Near term. Miles or ETC's better to purchase flights?
 

What's peoples thoughts on if needing to travel currenty what's the better way to purchase travel if you have both miles and etc's available.

Basically will one have better value 12-18 months from now?

I am burning through some miles this year, as there is no pressure to re-qualify for 1K. It has already been extended.
Depending on how restrictive travel is later this year, I may shoot for the lower re qualification amounts.

ETCs will count toward PQ$, so will likely save them to use next year.

Also, the constant devaluation of miles factored into it.

I blew through my miles for personal reasons and the fact that mile rates were massively better than $$$ rates. As for ETCs over miles, miles may devalue but ETCs will expire eventually.

Also easier to get miles refunded (instant in my experiences / taxes & fees within 2-3 days).

I have received refunds for all paid flights from UA, just a little longer.

My singular focus in life is lifetime miles. So ETCs for me. Points for friends and family.

Translation: ETCs can only be used on 100% UA metal itineraries. RDMs are more flexible. If you need to do international itineraries, ETCs may limit you to just a few overpriced itineraries, which means their value is a bit diminished.

Do lifetime miles mean much after any M increment?

miles whenever possible. Great availability right now and they won't stop devaluating.

Depends on personal preference but the consensus seems to be 1M (gold) and 4M (GS) are the significant milestones.

I value miles at 1.3 cents per mile and usually pick ETC. One important consideration is that when you get a new ETC, you can merge with an old ETC to extend the expiration of the old ETC.

How?

Need to call and may need to be making a booking needing to combine those ETCs (YMMV)
see https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unit...year-life.html 's wiki