To all of you folks who are currently a bit short on the mileage required to attain another year of elite status, please keep in mind that asking any of us here whether or not we think your airline will grant you elite status even though you lack the requisite mileage is little more than a fool's errand. Nobody here can say with any certainty that this may or may not happen for you. For example, I know of someone who was was offered a challenge to keep his elite status one year when he was a bit short, but then the next year, when he was even less short, he wasn't.

Since it’s football season, here’s a good analogy: You don’t score a touchdown for having travelled all the way down the field to the one yard line. You need to punch it in.

There is nothing quite like the comfort and security that accompany knowing you have earned all of the mileage required to attain your desired elite status. On the other hand, I wouldn’t wish any of the anxiety and uncertainty that accompany hoping for a gift from the airline on anyone.

DON'T resort to the plaintive bleats of the truly helpless and hopeless.

NOW is the time to go out and get this done! Once December 15th arrives, the best fares will have been gobbled up by vacation travelers.

Don't post it. Just do it!