I received the following question from Peter and he (and I) would love additional feedback beyond what I provided. First, his question:

I fly 200K – 250K for business (mostly China) and try to divide it between UA and AA to keep my top tier status with both. I will turn 40 soon and don’t want to spend the rest of my life in the air. That brings me to the question which FF program should I stick to when I cut down my “butt in seat miles” to about 100K-150K/year.

I prefer StarAlliance because I can use miles on more airlines to destinations that I like, but AA is getting better (customer service, meals, planes, …) and I have access to Flagship lounge, I get SWU on any fare and my domestic upgrades clear 80%, UA only about 50%. I fly LAX-PVG a lot and both airlines have great connections.

If you would pick one program, which one would it be?

I think it’s pretty difficult to narrow down a succinct “this airline over the other” answer, as each person is different and might value certain benefits of a frequent flier program and airline more heavily over others.

Here are the main considerations I replied with and asked Peter to ponder:

Lifetime Status: If he is closer to a lifetime status tier with one carrier over another, I recommended focusing his 100-150k per year on that carrier. Given the likelihood that all U.S. airlines will add a revenue requirement to attain elite status each year (a la Delta), I think it’s an important consideration to lock-in some status now, even if it’s not top-tier.

American-US Airways Merger: As we’ve seen with the Delta-Northwest and United-Continental mergers, frequent flier programs change. American is indeed very generous currently with SWU applicability on all international coach fares and has a pretty good record – based on trip reports – of excellent service (which has been my experience compared with United). Will a Doug Parker-run American destroy some of American’s allure and generous frequent flier program perks?

Alliance Strength: Peter admits Star Alliance is his preferred global alliance and I have to unapologetically agree. Star has the greatest number of truly premium carriers and I certainly value my United miles greater than my American miles for worldwide redemption opportunities.

Service Matters: American’s AAdmirals Club, particularly at LAX where Peter seems to be based, is far stellar to the United Club. Here’s a look at the Flagship Lounge, for example. And in my experience, more of American’s flight attendants seem to have a truly genuine desire to provide exceptional customer service than United’s.

I think it’s almost a “wait and see” game with how American evolves in the merger with US Airways. But if I were Peter, I’d definitely focus that 100-150k on a single carrier for top-tier status. Would it make sense to split it? What are your thoughts?

Related posts:

What the New American AAdvantage Program Might Look Like

Why an American-US Airways Merger Worries Me

How the American Express Platinum Card Can Pay For Itself

American Flagship Check-In and Lounge at LAX

Flight 651 from Los Angeles arrived at JFK this afternoon six minutes ahead of schedule and became the first reconfigured p.s. Boeing 757s to take to the skies. For the fleet followers, it’s ship number 5996 (N596UA) and will be operating as flight 535 back to LAX this evening at 5:53 p.m. If you’re unfamiliar, p.s. service refers to the “enhanced” international style flights operating from New York’s JFK Airport to both Los Angeles and San Francisco.

United posted a couple of new photos on their United Hub page, including the first I’ve seen of the economy cabin showing the forward portion of Economy Plus.

Economy Plus on the New P.S. 757

The BusinessFirst cabin uses the same pre-merger Continental lie-flat seats found on some existing 757s (and other aircraft).

BusinessFirst Seats on the New P.S. 757

In total, the new layout sports 28 BusinessFirst, 48 Economy Plus and 66 regular economy seats. And Economy Plus on this bird is reportedly real E+ with 36 inches of pitch as opposed to the 34 inches on the “old” p.s. birds.

While the seat map is an indication of the likely version of p.s. bird you’ll be flying, last minute aircraft swaps can happen. As such, it will be a virtual crapshoot in the coming months until the fleet is fully completed by the end of the year.

