Originally Posted by GreatBunkerPlayer83

Got me thinking. There are so many ways to try and game the system for miles, points, elite miles, status, etc.

Has anyone ever tried or has heard of people booking tickets on UA or another airline presumably for a Mileage Run but not actually fly the segments and get mileage credit for it? Doesn't even have to be a mileage run, maybe a weekend trip you could attend, but didn't cancel your ticket and wanted to see if you would get credit anyway.

I feel like there are a few scenarios.
1. Someone books a ticket and something comes up and must cancel, but forgets to cancel the ticket, realizes this after the departure date. Calls airline and says they flew, they weren't credited the miles, used Mobile boarding pass, etc.

2. An upper tier elite Plat/1K/GS/Diamond books a MR, decides they don't want to do the MR or can't do it. Instead of canceling the ticket, he/she calls UA about a week after scheduled travel dates and inquires to the miles not posting. UA advises they didn't fly - passengers states they did, used mobile boarding pass and must be an error. Gives the song and dance about Elite status.

Of course this has happened or attempted? Anyone ever hear of this? Did this?

Certainly the airlines have plenty of technology, but mistakes do happen. Undoubtedly this would probably be one of the easiest ways to Elite Status.

If they don't cancel is the ticket no good at all? can't even change and pay a change fee? Is a NO Show different then a Cancellation on a non-refundable fare.

I HAVE NO INTENTIONS TO DO THIS. I AM SIMPLY ASKING A QUESTION. I AM A UA GS AND DELTA DIAMOND. THIS IS SIMPLY OUT OF CURIOSITY.