Originally Posted by
gemac
Status is based on the number of miles or points that are added to your account in a year, not based on what is left in the account. Usage of miles has no effect on status.
I believe the issue is that he needs the miles which this trip will earn to maintain status. Unfortunatelly you don't accrue miles on award tickets (wouldn't that be nice
)
Also, to echo the previous posters, thank you very much for serving in the US military.