I'm currently a 1K sitting at a whopping 15k EQM's for the year and am not planning any more flights before the end of the year, however next year my flying will pick up (probably mostly weekend domestic flights) so I want to set myself up as comfortably as possible while I still have status. Here's what I currently plan:

1) buy a discounted Red Carpet Membership

2) Book as much travel as I can before end of Feb to have my 1k status in the record. (Is this correct? As long as I book while having status and the record doesn't change it will be treated as if I did have status, right?)

Is there anything else I should take care of before losing status?

This is true -- I enjoyed the effects of this myself this summer


Is there anything else I should take care of before losing status?

Fly 85,000 more miles in the next 3 weeks?

If possible, at least try to make the 10,000 EQM for the quarter to get your 2 CR-1 certs.

Randomman

You're correct for the second one, exactly.
^ Absolutely, I would go with the second one. ^
You should make as many PNRs as possible.

Any chance you could get in enough EQMs to make Premier Exec with the double promo? Quick trip to SIN? The 100% bonus you get next year on the first 50K miles would be worth it.

As well as having a Star Gold card for access to non-RCCs on international trips. Many (if not most) Star Lounges will not accept a BP that says "1K" on it - they want to see the card with the Star Gold symbol, and the blue card ain't gonna cut it.

Unfortunately, unless they extend the deadline, it just aint gonna happen

I've have been at least Prem Exec for the last 5 years and its killing me knowing I won't get the double miles next year. Since I always fly the cheapest possible flights, that's been much more important to me than the upgrades.

I did lock in the 10,000 miles for the quarter with a trip to Tokyo over Thanksgiving.

If you're a 1K this year, shouldn't your status only drop to Premier Exec next year? They should drop you only one level, even though you didn't fly much this year. That, at least, would preserve your 100% bonus.

UA assigns you status based on your activity not based on your prior status.

They used to have this policy in previous years, but not this last one. In 2004 non-requalifying 1Ks only found themselves being afforded a "Soft Landing" down to Premier Executive status if they generated substantial revenue (usually from high-fare type tickets) for United.

Another one:

If you think you might be wanting any Economy free award travel, you might consider booking that before your 1K membership expires, because 1Ks enjoy a special inventory of Economy Saver seats on some flights. This may get you seats on flights that non-1Ks can not get.

Huh -- good to know. I suppose this is fair, as it helps preserve the value of higher status. But it's awfully inconvenient if one has a low-travel year.

If you have coupons or vouchers to use, now is the time. You can avoid those extra fees associated with having to use the phone/counter to purchase your tickets.

Now I understand why some Star Lounges require a *A Gold Card in addition to a BP.

[QUOTE=PremEx]They used to have this policy in previous years, but not this last one. In 2004 non-requalifying 1Ks only found themselves being afforded a "Soft Landing" down to Premier Executive status if they generated substantial revenue (usually from high-fare type tickets) for United.

I was a 1K in '03 and had only about 20K in travel last year. I was dreading the blue card and they were kind enough to grant me PremEx (the status, not the person ).

The difference is, while my ticket prices had been in the full Y range for some time, my last 18 mos they had been bottom of the barrel.

Regardless, I am thankful that UA chose to grant me 1P... and I have repaid it by requalifying for it this year. Thanks UA!

Good luck and I wish you a similar fate-

Kev

[Note: Year old thread]

Is this still the case, specifically with regard to E+ seating? (i.e. If I book a ticket for next year while elite and get E+ seating, and then don't reqalify, will the seats stay in E+?)

Are things complicated by the fact that Star Gold (US) and not UA elite?