I previously blogged about how United will handle discontinuing selling first class. In summary:

• All p.s. flights will operate as 2-cabin regardless of actual configuration starting on Jun. 6. By the summer, we expect to have already reconfigured several B757 aircraft. However, in order to minimize the impact of unexpected substitutions, we will only sell p.s. flights as 2-cabin.
• Wondering about who gets to sit in those first three rows in the previous United First cabin? We’re reserving these seats for customers who had previously booked in United First, as well as Premier members who are already confirmed in United Business. Specifically, Global Services, Premier 1K, Premier Platinum and Premier Gold members can select one of these seats at any time if available, and Premier Silver members will have access to them at check-in. Note that during the transition, these seats will be branded as United Business, rather than United First. Nearer to the end of the reconfiguration process, we’ll start marketing the premium cabin on all aircraft as United BusinessFirst.

Not living in Los Angeles anymore and with my gradual slowdown of United flying, I probably won’t be on a p.s. flight anytime soon. I will, however, miss the dance floor ahead of row 9 on the current p.s. birds. And I honestly want a pair of those leather business class seats for my home!

Related posts:

United Airlines Announces JFK Premium Service Reconfiguration Update

Flight Review: United Airlines Flight 534 LAX-JFK p.s. Business Class

A Quick LAX-JFK-LAX Mileage Run

I’ve stayed at the Radisson LAX numerous times during the past few years in just about every type of room category. The differences are incredibly minor between non-suite categories with “better” rooms sporting a Sleep Number bed, mini-refrigerator, bathrobes and slightly upgraded bathroom amenities (vanity kit, mouthwash, bath gel and a loofah).

Most of those stays were simply mattress runs at super-cheap weekend rates ($60-$80/night) in connection with some type of Club Carlson promo. My last couple of times there, however, were at rates nearer $130/night and I received upgrades into both junior and deluxe suites as a Gold elite.

Junior Suite

What they’re calling a junior suite is actually a two-room suite with a separate living room. You enter via the bedroom, which is the same size and layout of a standard room.

Junior Suite Bedroom

Junior Suite Bedroom

Gold Elite Welcome Amenity

Bathroom #1

Bathroom #1 Amenities

Through the glass door is the separate living room with two couches, another TV, mini-fridge and a second full bathroom. Note there’s no desk in this room.

Door to Living Room

Junior Suite Living Room

Junior Suite Living Room

Junior Suite Entry/Exit

Bathroom #2

I believe all of the junior suites are located next to the elevator bank with the living room closest to the elevators.

Deluxe Suite

This suite is huge with an enormous living and dining area. The couches are notably better than those in the junior suite and this room is large enough for a separate desk area near the entry door.

Deluxe Suite

Gold Elite Welcome Amenity

Deluxe Suite

Deluxe Suite

Deluxe Suite

Bathroom #1

The bedroom is the same size as a standard room, though it has a bit more space where the hallway exit door would normally be (this room doesn’t have a dual exit like the junior suite)

Deluxe Suite Bedroom

Deluxe Suite Bedroom

Bathroom #2

Bathroom #2 Amenities

I’m a bit surprised Radisson LAX doesn’t list these suites as bookable options – at least I’ve never seen them offered as a for-sale category in my dozens of times booking this hotel.

This property is definitely in need of a top-to-bottom refresh, though it is a step-up from other LAX hotels (think Holiday Inn and La Quinta).

Quite a few notable events in the airline industry the past couple of days include:

• American Airlines today took delivery of their first Boeing 777-300ER, N717AN. It’s actually airborne as I type on its way to Dallas where it’ll eventually sport American’s new livery. Passenger service is scheduled to begin January 31 from Dallas to Sao Paulo.

