Is a SIN MR worth it for Premier Exec?
 

Hey Folks

A friend and I are arguing about something.

I personally don't think it's worth it to spend appox $1400 to get to Premier Executive. I simply don't see the benefits.

1K on the other hands is well worth it, because of the $$ value of the CR's, the SWU's, the change fees, and the free MP Platinum.

Anyone else agree or disagree?

I've tried searching for this, but couldn't find a thread...so delete if I'm wrong.

Thanks
Kevin

If your friend always flies with a companion (free E+), check in a lot of luggage (free 3 for self, 2 for companion), fly int'l itin (free *A clubs), and plan to fly a lot next year (100% RDM bonus) - only then it's worth it. In most cases it's not, and will be difficult to recoup $1400 worth of benefits. That said, if your friend can turn SIN MR into a non-MR and see the place. Take some pictures and enjoy the trip, then the actual amount spent for status can be valued lower.

[QUOTE=boulderflyer21;9780548]


I personally don't think it's worth it to spend appox $1400 to get to Premier Executive. I simply don't see the benefits.

[QUOTE]

Perhaps not, but I certainly think it's worth $1400 to go on a vacation to Singapore, particularly if one has never been. If making 1P is a consequence of doing so, then all the better.

The 1P part, in and of itself, depends IMO upon how much one travels over the course of the year and to where. If you travel internationally a lot, the *G lounge admittance and the 100% RDM bonuses are nice, as is having an elite security line and priority bag tags.

I've had much, much better success upgrading as a 1P than I ever did as a 2P.

If I was a 2P and had the $ to buy a ticket to get to 1P and can keep 1P for a year or so, then I would make the run. A 25% mileage bonus is worth it to me, plus higher priority on just everything over 2P.

I completely agree! Great to see a new place and SIN is cool! I think the %100 rdm bonus and booking exit row, plus *gold is worth it imo.

I'm in a similar situation. I' already qualified for Premier Executive for next year, but I'd like to make it to 1K again. I'm contemplating whether it's work to spend about $1000 to take the trip over from LAX. I have enough Starwood points to cover the hotel, so I'd only have to pay for the plane ticket, and M&E expenses. I also have a $300 voucher which I can use on UA. My biggest concern is that I'd have to take the trip by myself....It may be kinda boring to spend almost a week in Asia by myself.

In September, I spent a week and a half traveling around Thailand, Singapore, and Tokyo.

In March, I spent a week traveling in Shanghai and Beijing.

I travel by myself, and at no time was I bored. Hanging out in expat areas helps, though, because you'll find people who speak fluent English. Actually, IME, any Caucasian I have encountered in Asia speaks reasonably decent English.

IMHO $1,000 to make it to 1k is definitely worth it. The benefits are well worth the cost. SWUs, CR1s, waived fees.... There are a number of interesting things to do in SIN. You can also look for cheap flights elsewhere (Bali....) which would make it a vacation.

Not Worthy
 

Not worth it if you are not flying overseas lots.

I travel mostly by myself. Just enjoy the power and freedom of having complete control and say over your plans. The places you see and the people you meet won't let you get bored. In fact, I can get more out of a trip by myself than playing hand holder and nose wiper to my girlfriend whom, while I love dearly, can be a pretty fussy handful when we are traveling together.

I say it's worth it... go for it, and enjoy yourself! :D

We're currently on the way back from a big run to SIN. We were basically guaranteed 1P without this trip (and no chance of 1K). With the 46k-49k from this trip (yea, it was a great run!), we'll be 1K-lite! And we couldn't be happier.

So yea, we did it for the SWU's next year. Best of luck!

And SIN was fun. We sidetripped to Malacca, Malaysiam and Tanjung Pinang (Indonesia). Maybe we'll post a trip report soon.

I say go for it. Those SWU's are VERY valuable on CC if you don't fly international alot on UA/LH.


Halothane

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)

Baertracks

The offer from UA is being discussed in The New offer - fast track your way to Premier or Premier Executive status


As for the benefits of PremExec (which are significant) look at the UA FAQs at the top of this forum and Consolidated Thread for New Premier Executive (1P) Members

It might be worth it. You will earn (at most) 37,500 more RDM and be *G and and have access to *G lounges if there are lounges where you travel international. You will be ahead of 2P's for upgrades, but still have a lot of competition. It will not help you with EQM for 2009.

You might might also use the $800 to buy a trip to europe or alaska and earn about 10,000 EQM and 12,500 RDM. (YMMV).