Not sure if this is the right spot, but I am basically trying to find the "best" program for me. I have spent MANY days reading all over and comparing and could spend many more, so I figured I would try asking for input from others. I figured someone else must be flying similarly.
I will be flying roundtrip form AZ to OR or AZ to TX probably 9 times a year total between both. 3 week stays each time, most likely at Marriott and using Avis. Flights are scheduled at most a week and a half in advanced and usually that week. One way at a time. Company is pretty flexible with flights. I could fly with 1-2 stops if that helps and I think I could get M or Y fares all the time.
I started with Southwest, but after one flight I don't know. For one I'm tall with fairly broad shoulders. Seating is horrible! No first/business seats, that I have seen. But as far as earning free flights, I figured with Southwest I could earn 5000-6000 points per round trip or 6250-7500 once I get A-list THEN 10000-12000 once I hit A-list Preferred THEN Companion Pass maybe. I can fly round trip from Phoenix to Los Angeles for about 7500 points. That's a lot of possible free flights per year! Or 26000-30000 for round trip from Phoenix to Columbus, OH or Detroit. I don't think they fly to Hawaii or Europe though.
I haven't tried to figure earning flights yet with Delta, as the program seems MUCH more complicated. But with Delta it seems flying might be possiblly more comfortable given options for business/first class and possible free upgrades to those classes. I know I could make Southwests A-list Preferred and possibly Companion, but with Delta it looks like I would barely make Silver.
From the reading I've done, delta and Southwest seem to be a top picks.
Any help would be much appriciated.
I will be flying roundtrip form AZ to OR or AZ to TX probably 9 times a year total between both. 3 week stays each time, most likely at Marriott and using Avis. Flights are scheduled at most a week and a half in advanced and usually that week. One way at a time. Company is pretty flexible with flights. I could fly with 1-2 stops if that helps and I think I could get M or Y fares all the time.
I started with Southwest, but after one flight I don't know. For one I'm tall with fairly broad shoulders. Seating is horrible! No first/business seats, that I have seen. But as far as earning free flights, I figured with Southwest I could earn 5000-6000 points per round trip or 6250-7500 once I get A-list THEN 10000-12000 once I hit A-list Preferred THEN Companion Pass maybe. I can fly round trip from Phoenix to Los Angeles for about 7500 points. That's a lot of possible free flights per year! Or 26000-30000 for round trip from Phoenix to Columbus, OH or Detroit. I don't think they fly to Hawaii or Europe though.
I haven't tried to figure earning flights yet with Delta, as the program seems MUCH more complicated. But with Delta it seems flying might be possiblly more comfortable given options for business/first class and possible free upgrades to those classes. I know I could make Southwests A-list Preferred and possibly Companion, but with Delta it looks like I would barely make Silver.
From the reading I've done, delta and Southwest seem to be a top picks.
Any help would be much appriciated.