Elite Status Help
 

After my next and last trip for 2006 I will fall short of the 25k miles required for Elite status this year. I will be traveling alot next both domestic and Internationaly next year and the elite status would be good for the bonus miles and upgrades on the domestic trips (my Company pays for BF on overseas flights).

My question; Is there anything that aside from flying to get elite status when I am this close (~500 miles)? Does Continental ever offer specials where people at 23k or 24k miles get offered elite status or offer their members to pay a fee to get there?

Sometimes they offer EQM's for credit card offers. I'd suggest finding the cheapest short haul possible that will get you the miles. Other than that, you can call them and beg. Having an international trip already booked might help ;)

It's been done, but not until after the end of the year, and there are no guarantees. The usual advice is to find a way to get those extra miles before 12/31. For East Coast people, Amtrak is a good way to get 500 EQM. How easy in terms of time or cost depends on where you are (and where you'll be).

It happens, but rarely and not with any consistency. I have been in this situation before and took a quick mileage run or added segments to a trip. Money well spent in my opinion.

Here in CLE, a quick trip to CHI or BWI would solve your issue pretty quick.

Well this is my 2nd trans-atlantic trip in 3 weeks and I'll have at least 4 more by June 2007, so maybe I'll try the phone call beg first then maybe a long weekend to Orlando.

thanks for the replies