Originally Posted by
VegasGambler
My first ever UA trip was SFO - PHX, roundtrip, this past weekend. Flying F, if it matters. On both legs I was offered:
$50 for 2k award miles
$75 for 3k award miles
$210 for 2k award + 2k PQM
$305 for 3k award + 3k PQM
That backs out to 2.5c per award mile and 8c per PQM. I have no idea if that's a "good" deal or not. I declined all of it. I really have no idea what status is worth because I'm new. 2.5c per award mile seems not terrible but also not spectacular.
2.5 cents per award miles is pretty poor, and a combined 10.5 cents per PQM is pretty standard as these offers go.
Generally speaking, neither are worth taking unless you have a plan for the miles. You can get award miles cheaper by churning credit cards, and PQM cheaper by flying.