• Delta Air Lines has purchased a 49% stake in Virgin Atlantic, launching a joint venture between the two airlines. This will give the two airlines about 25% of the U.S. to UK market, positioning them as #2 behind the American-British Airways stronghold share of 60%. Once the deal is approved (end of 2013), the ability to earn and burn miles between carriers will exist, as well as reciprocal lounge access for elites and full-fare premium cabin passengers. And I’m sure Delta will be championing them to participate fully in SkyTeam. Whether that actually happens given Virgin’s “one-off” alliance-building history remains to be seen.
• Virgin America will launch flights to Newark beginning April 2013. Three daily nonstops are planned from both Los Angeles and San Francisco. Hopefully we’ll see some good fare wars between VX and United in those markets.
• Lufthansa on Monday swapped out a 747-400 for the 747-8i on the Los Angeles to Frankfurt route. Flight 456 departs Frankfurt daily at 10:00 a.m. arriving at LAX at 12:40 p.m. The return flight, LH 457, departs LAX at 2:50 p.m. with an arrival back in Frankfurt at 10:45 a.m. the following morning. From my experience, this route is pretty difficult to snag a First Class award seat… but I’ll be trying!
• Service on Cathay Pacific might get a bit more… er… U.S. airline-esque as flight attendants are at odds with the carrier over a pay raise. Instead of striking, they’re reportedly considering customer-focused actions. “We will be selective in providing our services,” union general secretary Tsang Kwok-fung told the AFP.  ”This could include not smiling at passengers, not providing certain types of beverages — such as alcohol — or stop serving meals,” he said.

Frequent Traveler University was fantastic, but I caught a horrible cold and my post-writing juices have stalled. So… while I wallow in my own pity and recover, check out this floater of a DC-10 landing at LAX. I’ve never seen an aircraft touch down that far along runway 25L.

P.S. I’ll reply to the many emails I’ve received in the last couple of days as soon as possible – sorry for the delay!

On Monday, I toured American Airlines’ Flagship Check-In at LAX for a CNBC post that was published yesterday. It’s a very nice and exclusive benefit for Concierge Key members, international first class fliers on American (or any oneworld carrier) and those flying first from LAX to JFK or Miami on American’s three cabin birds. And you can buy your way in if you purchase Five Star Service.

The main thing that struck me was the lack of branding. Besides the two kiosks, there was nothing else inside to promote American. I suppose it’s a personal preference, but I would have liked to see AA’s eagle somewhere. At least they won’t have to make any changes once American’s new livery and image is announced. More photos of Flagship Check-In beyond the single one below can be found on my CNBC post.

For a video tour of Flagship Check-In at LAX, check out AAdvantage Geek’s post from yesterday.

As it so happened, I was flying American on Monday, so after clearing PreCheck at the top of the elevator from Flagship Check-In, American’s managing director at LAX escorted me to the Flagship Lounge. I’ve been in the Admirals Club several times and I always wondered what the Flagship side was like.

First, here are the specs from American’s Los Angeles Airport fact sheet:

• Hours of operation: 5:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. daily
• 5,464 square feel
• Seating capacity: 92
• Private showers: 3 (one handicap accessible)
• Total number of TVs: 2
• Total number of telephones: 9
• Bose music stations with headsets
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Business center with four work stations, two of which have HP PCs
• PrinterOn capability allowing guests to submit print jobs via email or webpage uploads from any location and retrieve them in the lounge

A reception desk is immediately to the right as you pass through the frosted doors operated by a keycard. Flight display monitors are on the opposing wall. It’s basically a long rectangular room with several seating areas, a self-serve buffet and bar, business center, restrooms and showers. And just like the Admirals Club side, the tarmac views are spectacular.

The bar area offers a wide array of alcohol and other beverages along with time-of-day appropriate food options. I was there during the “Flagship Light Lunch” period, which included:

• Sliced and whole fruit
• Gourmet cheese platter
• Assorted crackers
• Assorted chips
• Granola bars
• Turkey sandwiches
• Pecan-bourbon turkey breasts
• Baby potatoes
• Roasted tomato and pepper jack salad
• Soup Du Jour (chicken noodle during my visit)
• Assorted desserts

Yep, the coffee machine was out-of-order

Dining tables are present opposite the buffet, as well as high chair tables in the far corner in the same area as a game table.

