UA Silver
Dec 3, 2014 | 9:15 pm
#2
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 152
It depends how much you plan on flying next year
But I probably wouldn't do it unless you plan to fly a lot next year. You can get the majority of Silver benefits through the credit card (boarding group 2, free checked bag, etc.). It's not like you're going to get upgrades as a Silver, and E+ often only has middle seats left at T-24, except for some international routes.
You should be able to do 228 miles for much cheaper than $300 RT though. Check Hartford, Dallas, Chicago, etc.
But I probably wouldn't do it unless you plan to fly a lot next year. You can get the majority of Silver benefits through the credit card (boarding group 2, free checked bag, etc.). It's not like you're going to get upgrades as a Silver, and E+ often only has middle seats left at T-24, except for some international routes.
You should be able to do 228 miles for much cheaper than $300 RT though. Check Hartford, Dallas, Chicago, etc.
Dec 3, 2014 | 9:20 pm
#3
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: San Antonio, TX
Programs: 1K
Posts: 789
On Tuesday, December 16th, you can do IAD-BDL-IAD for $154.20 RT.
Washington (IAD) to Hartford (BDL) - Tue, Dec 16
United United 3725 Dep: 12:40PM Arr: 1:59PM 1h 19m Canadair RJ 700 Economy (N)
OPERATED BY MESA AIRLINES DBA UNITED EXPRESS
Hartford (BDL) to Washington (IAD) - Tue, Dec 16
United United 5689 Dep: 7:33PM Arr: 9:00PM 1h 27m Canadair Reg. Jet Economy (L)
OPERATED BY EXPRESSJET AIRLINES DBA UNITED EXPRESS
Cost per passenger (including taxes & fees) $154.20
Is it worth it? Having a United credit card gets you almost all of the same benefits as UA Silver. It is very unlikely that you'll hit a complimentary premier upgrade (CPU).
Washington (IAD) to Hartford (BDL) - Tue, Dec 16
United United 3725 Dep: 12:40PM Arr: 1:59PM 1h 19m Canadair RJ 700 Economy (N)
OPERATED BY MESA AIRLINES DBA UNITED EXPRESS
Hartford (BDL) to Washington (IAD) - Tue, Dec 16
United United 5689 Dep: 7:33PM Arr: 9:00PM 1h 27m Canadair Reg. Jet Economy (L)
OPERATED BY EXPRESSJET AIRLINES DBA UNITED EXPRESS
Cost per passenger (including taxes & fees) $154.20
Is it worth it? Having a United credit card gets you almost all of the same benefits as UA Silver. It is very unlikely that you'll hit a complimentary premier upgrade (CPU).
Dec 3, 2014 | 9:26 pm
#4
Join Date: Mar 2009
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Hilton credit card Diamond, British Airways Silver
Posts: 2,728
The E+ seating is the benefit worth considering that the credit card doesn't supply. If you value the E+ seat and plan one or more international trips, then it could be worthwhile.
Dec 3, 2014 | 10:11 pm
#6
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Northeast US
Programs: various
Posts: 5,022
Some other options:
138 for IAD-EWR same day turn (return flight connects in BDL though) on Monday 12/15
141 for IAD-TPA same day turn on Tuesday 12/16
If you need a weekend flight:
221 same day turn DCA-ORD on Saturday 12/13
138 for IAD-EWR same day turn (return flight connects in BDL though) on Monday 12/15
141 for IAD-TPA same day turn on Tuesday 12/16
If you need a weekend flight:
221 same day turn DCA-ORD on Saturday 12/13
Last edited by ty97; Dec 3, 2014 at 10:12 pm Reason: Fixing route
Dec 4, 2014 | 12:41 am
#7
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: IAD/DCA/BWI
Programs: Hyatt Globalist (2020:Exp), United Gold
Posts: 1,525
The other major benefit is the 500mi minimum. (In my case, 29% of my flights this year were <500mi.) If you tend to fly along the eastern seaboard, this can make a huge difference in qualification next year.