On her flight this afternoon from IAH-LAX, my wife crossed the million mile mark. Ironically, as a 1K with PP applied, she died at #4 on the upgrade list. That being said, the crew really impressed her and when she told me about the experience I was impressed too.
- She was paged to the podium just before boarding where they handed her a gift bag with a fancy United water bottle and a personalized card congratulating on her achieving the milestone. They then escorted her onto the plane before boarding began.
- The purser came back and handed her a bag from a local jeweler with a really nifty airplane charm (to be hung on a necklace chain), and even mentioned that there was a gift receipt in the bag in case she didn't like it and wanted something else.
- Toward the end of boarding, the captain came back and handed her a "United Million Miler" challenge coin. He said it was the first time he's had the privilege of doing so, and he seemed really appreciative.
- Once on board, the FAs lavished her with attention. They kept her plied with complimentary food and drink throughout the flight. One of the super-friendly FAs thanked her for "spending enough on United to put her kids through college", after handing her the 4th mini-bottle of Jack Daniels.
- At disembarkation, the purser recognized her coming up the aisle and asked if she'd like her picture taken in the cockpit. She did, and both the pilot and copilot were gracious and appreciative of her long-term business. In the pictures, all three of them look genuinely happy.
People bag on United for all kinds of reasons, but the way my wife was treated today made her feel like her business over the years really was appreciated, and cemented her loyalty to United as her airline of choice. And she enjoyed getting to rub salt in my wound a little bit, since I crossed the million mile threshold back when UA and CO merged their frequent flier programs, so I got no pomp and circumstance. My only comeback was to remind her that I'm approaching my second million, so hopefully I'll get some cool treatment (in coach, when I die high up on the upgrade list) as well.
