Is it even worth it to go for million miler lifetime status?
Feb 22, 2020, 11:09 pm
#17
Join Date: May 2005
Programs: UA Gold 1MM, WN A-List
Posts: 209
Getting off the hamster wheel
Agree with the other posters that the MM benefits, while they last are good and liberating from "needing" to book on UA.
SFO/SJC based and do fly PS 757 E+ domestic, good product. Norwegian in Premium get all my TATL business these days. The United CC miles are a backup for last minute booking when Norwegian are having a bad day. I have zero interest in densified 777 E+ though and would rather stay home!
Sadly I got sucked into the Southwest A List a couple of years ago, where there is no fooling around with upgrades and the free standby is all you get. This is already a United benefit. United unable to do intra California and even coast to coast to smaller airports, Southwest a is a good choice.
I had promised myself never to do this again!
SFO/SJC based and do fly PS 757 E+ domestic, good product. Norwegian in Premium get all my TATL business these days. The United CC miles are a backup for last minute booking when Norwegian are having a bad day. I have zero interest in densified 777 E+ though and would rather stay home!
Sadly I got sucked into the Southwest A List a couple of years ago, where there is no fooling around with upgrades and the free standby is all you get. This is already a United benefit. United unable to do intra California and even coast to coast to smaller airports, Southwest a is a good choice.
I had promised myself never to do this again!
Feb 22, 2020, 11:33 pm
#18
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2001
Posts: 10,969
I lost my 1K on 2/1 and with the 1 MM status (and no aspiration for 2 MM even though I am over halfway there), I am free from the status game and can still get all the *A Gold advantages.
It is definitely worth it to have it - especially now as it is harder to get status via flying. Yes, people say UA can change the rules, *A might get another tier and Gold will be "lower", etc. However, it is still better than nothing - especially for those doing international trips in Star Alliance.
It is definitely worth it to have it - especially now as it is harder to get status via flying. Yes, people say UA can change the rules, *A might get another tier and Gold will be "lower", etc. However, it is still better than nothing - especially for those doing international trips in Star Alliance.
Feb 23, 2020, 12:01 am
#19
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: IAH
Programs: UA MM, AA almost MM
Posts: 1,164
Definitely! The *G AND companion benefits make it the worth the efforts. Lifetime *G benefits of E+ on UA, lounge access in *A system when on international itinerary, and 2 check bags are great. On top of that you can nominate a companion to receive the same benefits. The companion share the same status as you. But not the plus points. It is a great deal. I recommended to all my friends to achieve mm status on UA before they retire.
Feb 23, 2020, 12:16 am
#20
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: where lions are led by donkeys...
Programs: Lifetime Gold, Global Entry, Hertz PC, and my wallet
Posts: 20,342
I don't know what your route to it looks like, but I am glad I have it. I am a similar distance from 2MM and I will let that happen organically rather than chase it. For me (LHR/SFO 99.9999% of the time) the other options do not thrill me. I won't fly BA unless it is a dark day in hell, and VS is great in PE but I am not flying them in any flavour of their regular economy. I will lose 1K next year and, while moderately disappointed at that, I will value the soft landing of *G "lifetime" status. I am under no illusion that will be diluted down at some stage so will make hay while the sun shines. But I am not in a position where I feel locked to United as I have it already and like this "best of both worlds" approach now.
Feb 23, 2020, 2:24 am
#21
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 57,594
Once I was within 100K of 1MM, I definitely worked to reach that goal. And it was worth it, for many of the reasons already noted by others upthread.
If I was sitting at 825K today, I’m not so sure I would go out of my way to reach 1MM. When I Was in your shoes and I looked at UA - before they started slashing service and benefits - I was reasonably confident it was worth the effort. Now, I look at UA the way Charlie Brown looks at Lucy holding the football, wondering if she’s going to yank the ball away once more.
If I was sitting at 825K today, I’m not so sure I would go out of my way to reach 1MM. When I Was in your shoes and I looked at UA - before they started slashing service and benefits - I was reasonably confident it was worth the effort. Now, I look at UA the way Charlie Brown looks at Lucy holding the football, wondering if she’s going to yank the ball away once more.
Feb 23, 2020, 3:21 am
#22
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Saipan, MP 96950 USA (Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands = the CNMI)
Programs: UA Silver, Hilton Silver. Life: UA .57 MM, United & Admirals Clubs (spousal), Marriott Platinum
Posts: 15,043
I have much further to go than any poster so far, but have 3 times as many lifetime miles on UA as DL (mostly earned on NW) and 6 times as many as AA.
I am already retired. No way will I ever get any higher airline lifetime status than UA 1 MM.
So I am putting most of my flights on UA if not too much more expensive, with some *A segments as sold on united.com .
In the meantime I am earning Marriott Titanium occasionally, for the United Silver benefits, and considering a United Explorer card for Group 2 boarding and free luggage.
I was going for the old lifetime Marriott Platinum (now Titanium), but they did away with that! So now when I hit the new lifetime Marriott Platinum, I may start chasing lifetime Hilton Diamond instead. The Aspire card could buy an E+ subscription.
And my spouse & I are making good use of our lifetime United Club and Admirals Club memberships.
I am already retired. No way will I ever get any higher airline lifetime status than UA 1 MM.
So I am putting most of my flights on UA if not too much more expensive, with some *A segments as sold on united.com .
In the meantime I am earning Marriott Titanium occasionally, for the United Silver benefits, and considering a United Explorer card for Group 2 boarding and free luggage.
I was going for the old lifetime Marriott Platinum (now Titanium), but they did away with that! So now when I hit the new lifetime Marriott Platinum, I may start chasing lifetime Hilton Diamond instead. The Aspire card could buy an E+ subscription.
