The Consolidated "Is United 1K Status Worth It?" Thread [2010-12 Posts]
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: SF Bay Area
Programs: UA 1K, HH Gold, SPG Plat, Hertz #1 Gold 5*
Posts: 18
The Consolidated "Is United 1K Status Worth It?" Thread [2010-12 Posts]
This was probably discussed before, but I did a couple of searches and couldn't find exactly what I'm looking for.
I'm a 1K and just over 20K miles short to requalify for next year. I can possibly do 4 MRs (transcon and Hawaii) that will cost me about $1600 before the end of the year. Is it worth it? I'm not sure how much international travel I'll have next year.
Thanks for your advice.
I'm a 1K and just over 20K miles short to requalify for next year. I can possibly do 4 MRs (transcon and Hawaii) that will cost me about $1600 before the end of the year. Is it worth it? I'm not sure how much international travel I'll have next year.
Thanks for your advice.
#2
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: ABE/PHL/EWR
Programs: UA Gold
Posts: 396
You should be able to do four transcons for less then $1600...hurry up though!
#3
In Memoriam
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: dallas texas usa
Programs: aa plt 4.9MM LTAC
Posts: 14,828
was 1k worth $1600 to you this year?....look in the mirror for the answer....
were you able to use the swu's for yourself/family? how many free ug's did you get,etc,etc....
do you expect similar flying in 2011?
good luck...
were you able to use the swu's for yourself/family? how many free ug's did you get,etc,etc....
do you expect similar flying in 2011?
good luck...
#4
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.995MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,854
This might be what you were looking for http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unite...ad-merged.html
As always only you can determine what 1K benefits are worth to you versus the $$ and time costs for the MR.
6xSWUs
Any more CR1s?
UDU priority?
Award fee waivers?
Extra economy award inventory?
SDC/Standby fee waivers?
Better call center
better irrops handling ( and lodging costs for wider range of issues)
Chase MP Visa fee waiver
Earlier boarding
As always only you can determine what 1K benefits are worth to you versus the $$ and time costs for the MR.
6xSWUs
Any more CR1s?
UDU priority?
Award fee waivers?
Extra economy award inventory?
SDC/Standby fee waivers?
Better call center
better irrops handling ( and lodging costs for wider range of issues)
Chase MP Visa fee waiver
Earlier boarding
#5
Join Date: Jul 2009
Programs: UA 1K, Dog Woof Million Mile Member
Posts: 444
I answered yes
This was probably discussed before, but I did a couple of searches and couldn't find exactly what I'm looking for.
I'm a 1K and just over 20K miles short to requalify for next year. I can possibly do 4 MRs (transcon and Hawaii) that will cost me about $1600 before the end of the year. Is it worth it? I'm not sure how much international travel I'll have next year.
Thanks for your advice.
I'm a 1K and just over 20K miles short to requalify for next year. I can possibly do 4 MRs (transcon and Hawaii) that will cost me about $1600 before the end of the year. Is it worth it? I'm not sure how much international travel I'll have next year.
Thanks for your advice.
Had I not found this way (with a B class fare) I probably would not have done it because it would have meant six days of mileage running to qualify. My time is more valuable to me than the 2K I am spending on the ticket.
It is not so much money (that part is easy) as it is time. So my question to you is this--is there someplace you want to go that can earn a lot of eqms for you? If not, do you mind spending four days on airplanes between now and year end?
#6
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 522
Should I go for IK? Advice needed
Hi Guys
Would love your honest feedback / advice. Wondering whether to go for IK this year.
I've been Prem Exec 4 years running and have no problems hitting that.
This year my already booked paid travel on UA (about 45,000 miles) plus the 8000 EQM or so I earn on my Chase Platnium United card will get me over the line again for Prem Exec.
I normally buy coach fares and fly to Sydney at least once or twice a year as well as Europe and Brasil. Those are all 15 hour+ trips from LAX in coach. I will use miles to upgrade a lot of the time. But I am getting to that age (31) where I should would love some SWU to get me up to biz.
I'll probably book another NYC flight or two taking me to 60,000 EQM for 2011. But to hit 1K I would need to do some trips solely for the miles. Not really into the idea of mileage runs, but VERY open to the idea of taking a trip and spending a few days somewhere just for the miles. I have friends on almost every continent I can stay with and a LOVE travelling and seeing the world. I also get about 5 weeks vacation a year so I can take the off Friday and Monday off and jump on a plane to Hong Kong or London for 4 days to get my miles up.
Do you think it;s worth going for IK this year? last year I had 60,000 EQM too (which they would roll over)
Just not sure if I really fly enough to warrant 1K (a few Europe, Sydney trips a year etc - all pleasure not business) But also feel those SWU would sure be nice for when I do fly.
Also like the idea of using it as an excuse to see some of the world this year.
Yes or No???
i take your guys advice very seriously!
Would love your honest feedback / advice. Wondering whether to go for IK this year.
I've been Prem Exec 4 years running and have no problems hitting that.
This year my already booked paid travel on UA (about 45,000 miles) plus the 8000 EQM or so I earn on my Chase Platnium United card will get me over the line again for Prem Exec.
I normally buy coach fares and fly to Sydney at least once or twice a year as well as Europe and Brasil. Those are all 15 hour+ trips from LAX in coach. I will use miles to upgrade a lot of the time. But I am getting to that age (31) where I should would love some SWU to get me up to biz.
I'll probably book another NYC flight or two taking me to 60,000 EQM for 2011. But to hit 1K I would need to do some trips solely for the miles. Not really into the idea of mileage runs, but VERY open to the idea of taking a trip and spending a few days somewhere just for the miles. I have friends on almost every continent I can stay with and a LOVE travelling and seeing the world. I also get about 5 weeks vacation a year so I can take the off Friday and Monday off and jump on a plane to Hong Kong or London for 4 days to get my miles up.
