-breaking either. JetBlue MINT often has cash fares at ridiculously low prices for the lie-flat product (I've booked a lie-flat on JFK-SFO last year for $750 and $800, and JFK-PHX next month for the Waste Management Open for $530) - having the opportunity to get United Miles for that would be icing on the cake. But, this only matters if you fly business - if you predominantly travel and book in economy, that shouldn't be a consideration.
Alaska is what I’d go with. Their miles are hard to get.
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United definitely if you’re flying out of SFO
If the point is just build up miles then United because you'll have the most nonstops and you can use your Chase card to supplement the points. If you're looking for upgrades, then Delta or Alaska would have a lot fewer elites to compete with but SFO-JFK on any airline is not going to get a lot of upgrades.
UA/AS/DL all serve the Seattle market very well. If you're just flying to NYC/BOS then DL should also be fine. I'd just pick whoever's more consistently cheaper for your given routes and go from there. AS does have a marginally better loyalty program than either. Credit card recc's are similarly a toss-up but DL's cards are very coupon book oriented. I'd evaluate your upcoming travel whether it be domestic or international and see which networks & credit card systems fit your travel plans better.
Consider getting the credit card of whichever airline you fly the most so you don't have to pay extra to board early or choose your own seat, and any other extraordinarily minor amenities that used to be free.
Join AS/DL/UA FF programs.
Continue doing that if you’re paying.
If someone else is paying, then focusing on convenience and status makes sense.
I took 130 flights last year
Flying twice monthly is not “a LOT” lol
United GS is the best status to have w SFO base. No question.
United GS is the best status to have w SFO base. No question.