Feb 6, 2016, 1:49 pm
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
The value of Platinum status over Gold status is generally a "YMMV" situation. Different people will value different benefits in different ways. Here are the most commonly cited differences that people mention:
A list of differences is available here: Premier benefits chart
Previous thread(s)
Consolidated "Is 75K/Platinum Status Worth It?" Thread [Merged]
- Boarding in Group 1 instead of Group 2
- 2 RPUs (none for Gold)
- Improved chances at CPUs through higher priority
- 8 companions in E+ on same itinerary vs. 1 companion
- 3x 70 lb. bags on UA instead of 2x, although plats and golds have exact same additional bag allowance provided to *G on other Star Alliance carriers
- Greater RDM earning rate (9x instead of 8x base fare)
- Free award reservation changes, cancellations, miles redeposits (Starting Oct 6, 2016, only 61 days or more before departure, otherwise $50)
- Somewhat improved premium cabin award space availability
- Presidential Circle status with Hertz
A list of differences is available here: Premier benefits chart
Previous thread(s)
Consolidated "Is 75K/Platinum Status Worth It?" Thread [Merged]
Is it worth it to stretch for Plat (over Gold)? [2016 Consolidated]
Dec 7, 2015, 4:52 pm
#61
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: TX
Programs: UA 1K, 1.1MM
Posts: 300
Offhand I'd consider a mileage run of $500-1000 based on the following valuation of Plat benefits as listed by gobluetwo, YMMV:
Of course this value will be different for everyone - consider, e.g. Would you normally pay to buy-up to E+ or F? Do you avoid using miles when you cannot find the most optimal flights? What is your anticipated spend (which will affect the RDM value)? etc.
- maybe a few more CPUs (I've gotten 2-3 this year as a Plat, so not much value for me) = $0 (rarely saw CPUs as a 1K @SFO, YMMV elsewhere)
- 2 RPUs (couldn't apply any of them to my TCON/MIDCONs, unfortunately) = $300 (I'd pay @$150 to buy up to F on a transcon)
- waived award redeposit/change/cancellation fees (depends on your award booking strategy/approach) = Very difficult to value - can save $$$$ by allowing you to use miles instead of $ to buy tickets, but can also be $0
- additional companions in E+ (family or couple/solo flier?) = $300 (based on one family trip per year valuing buy-up @$75 one-way)
- 9x RDM multiplier vs 8x RDM multiplier $180 ($9k spend x .02 (per mile)
- Boarding group 1 = $0 (like being first but wouldn't pay for it)
Of course this value will be different for everyone - consider, e.g. Would you normally pay to buy-up to E+ or F? Do you avoid using miles when you cannot find the most optimal flights? What is your anticipated spend (which will affect the RDM value)? etc.
Dec 7, 2015, 6:31 pm
#62
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: MSP/ORD
Programs: UA 1MM/GS, Marriott Lifetime Platinum
Posts: 318
I was in basically the same situation last week - I realized that (given travel plans for remainder of month) I would need just less than 8000 PQM to make Plat for first time, and was offered 8000 PQM for $900. I decided to do it, but I thought it was a very borderline decision.
Dec 19, 2015, 2:46 pm
#63
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 1K/MM, AA GLD
Posts: 1,708
Bet you a beer (and bragging rights 
) that in one year, on December 17, 2015, it will still be possible to apply RPUs to P.S. flights without a co-pay, nor will they have announced plans to require a co-pay nor disallow usage of RPUs on p.s. flights for travel through and including March 31, 2016. You in?
) that in one year, on December 17, 2015, it will still be possible to apply RPUs to P.S. flights without a co-pay, nor will they have announced plans to require a co-pay nor disallow usage of RPUs on p.s. flights for travel through and including March 31, 2016. You in?
Dec 19, 2015, 5:40 pm
#64
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Redwood City, CA USA (SFO/SJC)
Programs: 1K 2010, 1P in 2011, Plat for 2012,13,14,15 & 2016. Gold in 17 & 18, Plat since
Posts: 8,826
Just re-qualified for Plat again last week. Kind of thankful to UA that they instituted PQD without waivers for 1K, so no temptation there.
Main reason for going to some trouble attaining Plat is for the increased flexibility for award miles. I also put more value than some here on boarding group 1; it's nice not having to worry about bin space. There are also some airports where Plat is the break point for the extra-special line.
For upgrades, Plat has been nearly worthless, other than short flights. I have managed to keep the RPUs from going to waste though.
Can't say if it makes a difference whether Plat or Gold, but my irrops handling has been amazingly good. Never had a long hold time (two minutes maybe longest this year?) and have always been agreeable to my suggested alternatives.
Main reason for going to some trouble attaining Plat is for the increased flexibility for award miles. I also put more value than some here on boarding group 1; it's nice not having to worry about bin space. There are also some airports where Plat is the break point for the extra-special line.
For upgrades, Plat has been nearly worthless, other than short flights. I have managed to keep the RPUs from going to waste though.
