I have already made my 100k for next year's united 1k - is there any point in earning more United Miles this year?

Thanks,

 

Would you be able to earn more elite qualifying miles to reach the next status threshold, and would that threshold be of value to you?

Would you be able to earn more redeemable miles that would be of value to you?

It does sound like you find flying United unpleasant compared to other (non-Star Alliance) airlines available to you, or that you want to acquire status and/or redeemable miles on some other airline or alliance.

 

TJL,

Thanks for the reply - good questions. I've been self-imposed with United for some time - I don't think I would attain anything higher than 1K this year (if there is anything). You're right I should stretch out and use star alliance more often. Thanks again...

 

You're presumably talking about flown (qualifying) miles, not just miles in general, right?

Yes, if you think it's realistic that you'll every get to 1 million miles (or a multiple of that) in qualifying miles over your lifetime in Mileage Plus. That's becuase at that point you get lifetime status, which might be useful if/when someday your travel patterns change. At 1 million miles, the lifetime status you get won't be nearly as high as 100k gets you on an annually-renewed basis, but it'll be better than nothing.

If you don't think that's a realistic (or interesting) goal, then it depends on whether you would have any use for lesser status at a second airline next year. (But keep in mind that to start collecting that, you'd have to presumably start with no status at all at that second airline, unless you can get a status match.)

 

150K miles gets you 2 more SWUs.

Unless you're in paid premium seats why would you swith to another airline and sit in their smaller E seats?

Personally, I'll stay in UA seats (well, I've got a LH flight in C but I bought it from UA) but I've switched to using my Marriott or *wood CC because I've spent $35K on my UA CC which got me an additional 5EQM.

 

+1 ^

Add also that you'll earn CR-1s and e-500s for your time on UA metal.

 

Once you make 1K, it seems appropriate to enjoy the priority and bene's you've earned if it still jives with planned travel. Admittedly, I tweak travel to at least get to 1K each year, but after I hit it, I will most certainly still travel UA IF it is cost effective. After the 1K mark I am a little more likely to choose the absolute cheapest flt regardless of carrier, but IF things are nearly equal, I will always stay on UA, working toward the MM, miles, and UGs. IRROPS is becoming more "regular" rather than "irregular," and I shudder to think about getting caught as a nobody on a different airline when I think UA would have taken better care of me. Of course, some folks value attaining elite status on multiple airlines.
By end of Sept I will go over 150k this yr (2 more SWU's, yeah!). I'm good to UA and in fairness, I think UA's good to me. Obviously some folks on this board feel v differently, but it's working for me...

 

All depends on what you value: the status tier, or the travel comfort.

Me, I find traveling as a 1K has helped me tremendously over the years. When things go wrong, I'm generally confident my needs will be handled by UA. They've done pretty darned good by me over time. My upgrades almost always clear; I get regular op-ups even when I don't request them; they put me up in a hotel at their expense when something happens, even when the delay is weather related.

Yes, I've experienced all of these in the last year alone. I'm batting 1000 on unsolicited op-ups returning home from Europe this year and last year.

I'm well over 150k EQMs for the year, thanks in part to the DEQM promotion, so I don't have much to gain either. But I'll keep my business on UA whenever I'm able to for the reasons above.

YMMV, of course.

Cheers,

1Ken

 

good points - thanks

 

I think it actually depends on how much more OP will fly.
If OP can fly 50K miles or more for mid-tier elite on OneWorld or SkyTeam, then I would say go for it.
It's always nice to have some back up program.

 

Correct; but the OP should make that consideration based on the amount of Int'l travel they do. Hitting the 150K threshold on UA would yield 2 more SWU's, which would be available as soon as they are earned. This could be a factor in the decision to stick with UA or earn gold on another carrier.

I personally value SWU's much higher than any other 1K benefit.

 

Other airlines have superior E+ products: NZ, BA, Virgin, BMI; even Virgin America's exit row is better than anything united offers in coach.

I'm facing the same problem - i've earned the 125K miles this year but am just getting tired of being on United.

 

To the best of my knowledge all of these cost more than an E seat and thus should not be compared to UA's E+.

 

Your question "I have already made my 100k for next year's united 1k - is there any point in earning more United Miles this year?"

From the UA website -
Like a little friendly competition? U.S. residents have a chance to earn our biggest reward ever with our United Elite Team Contest. Simply join with three other members to form your team. Then, earn more total EQM this year than you earned collectively in 2007. The 50 teams with the largest increase in EQM will win an exciting reward package to share, including:
� One million redeemable miles
� 50,000 EQM and 50 EQS
� Eight confirmed regional upgrades
� Eight United Red Carpet Club� one-time passes
For details, visit united.com/2008choice.

I am seeking team partners - anybody interested? I have 100,000 more this year than last to contribute to a team effort!! Looking for others in a similar position to form a team.