brightonbeachspotter

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.

drewguy

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.

ani90

Why exactly do you want status as now flying infrequently? What status benefits in particular are you keen to maintain?

VRFast

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.

brightonbeachspotter

Thanks for the ideas. Indeed, I realize now that for my anticipated frequency of flying, I don't really need status. All I'm really concerned with is flying in E+, in which case it'll just be cheaper to buy that fare class.

mahasamatman

E+ is not a separate fare class. It's an add-on to any Economy fare.

PTahCha

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.

BillMorrow

If you are Titanium or above with Marriott, you will retain at least Silver status with United.

entropy

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.

therossinator

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.

docbert

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...

chleonard

I have to agree. You could probably get Gold if you can find a way to get a fourth flight (and are willing to throw some money at it), but is it really worth it? If you're flying infrequently it'll probably be more cost-effective to just buy what you want. About the only other notable benefits you'd get as a Gold besides E+ would be CPUs (which rarely clear at that level), lounge access/*G benefits (useless if you're only flying domestic), and Group 1 boarding (only really useful if you're trying to avoid gate-checking a bag).

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.

entropy

yeah I guess you can't buy that part of the experience, or watching your reservations for months for a drop in the buyup price.

BR787

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 🤣

drewguy

"First" or "Polaris Business" is the option to buy to get that.