buying elite status
 

This was written in 2007 - I'm wondering if it's still true - and if it will help when purchasing FF miles.

PS - I did read the sticky about when to use this forum and when to go to specific airlines - I realize this is USAIR - but thought my question was okay here because there might be similar things on other airlines and I don't know which airline to use for my upcoming trip.

I apologize in advance if I'm wrong.
http://www.smartertravel.com/blogs/u...tml?id=2393290


US Airways proved it has no use for such conventions, announcing yesterday that Dividend Miles members can now purchase elite status for 90 days through the carrier's Trial Preferred Program.

How much to buy elite status?

Current non-elite members can purchase 90 days of silver status for $200, gold status for $400, and platinum for $600.

Already a silver member? You can upgrade to gold for $200 or to platinum for $400.

And gold members can pay $200 to sample platinum status for 90 days.

To maintain the purchased silver status, members must fly 7,500 miles or 10 segments during the 90-day trial period. Or fly 15,000 miles or 20 segments to maintain gold status, or 22,500 miles or 30 segments for platinum.

This will be a money-maker for US Airways. And non-elites who covet elite upgrades will be delighted, if they don't consider the fees exorbitant. But it won't sit well with US Airways' best customers.

Current US Airways elites—who earned their status the old-fashioned way—aren't likely to take kindly to the increased competition for upgrades, already in short supply, from the nouveau elites.

Yes I believe US does still sell temp status however, with the recent severe devaluation in value of the elite program it is of little use.

Elite status doesn't give any benefit when buying miles on any airline.

A few other airlines offer the same sort of thing however it's not worth it unless you are going to fly a lot with that airline.

Anyone know if United offers something similar?

The best place to find the answer would be on US Airways own website...

http://www.usairways.com/awa/content...?c=us_hp_00199

Enroll in the Trial Preferred program through June 30, 2008!

There is already an extensive thread about earning elite status without flying...

http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=363174

At one time they did, sort of. You could buy (pre-pay) a bunch of travel to be used during that year and begin enjoying the status that would come from that much flying. I haven't seen that advertized in some years, though.