Questions and Answers

new to this site. I notice in the travel archives there is nothing recent re UAL. I make the Chicago to Bangkok loop three times a year, use United (and ANA, narita/bkk leg) so I’m also Chase oriented credit card wise. Couple things: why so little on UAL? Am I unwittingly using the worst airline? And what other ORD-BKK options would you, and your contributors, recommend?
Thanks much,
cheers,
Scott

[USER=619]@Sst[/USER] — Well, none of us really use United miles to actually fly United, given they have so many better partners. [USER=13]@Travis[/USER] still does his revenue flying on United, but I guess he hasn’t done a longhaul trip report lately. Will see what we can do there.

If you’re using miles to Asia, then ANA, Asiana, EVA, and even Air Canada all have better business class products than United. Are you generally buying tickets, or redeeming miles? In which class of service?

I purchase economy and upgrade to biz with miles and $$. My sense is United biz is a perhaps a little shabby, but for my needs its fine. Then again, perhaps I could be spending less and upgrading better?

Also, are airline partners you mentioned all out of Chicago? Not 100% vital, but not insignificant.

[USER=619]@Sst[/USER] — If you are using miles [I]and[/I] the copay you are likely not coming out ahead compared to just an award ticket. Was just having this conversation in another thread, which you might want to check out: [URL]http://asklucky.onemileatatime.com/threads/upgrade-or-awards-to-new-zealand-and-a-new-question-on-fare-class.3349/[/URL]

ANA and Asiana fly directly to Chicago, the others are accessible via an easy connection in most cases.

Checked out the thread, and and realizing I’m a newbie in more ways than one! I’d ask this, I do this RT 3 times, and will as far ahead as I can imagine, does that alter the math? Not sure I can rack up that many mileage points to maintain travel year in year out. Although, I could be grabbing more sign up bonuses.. Gift card flipping etc

* three time a year

As near as I can ascertain, it would take 350,000 points to RT Ord to SE Asia through United? That seems daunting as I do this trip three times annually. But, would I be better off using UAL on ORD-Narita leg (RT). And RT Narita-bkk booking directly with ANA? Miles accrue either way, yes? Depending on fares etc., this may be a path to better net result. Maintaining my status as well as miles are good from star alliance partners. Thoughts?