First of all, if I were booking for a non-elite traveler, I'd book her on WN even if the prices were equal. Flying out of ORD as a non-elite on UA will not be fun. I'd rather fly WN out of MDW, knowing that I can print my own "elite status" 24 hours before the flight. OK, I know it isn't the same thing, but in all seriousness, I would much rather be on WN than any major on which I hold no status. If her WN flight cancels, she's on equal footing with everyone else. If her UA flight cancels, the trip is probably canceled altogether.

The $60 savings is gravy. This one's a no-brainer.

The only two things that might cause me to re-think it:
- If she does the UA flights, is there any chance she'll get the "bug" and finish the Fly3? Two well-placed, cheap MR's and you've got a Hawaii ticket. Possible romantic getaway there...
- If she lives in Schaumburg or Rosemont or whatever, the idea of using ORD isn't quite as unpalatable as it is for the rest of us. I guess flying as a non-elite originating at ORD is less risky than connecting there. She can always just go back home...

Even then, I'd be hesitant to recommend mileage runs to a non-elite. Maybe two quick MSP runs and some iDining (if 35k were the goal) is less risky and time-consuming than trying multi-segment itin.

Go Illini!