Summit status match by other airlines
Like many others I've been contemplating using another airline for my trips. But the thought of being relegated to middle seats, and all the other inconveniences of flying, for the months it took me to gain status with a new airline had me hesitating. Earlier today, I contacted United and they agreed to a trial Silver Premier membership between now and the end of the year (which I'll retain for 2015 if I fly 7,000 miles in 2014). Not great, but better than nothing.
Can I do better elsewhere? I fly out of Denver, mostly within the US, with one or two international flights each year).