I agree with the poster above.

It all depends if you're going to fly United next year. If so, I'd say it's definitely worth it. You'll get the six SWU, possibly some CR1s, get to skip security lines, checked baggage, able to cancel and modify reward tickets with ease, etc.

19,000 miles is feasible. You could do one big trip, but could also do 4 transcons. Downside is you're in Chicago (in the middle).

This fare is now gone, but would've netted you about 7,000 miles in one trip. Hopefully something else might pop up: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/milea...-i-2-6cpm.html

A long-haul trip would be good too if you just want to get it done with, can take some time off work possibly.

But when you're that close I would go for it. I think next year will be a good "test" year to see how the United/CO merger pans out. There will also be a lot fewer 1ks next year. If the merger really ruins things, then don't bother for 1k in 2012, but I'd stick around one more year.