I am about to make Chairman's Preferred on US, which of course will carry me thru 01. I expect my 150k/yr fight demands to last maybe thru next year, and then to taper off. If my flights in 02 and beyond are mostly leisure, I would want to choose an airline that has better discount fares than US out of CLT.

SO, I'm thinking of trying to get top elite status on TWA next year. Given that it seems I can get there with either 100k miles OR $20k in fares, I would get there quickly 'cause I tend to fly last minute, more expensive fares. Given my status, might there be a challenge I could take? Then in 02, I'd be plat w/ TWA and could take advantage of some of their discount fares!

I know I'd have to go everywhere via STL, which would be a pain..

A: Could some of you folks familiar w/ both programs give me your reaction?
B: Is there someplace I can go to see all the cities TWA flies to out of CLT?

The answer to your second question would be www.twa.com Good news is that you're pretty much one stop from everywhere TWA flies. Bad news is that the only nonstop is to STL. If you're going up and down the East Coast, you're pretty much out of luck, but not bad to the Midwest/Plains and some points on the West Coast where USAirways does not have nonstop service.

Think that you'll find that TW Elites are generally quite happy with the Aviators program, especially for the upgrade program (similar to Dividend Miles)

Hi svpii,

I will agree with socalterp, their elite program is pretty good
. I get upgraded 95 % o the time domestically. I fly in and out of seattle which has incredibly high load factors and lots of "boeing boys" in FC. Now, the problem is going in and out of STL. The weather delays can cost you a day or two a year.

I'm a mid level elite1, over 50 K a year, but no where near 100 K. I don't know of any
platinum challenges. I certainly didn't get anything in the mail.

Good luck trying to get your status matched. I'm going to try the same with continental
next year.

lalala