Originally Posted by tonyz1108

Based in NYC - close to LGA/JFK, EWR is not too far either.
I am Silver this year, and I am 4 flights away to reach Silver for the next year
My typical destinations are EU (at least 2 RTs a year); Asia (at least 1 RT per year); US (~3-6 RT per year)
I fly mostly on my own money, so I usually just fly regular economy
I have United club card and quest card that will help generate approx. 2000 PQP per year.
What would be the most cost effective way to get me to the *gold?
Is it a big difference between Silver and Gold, e.g. upgrade eligibility etc?

Thank you!