Do you think it;s worth going for IK this year? last year I had 60,000 EQM too (which they would roll over)
Just not sure if I really fly enough to warrant 1K (a few Europe, Sydney trips a year etc - all pleasure not business) But also feel those SWU would sure be nice for when I do fly.
Also like the idea of using it as an excuse to see some of the world this year.
Yes or No???
i take your guys advice very seriously!
Last edited by FlyinHawaiian; Mar 30, 2011 at 2:33 pm Reason: merged with existing thread
#7
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Potomac MD
Programs: UA MP 1K
Posts: 7,182
SWUs are great. So is the 1K line where you get service in the US (often really nice). And the overall treatment of 1Ks is far better than for others. For me it's a no-brainer. If you fly enough to get the EQMs, go for it!
#8
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 522
But my true flying only gets me to about 55,000 EQM this year.
I'd be doing 45,000 miles JUST to hit IK (but i LOVE travelling and have many places I want to see)
Should I still go for it?
#9
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Boston, MA
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 252
Doing 40K worth of MRs for 1K doesn't feel worth it to me. Unless you're anticipating an increase in travel for next year.
One detail I'd check is if your int'l travel has been booked in fare classes that permit SWU upgrades. If not, you'd be doing miles+copay or UFC to travel in Biz anyway.
One detail I'd check is if your int'l travel has been booked in fare classes that permit SWU upgrades. If not, you'd be doing miles+copay or UFC to travel in Biz anyway.
#10
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: DEN
Programs: UA Gold MM
Posts: 146
However, I absolutely love to get on a plane and fly around the world. Getting the EQMs is a good excuse - my wife actually understands that part of it. After spending a year at 1P - I made the decision last year that 1K was definitely worth it for me (assuming I can find reasonable fares).
For me, the SWUs, the red carpet when boarding, the greater chance of an UDU, the free award ticket changes, and the same day standby benefits are key.
I generally find trips that yield between 12-15k round-trip, and I try to keep the fares between $800 - $1,000 (not always successful, but that's my goal). I figure I have to do 3-5 trips a year, so $2,400 - $4,000. Of course you can't just look at the $$$, if you love to travel and love to go to new places then you aren't really just paying for the EQMs are you?
2009 I did SYD and NRT (with my wife), 2010 I did SYD and PEK (both with my wife), and BKK, so far in 2011 I've been to DXB and HKG. I realized that I was making the right choice when, for the IAD-DXB flight, I sat in my coach seat #17 on the upgrade list (using SWUs). As a 1K, I've never not had an SWU clear. Planning my travel for the rest of the year - I'll probably need to find 2 more trips.
mkleiderman brings up a good point on the SWUs and fare class - however both my 2011 trips I was able to book the higher fare class for only about $150 more than the non-upgradeable fare class.
#11
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Menlo Park, CA, USA
Programs: UA 1MM 0P, AA, DL, *wood, Lifetime FPC Plat., IHG, HHD
Posts: 6,912
how do you get that many EQM's from chase? Is that 35K$ in spend, plus about 3000$ in tickets on ual.com?
#12
Join Date: Jun 2008
Programs: UA global, VS Gld , SPG plat
Posts: 287
I have been 1k for over 10 years and it is definately worth it. Flying an extra 50k miles will probably set you back $5-6k but if you take the view that means each SWU costs you $1k then it is still good value.
You will have earned 50k miles, SWU can upgrade you from a really cheap fare (no need for a 'B' or co-pay) and you are way ahead on the upgrade list. You also get to board ie. find overhead space - before everyone else.
You also get faster check-in at the airport and seldom on hold for long when calling.
You will have earned 50k miles, SWU can upgrade you from a really cheap fare (no need for a 'B' or co-pay) and you are way ahead on the upgrade list. You also get to board ie. find overhead space - before everyone else.
You also get faster check-in at the airport and seldom on hold for long when calling.
#13
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: LGA/JFK/EWR
Programs: UA 1K1.75MM, Hyatt Globalist, abandoned Marriott LTT (RIP SPG), Hertz PC
Posts: 21,169
#14
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 57,595
Is it worth it? Well, as a 1P, my upgrade success rate hovers at or just below 50%. As a 1K, it was in the mid-90% range.
Hell yes it's worth it.
Hell yes it's worth it.
#15
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 522
I generally find trips that yield between 12-15k round-trip, and I try to keep the fares between $800 - $1,000 (not always successful, but that's my goal). I figure I have to do 3-5 trips a year, so $2,400 - $4,000. Of course you can't just look at the $$$, if you love to travel and love to go to new places then you aren't really just paying for the EQMs are you?
I have been 1k for over 10 years and it is definately worth it. Flying an extra 50k miles will probably set you back $5-6k but if you take the view that means each SWU costs you $1k then it is still good value.
You will have earned 50k miles, SWU can upgrade you from a really cheap fare (no need for a 'B' or co-pay) and you are way ahead on the upgrade list. You also get to board ie. find overhead space - before everyone else.
You also get faster check-in at the airport and seldom on hold for long when calling.
You will have earned 50k miles, SWU can upgrade you from a really cheap fare (no need for a 'B' or co-pay) and you are way ahead on the upgrade list. You also get to board ie. find overhead space - before everyone else.
You also get faster check-in at the airport and seldom on hold for long when calling.
I'd actually need to do about 40,000 - so I'd get 1K and 80,000 miles.
Also, LAX-JFK is about 5000 miles round trip. 10 of those and I'd be 1K. I can buy LAX-JFK for $350. So it might cost me as little as $3500 in fares
Last edited by iluv2fly; Mar 30, 2011 at 8:11 pm Reason: merge