Which U.S. Carrier Offers the Best Mileage Upgrade Program to Asia?

Comparing the four major U.S. upgrade mileage programs for travel to Asia (US Airways does not fly there), American Airlines earns the highest marks.

American: B+

Upgradeable economy fares usually range from $600 to $1,100, depending on the promotion and route, plus 50,000 miles and a $700 surcharge. That means you can score a Business Class ticket for $1,400 to $1,800 (plus taxes), quite a savings over the lowest promotional Business Class fares, which currently range from $3,400 to $4,500. Too bad American only flies to Tokyo and Shanghai.

Continental: C+

This mileage program has gone through major changes as a result of Continental’s joining the Star Alliance. As before, it levies surcharges ranging from $500 to $1,000 depending on type of economy fare paid. Lower fares require higher surcharges. Upgradeable economy fares range from $600 to $1,100, but usually incur a $1,000 surcharge (the maximum), on top of the 60,000-mile charge. That brings the total cost to $1,600 to $2,000, saving $1,500 or more compared to published Business Class fares.

Delta/Northwest: C-

Of the four programs, this is the only one that doesn’t impose a cash surcharge. Upgrades are permitted only from the fairly expensive M and B fares, which start well over $2,000 and run as high as $3,800 (in addition to the 50,000 miles). Nonetheless, members can still book decent savings over the carrier’s high published Business Class fares.

United: C+

This program’s grade is based on its new upgrade award program, which takes effect Jan.12. United is going from a program similar to Delta’s—no cash surcharge, but only allowed on certain fares—to one that allows upgrades on any fare, but imposes surcharges of $500 to $1,000, plus 50,000 miles. It’s a facsimile of Continental’s program, but with a lower mileage charge (50,000 vs. 60,000). However, in most cases the paid ticket and co-payment total is higher than Continental’s, offsetting the miles saved—which is why it gets the same grade. How does it compare to the old program? It’s a toss-up. Depending on the route, some United members will see an improvement. For example, from New York to Hong Kong under the current program, an economy ticket costs $2,680 plus 60,000 miles. Under the new program, the ticket cost, including co-pay, is $1,798 plus 50,000. But on the Atlanta-Bangkok route, United members will end up paying $300 more in the new program ($1,389 is the lowest upgradeable fare under the current program). Regardless, the upside is that United dropped the mileage surcharge by 10,000 miles, a nice savings.

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