And my spouse & I are making good use of our lifetime United Club and Admirals Club memberships.
Last edited by SPN Lifer; Feb 23, 2020 at 3:24 am Reason: Add E+ sentence.
Feb 23, 2020, 8:04 am
#23
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: Bay Area
Programs: UA Gold, AS, Marriott Gold, IHG Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 38
I think if you can get there organically, it is nice to have. I got to MM status about 3 years ago and immediately stopped flying for work. Now I fly UAL maybe 1-2 times a year. I prefer SW or AS, even without status on either. But when I have to fly UA due to my destination, it's nice to have early boarding and seat selection. And my family doesn't know how to pack, so it is nice to have the free checked bag. Even as Gold, UA is indifferent to me as a customer (at best). I'd hate to fly them without any status.
Feb 23, 2020, 8:11 am
#24
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Loveland, CO
Programs: MileagePlus Lifetime Gold, Hilton Diamond, Bonvoy Gold, IHG Platinum
Posts: 153
As someone above already mentioned, it depends on how close you are. In my case I believe it will be worth it--966,815 and counting....
Feb 23, 2020, 8:19 am
#25
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Chicago: ORD, MDW
Programs: United Million Mile Flyer, Hilton Silver, Marriott Gold, DL, AA WN
Posts: 514
As others have noted, whether or not to commit to achieving 1MM status is up to you. In my opinion, if your situation allows you to project travel several years into the future and flying United is a good choice for you, go for it.
My only regret is that when I was younger and flying a lot, I split my travel between United and Delta. When circumstances changed, I stuck with United and achieved 1MM status. Now at 1.8 million miles, I regret flying so much on Delta - not because it was bad, but because if even half of those Delta miles had been on United, I would now have achieved UA 2MM+ status - which would have put me in an even better place!
Choose wisely!
My only regret is that when I was younger and flying a lot, I split my travel between United and Delta. When circumstances changed, I stuck with United and achieved 1MM status. Now at 1.8 million miles, I regret flying so much on Delta - not because it was bad, but because if even half of those Delta miles had been on United, I would now have achieved UA 2MM+ status - which would have put me in an even better place!
Choose wisely!
Feb 23, 2020, 8:27 am
#26
Join Date: May 2012
Location: ORF, RIC
Programs: UA LT 1K, 3 MM; Marriott Titanium; IHG Platinum
Posts: 6,958
As others have noted, whether or not to commit to achieving 1MM status is up to you. In my opinion, if your situation allows you to project travel several years into the future and flying United is a good choice for you, go for it.
My only regret is that when I was younger and flying a lot, I split my travel between United and Delta. When circumstances changed, I stuck with United and achieved 1MM status. Now at 1.8 million miles, I regret flying so much on Delta - not because it was bad, but because if even half of those Delta miles had been on United, I would now have achieved UA 2MM+ status - which would have put me in an even better place!
Choose wisely!
My only regret is that when I was younger and flying a lot, I split my travel between United and Delta. When circumstances changed, I stuck with United and achieved 1MM status. Now at 1.8 million miles, I regret flying so much on Delta - not because it was bad, but because if even half of those Delta miles had been on United, I would now have achieved UA 2MM+ status - which would have put me in an even better place!
Choose wisely!
Feb 23, 2020, 9:56 am
#27
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: New York, NY
Programs: BAEC Gold, Delta Platinum, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Gold, AMEX Platinum (US)
Posts: 18,487
Feb 23, 2020, 10:39 am
#28
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2001
Posts: 10,969
...
My only regret is that when I was younger and flying a lot, I split my travel between United and Delta. When circumstances changed, I stuck with United and achieved 1MM status. Now at 1.8 million miles, I regret flying so much on Delta - not because it was bad, but because if even half of those Delta miles had been on United, I would now have achieved UA 2MM+ status - which would have put me in an even better place!...
My only regret is that when I was younger and flying a lot, I split my travel between United and Delta. When circumstances changed, I stuck with United and achieved 1MM status. Now at 1.8 million miles, I regret flying so much on Delta - not because it was bad, but because if even half of those Delta miles had been on United, I would now have achieved UA 2MM+ status - which would have put me in an even better place!...
I had no aspiration for UA MM at all - I think I was maybe 300K LT. When UA and CO merged, it brought me to I think 650K. Then suddenly it looked doable - and that was about 1M miles ago
Feb 23, 2020, 12:41 pm
#29
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: IAH
Programs: UA MM, AA almost MM
Posts: 1,164
As others have noted, whether or not to commit to achieving 1MM status is up to you. In my opinion, if your situation allows you to project travel several years into the future and flying United is a good choice for you, go for it.
My only regret is that when I was younger and flying a lot, I split my travel between United and Delta. When circumstances changed, I stuck with United and achieved 1MM status. Now at 1.8 million miles, I regret flying so much on Delta - not because it was bad, but because if even half of those Delta miles had been on United, I would now have achieved UA 2MM+ status - which would have put me in an even better place!
Choose wisely!
My only regret is that when I was younger and flying a lot, I split my travel between United and Delta. When circumstances changed, I stuck with United and achieved 1MM status. Now at 1.8 million miles, I regret flying so much on Delta - not because it was bad, but because if even half of those Delta miles had been on United, I would now have achieved UA 2MM+ status - which would have put me in an even better place!
Choose wisely!
Feb 23, 2020, 12:53 pm
#30
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2003
Programs: UA*Lifetime GS, Hyatt* Lifetime Globalist
Posts: 12,332
I have over 1 MM BIS on other *A airlines and about 1/2 million on none *A airlines over the years because I wanted to try other airlines. Looking back I could have made my 4MM (lifetime GS) 4 years earlier and enjoy all the benefits instead of sweating it out each of those 4 years on GS requalifications.