The purpose isn't to accrew miles (primarily). It helps him retain his elite status and he gets the occasional voucher for getting bumped. He doesn't do this too much anymore though due to his new business. I would suggest reading up on the thread here for new members.
Originally Posted by
rayonline
Much thanks for that
In terms of crediting mileage for discounted tickets:
Generally speaking, is this an exception with UA? Or does the airline normally do this with their own FF programme?
Secondly, that Ben guy said he hunts for $250US tickets travelling East to West. I am not from the US, so just talking hypothetically here - would not $250US be a waste of money to simply travel to rack up points and not enjoy the travel experience and I guess one cannot do that unless you are well off with the accom expenses and living costs too often. He says 7,500miles travelled. That's not a huge amount right and that UA has decreased the 100% bonus to 50% I think for 2012.
Edit. Yah. I am from New Zealand so I generally use Asian carriers unless I am heading to or thru the USA. And b/c the seldom nature I probably just wouldn't belong with a USA FF programme. Coming from that point of view, it was news to me that USA cheap flights gets 100% points. Even a AirNZ programme with AirNZ - the really discounted seats even for INTL gets absolutely "zero" points but do get minor status points.