Can't say if it makes a difference whether Plat or Gold, but my irrops handling has been amazingly good. Never had a long hold time (two minutes maybe longest this year?) and have always been agreeable to my suggested alternatives.
Dec 26, 2015, 1:19 pm
#65
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Cleveland, OH
Programs: UA Priemier Gold
Posts: 61,338
Gold v. Plat 2016 - Help me choose please
Hi all - I am gold for this year. Currently sitting at 62000 PQM.
I'm CLE based and do almost all leisure flying, usually with copanion mrs_dergon in tow.
I have about 45k FPQM from my United PPMC. I earn around 15k FPQM per year through spend.
For 2016 I have a few mid-cons (CLE -SFO / CLE- SAN) a couple of TATLs, and probably a couple CLE to Flordia/NYC/ or other random trip. Probably something around 30k in the air next year.
My main choice:
Door #1) Do nothing now. Stay as gold through until the end of and then cash in another pile of FPQM either at year end if I'm close to 50k or at beginning of 2015 if I'm not ... either way I'm set for gold either until start of 2018 or 2019. Pro -- don't spend any FPQM and continue to stockpile. Con - Not as good upgrades (for companion or self) for 2016, no RPUs, lower mile earning
Door#2) Cash in 13k FPQM at the year end 2015. This will put me as Platinum for 2016. Pros - Better upgrades, better reward access, RPUs. Cons ---Depletes my FPQM stockpile a bit and maybe I'm not flying enough to make it worth it anyway.
Constructive thoughts welcomed. Thanks!
dergon
I'm CLE based and do almost all leisure flying, usually with copanion mrs_dergon in tow.
I have about 45k FPQM from my United PPMC. I earn around 15k FPQM per year through spend.
For 2016 I have a few mid-cons (CLE -SFO / CLE- SAN) a couple of TATLs, and probably a couple CLE to Flordia/NYC/ or other random trip. Probably something around 30k in the air next year.
My main choice:
Door #1) Do nothing now. Stay as gold through until the end of and then cash in another pile of FPQM either at year end if I'm close to 50k or at beginning of 2015 if I'm not ... either way I'm set for gold either until start of 2018 or 2019. Pro -- don't spend any FPQM and continue to stockpile. Con - Not as good upgrades (for companion or self) for 2016, no RPUs, lower mile earning
Door#2) Cash in 13k FPQM at the year end 2015. This will put me as Platinum for 2016. Pros - Better upgrades, better reward access, RPUs. Cons ---Depletes my FPQM stockpile a bit and maybe I'm not flying enough to make it worth it anyway.
Constructive thoughts welcomed. Thanks!
dergon
Dec 26, 2015, 1:24 pm
#66
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2001
Posts: 10,969
To me, the biggest benefit for Platinum is the waived award related fees - but that depends on how many award tickets you use / change. If that is not a concern, it seems to me 2 years of Gold is better than 1 year of Platinum?
Dec 28, 2015, 1:56 am
#67
Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 1
United Mileage Plus Platinum-- worth a last-min mileage run?
HI, --
I am about 3K miles shy of platinum status. I live in SE Asia and travel back to the mainland about 4 times a year for work, and around the region.
I was told by United rep that it was "absolutely worth it" to do a mileage run before end of this calendar year to secure Platinum status (I'm Gold now, obviously).
Is this worth it? I'm pretty clueless about these things.
Thanks for any constructive replies.
I am about 3K miles shy of platinum status. I live in SE Asia and travel back to the mainland about 4 times a year for work, and around the region.
I was told by United rep that it was "absolutely worth it" to do a mileage run before end of this calendar year to secure Platinum status (I'm Gold now, obviously).
Is this worth it? I'm pretty clueless about these things.
Thanks for any constructive replies.
Dec 28, 2015, 7:23 am
#68
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: HKG • Ex SFO, NYC
Programs: UA 1K, AA EXP; Marriott Amb; Hyatt Globalist; Shangri-la Diamond; IHG SpireAmb; Hilton D; Accor G
Posts: 3,319
HI, --
I am about 3K miles shy of platinum status. I live in SE Asia and travel back to the mainland about 4 times a year for work, and around the region.
I was told by United rep that it was "absolutely worth it" to do a mileage run before end of this calendar year to secure Platinum status (I'm Gold now, obviously).
Is this worth it? I'm pretty clueless about these things.
Thanks for any constructive replies.
I am about 3K miles shy of platinum status. I live in SE Asia and travel back to the mainland about 4 times a year for work, and around the region.
I was told by United rep that it was "absolutely worth it" to do a mileage run before end of this calendar year to secure Platinum status (I'm Gold now, obviously).
Is this worth it? I'm pretty clueless about these things.
Thanks for any constructive replies.
- Do you like flying?
- Do you fly UA metal often?
- Do you fly UA on regional routes that are upgrade-eligible?
- Are you willing to "waste" money on taking a trip you don't need? How much?
For me… being based in the US, I'd use it as an excuse to take a weekend trip somewhere to make Platinum. For you, the answer will be different.