I enjoyed a sandwich, soup and cheesecake initially… and then went back for more cheesecake. I threw some salad on my plate, too, figuring a little green would offset the three mini-slices of cheesecake.

It’s a nice lounge – equivalent to a small business class offering overseas. But I wasn’t blown away by it. United’s International First lounges in LAX and San Francisco definitely top it, in my opinion.

Have you been inside? What’s your impression?

Related posts:

American’s ‘Preferred Seat’ Allocations a Bit Excessive?

Why an American-US Airways Merger Worries Me

Interview With the Head of American’s Social Media Team

I’ve wanted to try Virgin America since they launched service, but was always so focused on spending my dollars where I had elite status. I decided to finally give them a try this past Fourth of July weekend on a quick trip to Seattle. And with the relatively low First Class fares they had on sale at the time, it ended up being in the front cabin.

I hadn’t been in Terminal 3 at LAX in quite a while and it was undergoing some construction. Virgin America’s check-in area, though, was a mini oasis with smooth R&B playing, soft lighting and an overall relaxed atmosphere.

Check-in was efficient and friendly and I was off on my way through security. There wasn’t a dedicated line for Priority/First Class passengers in use at the time, but I did see a sign off to the side – maybe they offer it during peak times.

Boarding soon came for the 9:20 a.m. flight and I was the first onboard, particularly keen on getting some pictures.

Every shade was pulled in the cabin, making for a very serene environment… until my flash went off.

The flash version of the view back to the main cabin came out horribly, so here’s effectively how it looked without.

I had seat 2A on the Airbus A319. All of Virgin America’s aircraft have an intimate eight-seat first class cabin with generous 55-inches of pitch between seats. The white leather seats are beginning to show a smidge of wear, but nothing worse than any other seat that’s been in service for a few years.

Seat recline is more generous than what you’d find on other airlines’ aircraft configured for domestic first class. I want to say it was just a little less than what United’s current p.s. 757s aircraft provide in business class. The bulkhead wall behind me could’ve been to blame.

Bottled water was already at every seat, but a cheerful flight attendant came by to offer a beverage of choice. I went with sweetened tea.

The blankets and pillows aren’t anything special, though given their relative scarcity these days domestically, I couldn’t complain.

Prior to pushback, the captain made an announcement from the front of the cabin welcoming everyone onboard and provided flight and weather information – a nice touch. First class gets a live safety demo, while coach sees it on their monitors. I loved the line, “For the 0.001% percent of you that have never operated a seat belt…

We were soon airborne and I begin tinkering with the Red entertainment system, which offered 21 movies, 10 foreign films, satellite TV, on-demand TV and other programming. I was happy to watch a bit of live Wimbledon action, as well as enjoy the moving map feature. Wi-Fi was also available and I was able to access it on my iPhone, but my MacBook gave me a blank page no matter which browser I launched after selecting the network.

Connectivity

I absolutely love it when flight attendants use the curtain around the forward galley. The light bleed can be a bit annoying at times and personally, I’d rather not have a view in. When I do, I sometimes find myself watching the flight attendants do what they’re doing in a totally non-creepy way, particularly if I’m in row one and it’s almost impossible not to look in. A combination of distraction and curiosity, I guess.

And now for the menu.

For my breakfast flight, I went with the Thai fruit ceviche and pepper jack omelet.

It was absolutely delicious and well-plated – such an awesome change from the typical United or American breakfast. And I love the airplane salt and pepper shaker. Other snacks were available later in the flight including chocolate chip cookies (packaged), chips, nuts, etc.

The views can be incredible on flights to Seattle and I had a great one of Crater Lake.

We landed and arrived at the gate a bit earlier than the scheduled 11:50 a.m. time.

It was a fantastic flight, the crew was stellar and Virgin America lived up to my very high expectations. I’ve said this before, but… Richard Branson-envisioned airlines just have it goin’ on.

