re: upgrades/status. Hmmm. Wrong place United or wrong place flyertalk? I am sure I could get used to upgrades etc!
Yes, the Mileage Plus Explorer ads are all over this site so that looks like a good start, thanks for the advice.
[I am used to one-stops with the SWA flight but particularly love the ones that do not de-plane. Saved us much misery moving daughter -- and her cat- -- with the quick stopover in Phoenix.]
I must say those 4 - 4.5 hour UA non-stop flights to MSY look pretty tempting!
So if I get the Chase Select Mileage Plus with the 40K sign-up offer, should I also get a hotel card that can earn UA miles?
Maybe I should go to the United site now.
Go Giants!!!