This is an interesting thread because I recently moved from ITH (where US is the only game in town) to SEA.

I am currently figuring out if Preferred status will be any use to me. I am 12,000 miles short, so I need two transcons to get it. At the same time, I am about 9,000 miles short of reaching UA Premier Executive.

So I am debating whether I want to be US Preferred and UA Premier or just UA Premier Executive... The SWU offer when hitting DM Preferred is very tempting.

But at the same time, UA can fly me everywhere I want to travel to from SEA, while US only goes to the east coast. And I have two US denied boarding free tickets burning a hole in my pocket, too!

I think I will stay somewhat loyal to US, because it seems to be easier to get discounted seats vs. UAL, when flying to the east coast and Florida. But looks like UAL will be my primary airline...