Ways to maintain status for now infrequent flyer
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2021
Posts: 9
Ways to maintain status for now infrequent flyer
I'm currently a 1K and will only fly 3 United one-way flights in 2022 as it currently stands. So my status will expire at the end of this year.
I know I will lose the 1K, but what options are available to me to maintain some sort of status? Ideally Premier Gold to get Economy Plus seats at time of booking. I know there are a ton of different cards out there, would consider one as long as the annual fee is fairly reasonable.
I know I will lose the 1K, but what options are available to me to maintain some sort of status? Ideally Premier Gold to get Economy Plus seats at time of booking. I know there are a ton of different cards out there, would consider one as long as the annual fee is fairly reasonable.
#2
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: UA 1K, AA, DL, LH, VX, HA
Posts: 6,353
You're going to need to do more flying . . . you need at least 4 united segments. Even if you get a Chase United-branded card you're limited in how many PQPs you can accumulate.
Other options - buy an annual E+ pass for next year, which may be cheaper than pursuing status, and lounge access if you need/want it. Or just buy E+ for each flight, which if you're not flying much is less expensive than a pass or pursuing status.
Another option is a status challenge when you decide to start flying again.
Other options - buy an annual E+ pass for next year, which may be cheaper than pursuing status, and lounge access if you need/want it. Or just buy E+ for each flight, which if you're not flying much is less expensive than a pass or pursuing status.
Another option is a status challenge when you decide to start flying again.
#3
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: NYC, LON
Programs: *
Posts: 2,274
I'm currently a 1K and will only fly 3 United one-way flights in 2022 as it currently stands. So my status will expire at the end of this year.
I know I will lose the 1K, but what options are available to me to maintain some sort of status? Ideally Premier Gold to get Economy Plus seats at time of booking. I know there are a ton of different cards out there, would consider one as long as the annual fee is fairly reasonable.
I know I will lose the 1K, but what options are available to me to maintain some sort of status? Ideally Premier Gold to get Economy Plus seats at time of booking. I know there are a ton of different cards out there, would consider one as long as the annual fee is fairly reasonable.
#4
Join Date: Dec 2019
Location: IAH
Programs: MileagePlus-Premier Gold
Posts: 283
With the Chase Explorer card you and 1 companion will get one checked bag for free if you pay for the flight using the card on UA website. And 2 UC one time passes.
#6
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: GVA (Greater Vancouver Area)
Programs: DREAD Gold; UA 1.024MM; Bonvoy Au-197; PCC Elite+; CWC Au-197; CCC Select; WoH Dis
Posts: 50,880
#7
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: CT/NY
Programs: UA Platinum/1MM, AA PPro, Marriott LT Titanium, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 5,278
Since MileagePlus is really now a spending program instead of how much you flight, it all depends on how much you are willing to spend on airfare to requalify.
And E+ spending earns PQP for qualification.
And E+ spending earns PQP for qualification.
#9
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: San Francisco/Tel Aviv/YYZ
Programs: CO 1K-MM
Posts: 10,626
These days you can buy everything that status gives you, for not that much more money (except maybe GS), and I actually think for many cases F is a better "deal" for buyup than E+, especially if its not included. If you're flying 3-4x a year you'll find its a better deal than being abused for your loyalty - and you can be a free agent at that.
#10
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: San Diego
Programs: Gov't Travel Aficionado, UA 1K
Posts: 228
I’m in the same scenario as OP and for me, I’ll really miss CPUs (my luck is better than most as I’m often on full Y tickets and take advantage of the “instant upgrades”), availability of the “expanded” business class award availability, no waiting to talk to a United phone agent, and fully refundable/changeable award tickets.
I’ll make gold this year, but I’m tempted to mileage run on AC so I can get platinum specifically for the award availability to drain my account before more devaluations.
I’ll make gold this year, but I’m tempted to mileage run on AC so I can get platinum specifically for the award availability to drain my account before more devaluations.
#11
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: San Francisco/Sydney
Programs: UA 1K/MM, TK Elite, DL Gold, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Platinum, IHG Gold, Hertz PC, Avis First
Posts: 7,521

#12
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: IAD/ARN
Programs: UA Gold, Marriott LT Gold, Global Entry
Posts: 131
These days you can buy everything that status gives you, for not that much more money (except maybe GS), and I actually think for many cases F is a better "deal" for buyup than E+, especially if its not included. If you're flying 3-4x a year you'll find its a better deal than being abused for your loyalty - and you can be a free agent at that.
I'm trying to get at least Gold (if not higher) status for 2023, but I am expecting a lot more travel (mostly TATL and intra-EU) over the next couple of years - the *G benefits are worth it for me. If I was in your shoes I wouldn't bother though. You'd be better off just shopping around for discount F fares and not worrying about loyalty.
#13
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: San Francisco/Tel Aviv/YYZ
Programs: CO 1K-MM
Posts: 10,626
Which option do I need to pick at time of purchase to buy the hope that they will let me sit at the pointy-end of the plane, whilst the whole time knowing that it's far more likely I'll somehow end up at #1 on the upgrade list despite me previously being #2 with 3 seats showing as still available? There's some things that status gives that money just can't buy... 


#14
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: LAX/NYC
Programs: Bonvoy Ambassador, HH G, BR Diamond/*G, AS MVP Gold, Hertz PC
Posts: 161
Or bragging rights that you have x status and are a superior human being for having spent so much time barreling through the air in metal tubes 🤣
#15
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: UA 1K, AA, DL, LH, VX, HA
Posts: 6,353
Which option do I need to pick at time of purchase to buy the hope that they will let me sit at the pointy-end of the plane, whilst the whole time knowing that it's far more likely I'll somehow end up at #1 on the upgrade list despite me previously being #2 with 3 seats showing as still available? There's some things that status gives that money just can't buy... 
