Originally Posted by
laxflyer47
I have a recent trip coming up from LAX to LHR with the option of flying AA, BA or VS direct to LHR or UA to LHR via ORD, EWR or IAH. My company will be paying for business class whichever option I choose and prices are all comparable. If I go with UA, I will earn enough PQP to jump immediately from Silver to Platinum and I'll end up only about 3,000 PQP away from 1K (which I'd likely hit sometime later this year). Is the jump from Silver to Platinum (and possibly 1k) worth making a connection instead of flying nonstop to LHR? Most of my travel is paid long haul biz, but I do make at least 3/4 personal trips between LAX and EWR every year.
I’d say yes (but note, until last year I was CVG, and barely flew DL so am used to connecting almost everywhere.). I’ve been everything from silver to plat in the last 10 years, if that gives any context.
Plat gets you PP (which is the only way to get upgrades without $ on the LAX/EWR route you fly for personal), higher priority, earlier CPU (which might be pretty moot most of the time, but might be helpful once in a blue moon), E+ at booking vs at T-24 (which is one of the best improvements between silver and gold, IME). I never used it, but I think plat also gets 8 companions into E+ with you vs. 1.
Unless you don’t think you’ll find yourself flying UA again before the end of next year, then I’d say it’s well worth it.