I'm trying to qualify for the premier status for either Delta or United so that I can receive free upgrade certificates. Which airlines has the best overall service for domestic flights?

Most US carriers are pretty similar in their product offerings and first class is a perfect example of this. I've flown 'em all (I think I have, at least!) and none stand out. If I had to pick one, I'd choose Continental based on liberal upgrade policies for elite members. If you're choosing only between DL or UA, I'd go with Delta from the reliability standpoint. United seems to be having terminal labor problems. Of course, I think Delta's got some unhappy campers these days too. (Another reason to choose Continental!)

Which airline has the most convenient or most nonstops from your home city? That would play into my decision.

Good luck!

I agree with John. The one addition I would add is US Airways. I fly them alot and have been very pleased with their service and their care of frequent flyers. But, if your only 2 real options are Delta and United - I'd go Delta....

John and Debi,thanks for the feeback.

Debi:

ARE YOU KIDDING?!? US Airways STINKS!!!! I used to take them between CMH and LGA, and they were ALWAYS late! I was stranded 2 times in NYC...the first time, I was given a hotel room for the night, and a whopping $5 for breakfast (mind you this is NYC!)! The second time, the surly person behind the counter said, "Oh, it's you again!" to which I responded, "Yes, because your airline was late again!" She then responded, "Well, you should know that coming in & out of NYC, there's always going to be a delay, and we're not paying for anything!" I responded "Well, it would have been nice if you had told me this BEFORE I bought my ticket..."

Oh, and I took them to fly home for Thanksgiving one year, and they were not only late, but they lost my luggage (mind you, this was a nonstop flight!), and we were going to a nice restaurant for Thanksgiving....the clothes didn't show up for another day!

uche, and anyone else--

DON'T EVER, EVER, EVER FLY U.S. AIRWAYS!!!!!!

Debi, you may like them (I think it's akin to liking a root canal with no anesthetic), and you can call them by their latest name, but in my heart, they'll always be Agony Airlines....

Rich, I fly US Airways every week to/from work. In the past 16 weeks, they have been late once on the 64 segments I've flown. Once. My luggage has made it every time and overall the flight crews have been nice. Keep things in perspective. ALL airlines have "their moments" when anything that can go wrong DOES.

Rich:
You can't seriously fault USAirways for being late in and out of LaGuardia! It's one the most crowded, and at the same time, smallest airports in one of the most crowded cities in the world. LGA is well known for its consistancy. . . you are always gonna be late!

Agree with Mark, LGA is one of the worst airports. The airport has too much traffic, not enough runways and no room to expand! Any airline that flys into their will have delays.

Until something is done about the hub system, overcrowded airports, inefficient air traffic system, and airport expansion ie new runways, gates etc. The problem will only get worse!

I agree about LaGuardia--always late. Anyway, about Delta and United--I flew Delta first class and really enjoyed it, and depending on where you live, I would consider the placement of their hubs. UA is in Chicago, Washington, and Denver (I think that's right), and Delta has a hub in Atlanta and Cinci, and then one out west too i think (Salt Lake? not sure). Anyway, if you live in (or near) one of these cities, or visit these cities often, I'd go with whichever one you live near or in. UA is having special deals right now on upgrades--you don't need as many segments to gain premiere status, but they also have a lot of labor problems. Anyway, hope I've offered you some things to consider.

geocities.com/j_goyette/t.html

Thanks for all the feedback.