Related posts:

Flight Review: Virgin Australia Business Class Sydney to Perth

Flight Review: Virgin Australia Business Class Perth to Sydney

In other airline, hotel and travel industry news last week…

• Southwest Airlines acquired AirTran in May last year and received a single operating certificate from the FAA last month, but each carrier remains an independent operation for the time being meaning AirTran’s baggage and other fees will remain intact. Unlike the relatively faster integration between Delta & Northwest and United & Continental, Southwest says it will take, “several years to fully transition AirTran into Southwest Airlines to become one airline.” The fees will continue through at least the end of 2013 and possibly into 2014.
• US Airways is expanding its Gogo Wi-Fi service across their entire Airbus fleet and Embraer 190 aircraft, eventually bringing onboard internet capabilities to 90 percent of its domestic mainline fleet. Regional carrier Republic Airlines will also add the service to its Express Embrarer 170 and 175 aircraft. Gogo Vision will be included where passengers have the option to download movies, TV shows and other content directly to their Wi-Fi enabled devices.
• Lufthansa announced their new Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental aircraft will be deployed on the Frankfurt to Washington Dulles route shortly after deliveries begin April 23. It will replace the existing 747-400 flights, LH 418 and LH 419. All of Lufthansa’s 747-8 aircraft will feature the new business and first class product, as well as 787-style overhead bins and LED lighting. I look forward to burning some miles to fly this bird in a premium cabin later this year.
• Japan Airlines took delivery of its first two Boeing 787-8s this past week making it the second airline to receive the long-delayed Dreamliner. The airline is expected to begin 787 flights to Boston this month and to San Diego later this year. I may have to start building up my American AAdvantage miles for a future redemption.
• Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel predicts Chicago O’Hare’s newest runway will be built and in use by 2015. The city will rely on financial help from both American and United to get it built and predicts once in use, it will reduce delays by 80 percent and allow for 300,000 more passengers annually.
• My “air traveling idiot of the week” award goes to a woman onboard US Airways flight 1697 from Charlotte to Fort Myers who, in an allegedly intoxicated state, kicked, scratched and spit on flight attendants, even knocking one to the ground. Unlike other recent incidents, the flight didn’t divert and continued to Fort Myers after she was restrained with the help of an off-duty sheriff’s deputy.

Finally, here are some other noteworthy items deserving of a click-through:

• A revealing Q&A with American Airlines CEO Thomas Horton.
• Alaska Airlines dedicates it’s new Terminal 6 location at LAX.
• New York-area airports may fine and prosecute disruptive passengers.
• Airlines for America ends its lawsuit over the EU ETS “tax” scheme.
• New Marriott properties will pop up in 2014 at L.A. Live in Los Angeles.

I finally edited down the immense amount of video I took on my recent Asiana Airlines flight from Los Angeles to Seoul, South Korea. Here’s the result… I hope you like it:

Asiana Airlines Trip Report: Introduction & Itinerary

Asiana Airlines Trip Report: Check-in & Star Alliance First Class Lounge LAX

Asiana Airlines Trip Report: OZ 201 Los Angeles to Seoul-Incheon

Asiana Airlines Trip Report: OZ 723 Seoul-Incheon to Hong Kong

Asiana Airlines Trip Report: Check-in & CNAC Lounge Hong Kong

Asiana Airlines Trip Report: Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge Hong Kong

Asiana Airlines Trip Report: OZ 724 Hong Kong to Seoul-Incheon

Asiana Airlines Trip Report: Seoul-Incheon Airport Transit Hotel

Asiana Airlines Trip Report: Asiana Business Class Lounge Seoul-Incheon

Asiana Airlines Trip Report: OZ202 Seoul-Incheon to Los Angeles

I left Asiana’s lounge about an hour and a half before boarding to check out the shops and ensure I’d see the inbound aircraft arrive. Incheon Airport is really quite beautiful – it’s absolutely spotless and architecturally pleasing to the eye. After Singapore’s Changi, Incheon is now my second favorite airport in Asia of those I’ve visited.

