Trying to decide, trying to decide.
I have been tremendously bombarded with emails and even snail mail offers from United and American Airlines alike and am certain that I am not the only person staring at the computer screen switching between tabs of “why join mileage plus?” websites of respective airlines.
Though seriously unemployed (c’mon now, you either are or you aren’t), I verbally and mentally reaffirm to myself and others around me that I am not a plebe. …and am thus entitled to prestigious (?) membership as a frequent flyer and purchaser of goods and services.
I am going to sleep on this and will get back to you tomorrow, because I am leaning towards American Airlines at the moment. Here’s why:
1. I already have close to 30,000 miles racked up.
2. I am already a patron of citibank, AAirline’s supporting financial institution. This is a big incentive, citibank treats me like a queen compared to American Savings Bank Queen St. branch in Honolulu.
Seriously, ask Kumi san. We were greeted with “oh no” at least twice. That’s wonderful customer service, way to break golden rule #1- say hello. We may have been making cross-national transactions, but let’s be honest. A customer is a customer.
3a. I looked into AAirline’s partner airline group and learned that JAL is one of their partners. VOM.
3b. What’s the latest on JAL anyway? Is American really going to buy them out, or will the modest people of Japan bail them out for the 90596250th time?
4. Annual fee is $50 while it’s free for the first 2 years, United charges $60 ($95 for the Plus Select Visa that I would want. haha)… while it’s free for the first year.
Reasons why United is an option:
1. I must spend $250 within 4 months instead of AAirline’s $750 that will ensure that I will in fact receive 30,000 bonus miles. $250 seems more doable than $750… but it’s also over a 4 month period
2. ANA is their partner airline!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Fumi always swears by All Nippon Airways.
3. I like the classiness of United’s website. Haaaaaa.
Forget it, I’m applying to both and see what I get.