Would this work? (buying CO EQM to bump UA status)
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 5
Would this work? (buying CO EQM to bump UA status)
first post but long time lurker (without logging in)... apologize if question is redundant --
I'm currently UA 2P (no status on CO -- probably should have them 'combined' to become CO Silver). I have two long haul trips coming up next month but the first one will put me ~350 miles short of making it to 1P...
I'm thinking of booking a short CO flight (say, of 500 miles), buy the elite maximizer, then cancel the CO flight. From what I read, it seems once I have the two accounts 'combined', CO/UA's computer would automatically add the EQMs together when it does its ~weekly sweep -- i.e., I'll become 1P once the first long haul trip is completed.
would this work? appreciate your feedback.
I'm currently UA 2P (no status on CO -- probably should have them 'combined' to become CO Silver). I have two long haul trips coming up next month but the first one will put me ~350 miles short of making it to 1P...
I'm thinking of booking a short CO flight (say, of 500 miles), buy the elite maximizer, then cancel the CO flight. From what I read, it seems once I have the two accounts 'combined', CO/UA's computer would automatically add the EQMs together when it does its ~weekly sweep -- i.e., I'll become 1P once the first long haul trip is completed.
would this work? appreciate your feedback.
#2
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Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Jersey Shore/YYZ
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first post but long time lurker (without logging in)... apologize if question is redundant --
I'm currently UA 2P (no status on CO -- probably should have them 'combined' to become CO Silver). I have two long haul trips coming up next month but the first one will put me ~350 miles short of making it to 1P...
I'm thinking of booking a short CO flight (say, of 500 miles), buy the elite maximizer, then cancel the CO flight. From what I read, it seems once I have the two accounts 'combined', CO/UA's computer would automatically add the EQMs together when it does its ~weekly sweep -- i.e., I'll become 1P once the first long haul trip is completed.
would this work? appreciate your feedback.
I'm currently UA 2P (no status on CO -- probably should have them 'combined' to become CO Silver). I have two long haul trips coming up next month but the first one will put me ~350 miles short of making it to 1P...
I'm thinking of booking a short CO flight (say, of 500 miles), buy the elite maximizer, then cancel the CO flight. From what I read, it seems once I have the two accounts 'combined', CO/UA's computer would automatically add the EQMs together when it does its ~weekly sweep -- i.e., I'll become 1P once the first long haul trip is completed.
would this work? appreciate your feedback.
Not sure the sweep is done weekly.
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 5
Thanks for the fast feedbacks.
there is only a 8-hr gap between the two long hauls. the first long haul probably won't show up by the time the seond one starts -- I'm okay with it (travelling with a 1k so I can access the lounge already). I was eyeing the 100% bonus for 1P... (their computers look reciprocally, don't they?)
there is only a 8-hr gap between the two long hauls. the first long haul probably won't show up by the time the seond one starts -- I'm okay with it (travelling with a 1k so I can access the lounge already). I was eyeing the 100% bonus for 1P... (their computers look reciprocally, don't they?)
#5
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: PSM
Posts: 69,232
Welcome to FlyerTalk!!
I know that with CO status the benefits apply starting the day AFTER the qualifying event. Depending on how those 8 hours between flights fall on the calendar that might not be enough time for the benefit to apply. I'm not sure how UA distinguishes or how that could affect things.
I know that with CO status the benefits apply starting the day AFTER the qualifying event. Depending on how those 8 hours between flights fall on the calendar that might not be enough time for the benefit to apply. I'm not sure how UA distinguishes or how that could affect things.
#6
formerly known as felinaar
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: SEA
Programs: UA Plat, AA Gold, AS MVPG, Hyatt Diamond, Hilton Diamond, SPG Gold
Posts: 612
I'm a little confused by the responses. Are you guys saying that one could buy Elite Maximizer EQM, they would post immediately, you could then cancel and refund the flight, and keep the Elite Maximizer EQM? So you could rinse and repeat, getting all the EQM you need by paying a high price but avoiding travel entirely?
#7
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: PSM
Posts: 69,232
I'm a little confused by the responses. Are you guys saying that one could buy Elite Maximizer EQM, they would post immediately, you could then cancel and refund the flight, and keep the Elite Maximizer EQM? So you could rinse and repeat, getting all the EQM you need by paying a high price but avoiding travel entirely?
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 5
@felinaar: yes (if I'm not mistaken) it works that way. The Points Guy had a blog piece on it about a year ago (google is a wonderful tool). The cost is pretty high though (7- 45c/mile, depending on time of the year).
@sbm12: hopefully UA is not the same way (the two trips will be same day)...
@sbm12: hopefully UA is not the same way (the two trips will be same day)...
#10
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: MEL
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Posts: 606