FlyingBear

True, but that's pretty low CPM if you are using 25k miles for a $200 trip. I guess if you got the card using choices and bought the ticket for $250, at least you'd still get the 1800 or so miles for flying. But I would say agree with mahasamatman, buy the ticket unless you need it for a last minute award.

soitgoes769

I need to get 8,000 miles to post to my account within a month's time. What is the best/cheapest way(s) to get these miles without flying or purchasing them? I already opened up one of those mileage plus credit cards and subscribed to Netflix. Thanks.

WineCountryUA

Assuming you mean RDMs, lots of ideas in http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unite...d-threads.html

ldsant

There are lots of offers from UA for a credit card that gives you 25 - 30K miles after first purchase. You could, also, buy a LOT of flowers for people!

FBKSan

I'm considering purchasing miles from United to close the gap for an award ticket I'm planning to book. Award space opened up today, but the last time space opened up it was gone the next day. Hence my urgency. (I'm waiting 25k elite choice miles, but at the moment I'm 400 miles short of the award.)

United says purchased miles post within 48 hours. Does anyone have any experience with this? Does it usually take (close to) 48 hours or will the miles post faster than that?

Neltron

Hi everyone,

I've never before had the chance to use any of the miles in my Mileage Plus account, but since United graciously gave me a $100 e-cert for a recent flight mishap, I thought I'd use it to buy an upgradeable ticket from SEA to EWR this December. The problem is, I only have 14,500 miles, and need 15,000 for the upgrade.

Any ideas for quick (and cheap) ways to get these miles? I was thinking buying some stuff at the Mileage Plus Mall, but I worry that those miles could take 6-8 weeks to post, as is often the case when I buy from AA's online mall. (And my flight, United 3692, operated by Continental, in H class, is on Dec. 31st.)

Also, what are my chances of being able to even buy an upgrade?? A United rep I just talked to said this was the type of upgrade I could only buy at the airport. True? So, does that mean elites will get upgraded before I will have the chance to buy one with miles? Is there a way I can check upgrade availability?

Sorry for the all questions...I've never done anything with the MP program before...

Nelle

mauiUAflyer

This is a frequent question on this board, and this thread will no doubt be merged with that big, merged thread.

You need RDMs. You can just buy them from UA, on line. This only takes a couple of days, and it no doubt the fastest. You could also take any UA or partner flight, but that's probably not what you wanted to do. Or a hotel stay.

If you have a Mileage Plus visa, or could get one, you'll get RDMs that way as well.

I haven't looked into it yet; can you use UA miles to upgrade on a CO-metal flight?

WineCountryUA

As mauiUAflyer refers to, the direct, non-stop flights SEA-EWR are by CO and only the most expensive (Y/B) fares can be upgraded.

If you are talking about UA operated flights connecting via one of the hubs and there is no simple answer to this. If the upgrade space is available at time of purchase you could be confirmed immediately. If not confirmed at purchase, you will be waitlisted. As a non-elite or 1P or lower your mileage upgrade will be low priority and 1Ks or those using CR1s or SWUs will have higher priority. If the upgrade does not clear before flight the priority at the gate is based status and fare class.

While all of this may sound negative it is still very possible for the upgrade to clear if the plane has sufficient first class space -- especially the flights using 757-200 (753). The A319 flights or somewhat the A320 flights are tough upgrades for non-1Ks in general.

jamesdenver

I ordered a few sets of flowers on Dec 18th and they posted earlier last week (29th or 30th if I recall) so just shy of two weeks.

jumbotusk

I want to book a OW award that is currently available for 12,500 miles, but I just realized I only have 10,000 miles currently. Anyone have any tips for getting 2,500 miles in a hurry that doesn't involve signing up for new credit cards.

-Flying UA/a MR is not an option
-Credit cards are not an option
-Need to travel soon - so no partner activities which take more than 3-4 weeks to post are an option

Worse comes to worse, I can always transfer 5,000 SPG points to United, but I'd prefer not to because of the terrible 2:1 ratio and the high opportunity cost of using SPG points in this way.

denverhockeyguy

Just buy them on UA's site. They post in a couple of days.

madnes

Be sure to check the OW fare also, I have seen good OW fare deals lately.

LAX UA 1K

FTD promo for 30 miles per dollar? Not sure how long it takes; others can probably tell you.

oneeyejack

probably not worth the price to buy if he wants to use it as reward travel. it might be cheaper just buying the ticket but i could be wrong.

777-200LR

If you're in such a desperate need - transfer the SPG points.