Originally Posted by
Leemo
NEW to FT and I've read many forums and topics. I realize so many of you have a lot of experience with airlines, travel, and mileage programs. I've begun to travel more and really have a new love affair with air travel. My goal is to reach MM status, as I currently am only 135K lifetime miles with UA. What did you all do to reach that MM status? Was it a lot of personal travel? How often did you travel for work(weekly? Twice a month?). Really interested in stories and I hope to reach MM one day. Thanks!
The real question is... do you want United Million Miler status? It's a big commitment and should not be taken lightly. The requirements of the program are clear you must fly 1 million flight miles in United airlines metal. That means that any bonuses you get for flying in J or F won't count, it's literally how many actual miles you flown with United. And those miles must be flown on a revenue ticket (i.e. no award travel). This means you need to be in a market that United serves, so if you don't live near one of their hubs, or worse aren't domestic (Canada/USA) you simply won't have the opportunity to take many United flights.
I'd recommend you consider the alternatives:
Asiana will give Diamond Plus status for life (which is Star Alliance Gold) for merely racking up a half million miles across all Star Alliances partners (i.e. Air Canada, Lufthansa, United, ANA, SwissAir, etc.). Star Alliance Gold is the ultimate prize for many since it means lounge access, priority everything, extra baggage allowance, complimentary operational upgrades on Star Alliance partners and protection from IRROPs incidents for any reason. For many that means you'll get that coveted lifetime status sooner.
I've done the math for myself and determined that million miler on United makes sense for me for a couple reasons. First, United makes it easy to hit Gold status every year - just fly 50,000 revenue miles with any of the "major" Star Alliance partners (i.e. AC, UA, LH/LX, NZ, NH) regardless of fare class and at least 4 times with United and you are set (revenue requirement doesn't apply since I'm a Canuck). Second, I appreciate the United specific benefits of getting Gold : complimentary E+ seating and the (occasional) upgrade when flying domestic. Third, United tends to be the cheapest option for me when travelling internationally and sometimes even domestically (I live near YYZ) which when combined with the Gold benefits makes it a no brainer. Finally, the award availability and lack of fuel surcharges **cough** Aeroplan **cough** make it a valuable rewards program.
Hope that helps.
Safe Travels,
James