Originally Posted by
GS11
(1) What is your home airport? DEN
(2) Do you currently have any status? Amex Platinum and Mileageplus Club
(3) What types of fares do you usually buy economy
(4) Which airlines/routes do you usually fly? Southwest but changing as took United CC
(5) How many miles do you usually fly each year? 25-50K;
(6) Do you mainly fly for work or for leisure? Both
(7) What is most important to you in a FFP? Business reward for long distance
If you are flying 25k to 50k and you are based out of Denver, United Mileage Plus would be an obvious choice. With 25k miles per year, you will earn Premier Silver status, which doesn't have too many benefits over the United Explorer Card, but at least would give you Economy Plus at check-in, priority security/bags, and a 25% mileage award bonus. If you hit 50k, however, the benefits are much more substantial such as Star Gold lounge access, 3 checked bags, and the ability to do same-day changes for free - by far the best benefit out of any carrier.
Yes, MP has been degraded over the years, but the benefit of UA MP over other Star Alliance programs is that redeeming a mileage award do not charge taxes/fuel surcharges like non-US based carriers (for example, LH Miles & More, or BA Avios). On a Business ticket, some fuel surcharges can be over $300-500.