Originally Posted by
ytjk
Although I am largely an “OPM” flyer (generally Newark based) I have total discretion over my carriers and routes and cities that I want to fly out of. I have been basically United exclusive for 12 years or so….
Coming out of Covid my travel was still relatively down and I dropped from GS to 1k I think in 2022. So I was not given a challenge this year.
Given the fact that United will no longer even give me a shot at GS (by the end of May I will sit about $27,000, 1k secured and on track for about $55 by year end with an Asia pac trip second half)—- what’s the thinking?
personally I think AA Status match and head down to Philly (equidistant for me relative to Newark) and get AA’s 1k equivalent as well. Why not have options and competition when it comes to spending all these miles if I don’t get GS anyway?
Appreciate any thoughts
YTJK
I have found being a 1K equivalent in two major alliances to be better than GS in one. Especially since I don’t have to worry about spending money on UA metal to maintain GS. I fly on whatever carrier makes sense and apply miles to either American or United. I’ve flown quite a bit on British Airways the last 6 months. Their A350s and newer versions of 777s and 787s are excellent. Their older version 787s are probably the worst business class product I’ve ever flown. I used to fly United out Singapore. Now I fly Singapore Airlines. In short, I pick the air carrier that will have the most comfortable service instead of making United work. United made that decision much easier by refusing to grant me GS. But the only thing I miss at this point is being able to upgrade award tickets with plus points. Aside from that, I’m actually much better off.