So... is this worth it for 2P UA
 

My family is in STL, so I would love to have the AA status match so I can fly direct from NYC.

Is it worth it if I am not really moving over to AA? In reality I am looking to stay on UA and would only fly AA in certain cases, but I wouldn't be averse to a couple runs on AA for the lowest status.

The question is... is it worth doing if I am not making the big move?

Fly 5 to 10 thousand miles on AA with no status, just so you can fly probably less than that over the next year with first-tier status? Why not just fly those few AA flights with no status? Won't be any more painful, perhaps a lot less.

If you don't plan to fly AA enough to retain Gold after the Challenged status expires, I'd say it's a waste of time and money.

I was under the impression from other FT posts that the 1P status was given up-front and that you then had 90 days to meet the challenge requirements to maintain 1P status. This post implies that you only get the status after completing the challenge. Anyone know which is correct?

That's definitely how it used to be. I guess UA is getting one step closer towards AA, which isn't really surprising.

Look forward to other confirmations of this.

I could probably maintain a low tier, but then I lose the miles on UA so I probably won't.

Mostly, I detest the fact that I am always in the last group on AA, even if I pay $400 for the ticket RT. UA is much better, imho.

Oh well, looks like LGA - ORD - STL for me for the near future. The fact that I would invest 3-5 additional hours for a 45 minute connecting flight that isn't much cheaper than direct on AA proves I have a problem.

You are given status upfront with the stipulation to fly
a certain amount of miles ( depends what status they
grant you ). If you don't fulfill the requirement then
you are kicked out of your status level and of course
supposedly cannot apply again for a match/challenge.
So at first no cards, plastic cards, are issued. They arrive
after you met the requirement.

Can you confirm that recently, or are you just stating the way it was before?

that was the way it was in september. 07
I didnt realise they didnt include J class bonus in the calc so missed the 12500 base bums on seats needed so im back to basic blue:mad:

thank goodness I also got a BMI gold in there so ill be putting all my miles into them now.

I am doing it at this moment!

What number did you call to check? Is there an email address as well? Thanks...

The email address people used last year was;

[email protected]

I called this number:
Mileage Plus customer service
Account questions: 1-800-421-4655
7a.m. - 12a.m. CT, 7 days a week

When to ask for a status match.

Currently Platinum Medallion on Delta (highest advertised level). Fly mostly to Europe and some domestic travel. Home is CMH. I have usually been able to find Delta or Skyteam flights. May travel to China or India. Is it worth it to ask for a status match, if so, on which airline?

Thanks for your input. Feel free to post or PM.

I think that depends on which airline has the best fares or meets your schedule best. No airline is going to give you a match and somehow you miraculously get a free upgrade, so I would first look at which carrier is best and then evaluate this.