After some window shopping, I made my way to gate 41 and scouted out a good window seat in a far corner to watch my 747 arrive.

My video trip report – eventually appearing below – includes shots of the arrival and here are a couple of pics directly after brakes were set and cholks were positioned. Notice all the aircraft type markers on the tarmac. I don’t think they see too many DC-10s or 747SPs anymore.

Boarding was highly organized as expected and again, the agents I interacted with spoke excellent English.

I was greeted pleasantly and shown the way to seat 21K across the aisle on the lower deck. There are only three rows in Business downstairs on Asiana’s 747s with fewer seats than upstairs, so figured it was a good spot with more personalized service. My best views came from windows five and six when you count from the beginning of Business Class.

Boarding continued, my jacket was hung and I was offered my choice of water, orange juice or champagne. The amenity kit and slippers were already placed in the seatback pocket. I’ll fully review the amenity kit for a future installment of Amenity Kit Reviews.

Asiana presently offers angled lie-flat seats in Business Class and while not as good as true lie-flat, I found the seat very comfortable and was able to sleep just fine. Here’s the seat control unit, entertainment remote and right-armrest adjustment button.

What I was amazed by was the amount of space between the window and seat. There was as much room here as what the upper deck normally affords – large enough for my bulky computer back during the flight to keep my underseat space free for full legrest recline.

We pushed back ontime and again I noticed how Asiana’s attendants take great care in ensuring all overheads are latched securely as well as bow at the beginning of the safety video. Ground crews at all locations also wave to the passengers as the plane begins to taxi… another nice touch.

After takeoff, the wine list and menu were distributed with orders taken shortly afterwards.

I went with the Western option for dinner and selected the grilled chicken breast with vegetables and basil pesto. To begin was prosciutto with tomato on an iceberg leaf with a Parmesan bread stick. (Sorry about the bad lighting).

Next up was avocado rolled salmon with horseradish sour cream.

Cream of cauliflower soup was served next and while I’m not a fan of whole cauliflower, this was pretty tasty (with added salt & pepper).

My main course of grilled chicken with veggies arrived and the chicken was surprisingly moist. I usually find airline chicken to be dry and mostly tasteless without any sauce.

Then it was on to fruit & cheese, followed by a delicious cheese mouse cake and a petit four, or as I call it, a nice piece of chocolate.

Coffee and tea were offered with dessert, but I was fully looking forward to a nice sleep, so asked for a bottle of water. Before reclining back I took a trip to the lav and found the now common to me amenities of combs, toothbrush & paste sets, lotion, facial spritz and eau de toilette.

I woke up about 3.5 hours out of Los Angeles, so missed the mid-flight snack options that included sandwiches, fruit, ramen, warm noodles, a Korean laver rice roll and chips. After freshening up a bit in the lav, I returned and watched some of Asiana’s excellent on-demand entertainment.

Breakfast time approached and I have to say, this is the most unique breakfast menu I’ve encountered so far flying.

To begin was yogurt and fresh fruit with a choice of bread.

I ended up going with the risotto that came with a spear of asparagus and sundried tomatoes. It was good, but my Western taste would have preferred eggs of some kind.

We approached Los Angeles a touch early and landed to the West. As we turned the corner into the gate complex, I snapped a shot of a Korean Air A380.

It was a fantastic flight and service was top-notch. Every single time a flight attendant came through the curtain from First Class, they had a smile on their face. My interactions with them at my seat were also incredibly pleasant and always with a smile and little bow. It’s such a joy to fly non-U.S. carriers internationally.

When disembarking I noticed only one passenger coming from First Class, making me cringe that they didn’t open up an award seat. Oh well, Business Class was very enjoyable and I look forward to flying Asiana again.

Here the video trip report related to this flight. I was able to get some incredible shots of Incheon Airport after takeoff and gorgeous views of Los Angeles on arrival.