Dec 28, 2015, 8:55 am
#69
Moderator: Budget Travel forum & Credit Card Programs, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: YYJ/YVR and back on Van Isle ....... for now
Programs: UA lifetime MM / *A Gold
Posts: 14,429
HI, --
I am about 3K miles shy of platinum status. I live in SE Asia and travel back to the mainland about 4 times a year for work, and around the region.
I was told by United rep that it was "absolutely worth it" to do a mileage run before end of this calendar year to secure Platinum status (I'm Gold now, obviously).
I am about 3K miles shy of platinum status. I live in SE Asia and travel back to the mainland about 4 times a year for work, and around the region.
I was told by United rep that it was "absolutely worth it" to do a mileage run before end of this calendar year to secure Platinum status (I'm Gold now, obviously).
That's a very personal thing and will depend on a lot of factors that are unique to you. For example:
- Do you like flying?
- Do you fly UA metal often?
- Do you fly UA on regional routes that are upgrade-eligible?
- Are you willing to "waste" money on taking a trip you don't need? How much?
- Do you like flying?
- Do you fly UA metal often?
- Do you fly UA on regional routes that are upgrade-eligible?
- Are you willing to "waste" money on taking a trip you don't need? How much?
Dec 28, 2015, 9:01 am
#70
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,455
I am about 3K miles shy of platinum status. I live in SE Asia and travel back to the mainland about 4 times a year for work, and around the region.
I was told by United rep that it was "absolutely worth it" to do a mileage run before end of this calendar year to secure Platinum status (I'm Gold now, obviously).
Is this worth it?
I was told by United rep that it was "absolutely worth it" to do a mileage run before end of this calendar year to secure Platinum status (I'm Gold now, obviously).
Is this worth it?
I would think that for your situation, the most valuable status levels are Gold (for lounge access and E+ at booking) and 1K (for GPU). Plat I doubt adds much.
Dec 28, 2015, 1:57 pm
#71
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2012
Programs: vx diamond
Posts: 377
PLat is probably the sweet spot for most US travellers
9 percent rebate in form of RDM
Group 1
Redeposit free - huge on strategy as noted below
and all attainable with about 9 transcons or sales week loops in J for about the PQD requirement - of course thats a cinch to waive
9 percent rebate in form of RDM
Group 1
Redeposit free - huge on strategy as noted below
and all attainable with about 9 transcons or sales week loops in J for about the PQD requirement - of course thats a cinch to waive
I don't find the 25 dollar award charge to be much and free for redeposit and changes within 24 hours. You get more benefits and more miles by not getting 016 tickets so why would anyone want to fly united metal past 1mm is oblivious to me.
Last edited by jfk747; Dec 28, 2015 at 1:58 pm Reason: structure
Dec 28, 2015, 2:33 pm
#72
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Perthshire, Scotland
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Gold, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 80
Honestly, no........
Dec 28, 2015, 6:27 pm
#73
Join Date: May 2006
Location: EWR
Programs: UA Silver, MRP Platinum, Marriott Vacation Club Chairman, SPG Platinum, Cunard Platinum,
Posts: 967
Surprised a UA agent would suggest that
The two biggies for Plat over Gold (IMHO) are 2 RPUs and being able to do close in bookings using miles without a fee as well as cancelling without a fee. There are few others, like being higher up on u/g list, but you have to decided if it's worth it to you.
The two biggies for Plat over Gold (IMHO) are 2 RPUs and being able to do close in bookings using miles without a fee as well as cancelling without a fee. There are few others, like being higher up on u/g list, but you have to decided if it's worth it to you.
Award tickets and the ability to cancel and rebook them at will for free and the RPUs that will get me an upgrade EWR to HNL (if I can find one, lol!)
Dec 29, 2015, 8:50 am
#74
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: San Francisco
Programs: UA 1K, Citi Prestige, AMEX Platinum, SPG Gold
Posts: 720
Based on my wife's experience, I'd say you can consider platinum to be just like 1K except where you never get upgraded. So if you want all the other benefits like no fees, 8 pax in E+, red carpet boarding, access to IN class awards, decent phone agents, free hotel during irrops, etc., then go for it. If you primarily want upgrades, then forget about it.
Dec 30, 2015, 3:09 pm
#75
Moderator: Budget Travel forum & Credit Card Programs, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: YYJ/YVR and back on Van Isle ....... for now
Programs: UA lifetime MM / *A Gold
Posts: 14,429
Based on my wife's experience, I'd say you can consider platinum to be just like 1K except where you never get upgraded. So if you want all the other benefits like no fees, 8 pax in E+, red carpet boarding, access to IN class awards, decent phone agents, free hotel during irrops, etc., then go for it. If you primarily want upgrades, then forget about it.
And yes, I'm fully aware of all those 1K hub captives that NEVER get upgraded.I was under the impression that ONLY 1K get hotel during WX irrops. MX, i was under the impression that ALL PAX get hotels.