Originally Posted by duvie

FWIW, I just took UAL from SFO to Frankfurt, there were 200 seats open in the back, had my own row and paid $0, it would've been cheap coming back as well, but went down to Cairo and UAL doesn't fly there. Also, I travel to Australia once every other month and it costs around $90 on United in economy, $350 if you choose first both ways, or $135 with DAL for whatever is available, although their 777 becomes weight restricted much sooner than the 747 does.

United is often cheaper if you go in economy, I think the computer system is a little easier to use and we have unlimited international flights. DAL can get expensive after you use your 6 "transoceanic" segments and last year they charged me $300 to take my surfboards back from Costa Rica, UAL has yet to charge me for any "sports equipment."

My take: I really don't think one is better than the other, it just depends on what kind of traveling you are doing. If you travel much, the $200 investment often gives you twice as many options to get home and will enable you to get to places on the globe that the other may not go.