Originally Posted by
bhmlurker
If your friend always flies with a companion (free E+), check in a lot of luggage (free 3 for self, 2 for companion), fly int'l itin (free *A clubs), and plan to fly a lot next year (100% RDM bonus) - only then it's worth it. In most cases it's not, and will be difficult to recoup $1400 worth of benefits.
This information is helpful. I would appreciate your advice as to how it would apply to my situation.
I accumulated 45,500 EQM during 2008. Yesterday I received an email offer (good through Feb. 7) from United saying that I could purchase 5,000 EQM for $800, and that this would immediately move me to the Premier Executive category for 2008. I'm tempted, but is it worth it?
I travel mostly internationally to/from Africa with an average of 5 or 6 trips a year. My travel with UAL is primarily SHD to IAD to BRU. That's a total of 4,400 mi one way (with the 500 miles now allocated for SHD to IAD).
Will being Premiere Executive for 2009 help me accumulate bonus EQMs so that I'll be assured of going over 50,000 EQM this year (even if I only make 5 trans-Atlantic trips)? Or, would this simply increase my RDMs?
Does the companion travel apply internationally?
Are there any other international benefits (other than free *A clubs) that I should know about?
The sponsoring groups who send me on these trips to Africa (for public health work) are usually purchasing highly restricted tickets. When I've tried to upgrade UAL flights I'm told that it isn't permitted with that class ticket. Will being Premiere Executive provide me a greater ability to upgrade restricted tickets?
Thanks,
FRANK (Baertracks)