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Originally Posted by Baertracks
(Post 11054352)
This information is helpful. I would appreciate your advice as to how it would apply to my situation.
I accumulated 45,500 EQM during 2008. Yesterday I received an email offer (good through Feb. 7) from United saying that I could purchase 5,000 EQM for $800, and that this would immediately move me to the Premier Executive category for 2008. I'm tempted, but is it worth it? I travel mostly internationally to/from Africa with an average of 5 or 6 trips a year. My travel with UAL is primarily SHD to IAD to BRU. That's a total of 4,400 mi one way (with the 500 miles now allocated for SHD to IAD). Will being Premiere Executive for 2009 help me accumulate bonus EQMs so that I'll be assured of going over 50,000 EQM this year (even if I only make 5 trans-Atlantic trips)? Or, would this simply increase my RDMs? Does the companion travel apply internationally? Are there any other international benefits (other than free *A clubs) that I should know about? The sponsoring groups who send me on these trips to Africa (for public health work) are usually purchasing highly restricted tickets. When I've tried to upgrade UAL flights I'm told that it isn't permitted with that class ticket. Will being Premiere Executive provide me a greater ability to upgrade restricted tickets? Thanks, FRANK (Baertracks) I'm not sure what you're referring to in regards to companion travel. Premier Executive won't allow you to upgrade non upgradable fare classes. |
WineCountryUA and Yogi;
Thanks for pointing me in the right direction. FRANK |
IMHO, if something goes wrong just once next year, then it will be worth it. Yes, you will get a 100% RDM match on UA, LH, and US flights, and that can really add up, but it is your priority during irregular opps and when overseas that really counts. Don't forget the opportunities that can arise during a MR. It isn't just the original miles you fly during an MR that count. It is the unplanned events that matter a lot too. Maybe they will oversell your flight and need volunteers to take a later flight. You can score a valuable voucher there for $800+ sometimes, for example. I don't think the best value is to SIN at the moment. SYD seems to be a sweet spot now, so compare the two locations for price and miles. One thing you should know is that if you reach for 1K, you can use those SWUs for day of upgrades on LH, so you may be able to get a valuable upgrade on a flight to Africa. Just because the sponsoring agency buys you an el cheapo fare, doesn't mean you have to stay there. Sometimes it only costs $100-200 more to upgrade to a W fare for example. Check each time. 1P is good, but 1K is better. Think of 1P as a start and go for a nice little MR. I upgraded about 65% of the time as a 1P, but am nearly 100% as a 1K, and I mostly fly the most popular routes, so 1K matters as does 1P. Good luck OP.
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I personally think it is worth $1400 to fly to SIN for some chicken rice at the Maxwell Road hawker stand.
The miles are bonus as is whatever status it gets me. ;) |
and MR's to SIN were a lot more worth it when you could do it for $600 and get 3x miles.
Ah...those were the days. |
Originally Posted by roadkit
(Post 11056957)
I personally think it is worth $1400 to fly to SIN for some chicken rice at the Maxwell Road hawker stand.
The miles are bonus as is whatever status it gets me. ;) |
Originally Posted by roadkit
(Post 11056957)
I personally think it is worth $1400 to fly to SIN for some chicken rice at the Maxwell Road hawker stand.
The miles are bonus as is whatever status it gets me. ;)
Originally Posted by Diplomatico
(Post 11057228)
I'm a Mee Goreng guy myself....but I know what you mean. ;)
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Originally Posted by yogi
(Post 11057008)
and MR's to SIN were a lot more worth it when you could do it for $600 and get 3x miles.
Ah...those were the days. To the OP, the answer depends on how much you plan to fly AFTER the MR, and to where. |
Originally Posted by roadkit
(Post 11056957)
I personally think it is worth $1400 to fly to SIN for some chicken rice at the Maxwell Road hawker stand...
;) |
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