Used to fly a lot in the 90's. 1k for five years. Stopped flying five years ago when I opened my own business. GM for past few years. I've needed 17,000 miles to reach 1mm for about a year now. BTW, in case anybody is wondering: A GM with 983,000 miles is no different than a GM with 500 miles. A GM is a GM to the computer. When I book my seats online, I only get to see mostly middle seats in the back of the plane. Anyway, I didn't care that much to go after the mm platue but now I'm planning a couple trips overseas this Fall. I would rather go on these trips as a 1mm than a GM. I also see some more xc trips over the next year.

Question 1. What is the cheapest way these days to get these miles quickly. In other words, if I wanted to fly cheaply over the next few months specifically to rack up 17,000 miles, what is the best way to do it?

Question 2. Is it worth it? I know you probably can't answer question 2 because worth is defined differently to everybody. Here's my take. I don't mind coach if it's an aisle seat but 12 hours to Australia this Fall in coach (perhaps even middle seat) both ways isn't something I look forward to doing. I would rather be a 1mm and get a better seat.

Queston 3. Is mm status earned on EQM's? If yes, I can trade Visa points for EQM's. Would this count? Or, does it have to be actually having my butt in a seat on UA metal?

Question 4. I never audited my statements or flying activity in 11 years of flying with UA. I would bet there is one or two or ?? missing flight credits. I was thinking of writing to UA and basically beg for the status. I would point-out how I never audited my statements and never asked for missing credit. Now, I need the credits that may have been lost. I'm sure many of you are ROTFL right now but is this even worth the time it takes to write the letter? I'm guessing it would be pointless but I thought I would toss out the question.

PM is fine if you don't want to post to the board.

Thoughts?

Thanks everybody,
Bob