Last edit by: JDiver
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Update: As of 22 Dec 2014, Trial Preferred is no longer accepting new enrollments. If you're currently enrolled in Trial Preferred, you'll continue to receive Preferred benefits and accrue toward status through the remainder of your Trial period. Your 2015 Preferred status earned through Trial will transfer to AAdvantage once we combine the programs in the second quarter of 2015.
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Try Preferred status on for size <Link>
Are you new to Dividend Miles? Enjoy the benefits of Preferred status now through the Trial Preferred program. Get priority check-in and boarding, unlimited upgrades to First Class and more during your 90-day trial period.
Here's how to get Preferred status
Choose and purchase your level of Preferred status, then fly with US. It's that easy to get all the benefits of Preferred status.
Learn more about Preferred
Upgrade to Preferred
Preferred status / cost Silver – $200 Gold – $400 Platinum – $600
Then, over the next 90 days, fly a minimum number of miles on flights operated by US Airways or American Airlines to keep your Preferred status through February 29, 2016. If your trial began on or before June 30, 2014, you'll maintain your Preferred status through February 28, 2015.
The Trial Preferred program is the quickest way to get to Preferred status. Just enroll online to try Preferred on for size today.
Enroll in Tral Preferred
Terms & Conditions
This program is available only to non-Preferred members. Dividend Miles members must fly a minimum number of miles or segments to keep Preferred status for the remainder of the program year. Bonus miles earned based on class of service do not count toward Preferred status. Members may enroll in the Trial Preferred program only once in any consecutive 12-month period. Members who did not requalify for Preferred status for the current year are not eligible to participate in the Trial Preferred program. Only elite-qualifying miles earned on flights operated by US Airways, US Airways Express, American Airlines and American Eagle can be applied toward the Trial Preferred program. The program participation fee is non-refundable. Federal excise tax of 7.5% will be added to the purchase price. Only bookings made after the member's status has been upgraded reflect his or her new status. Preferred status earned through the Trial Preferred program is only valid in the Dividend Miles program through February 29, 2016 for members who purchased Trial Preferred after June 30, 2014. Members who purchased Trial Preferred on or before June 30, 2014 will retain their earned Preferred status through February 28, 2015. Associated First Class upgrade benefits are based on availability and only available on US Airways and US Airways Express-operated flights.
Wiki updated 7 Dec 2014
Update: As of 22 Dec 2014, Trial Preferred is no longer accepting new enrollments. If you're currently enrolled in Trial Preferred, you'll continue to receive Preferred benefits and accrue toward status through the remainder of your Trial period. Your 2015 Preferred status earned through Trial will transfer to AAdvantage once we combine the programs in the second quarter of 2015.
========================================
Try Preferred status on for size <Link>
Are you new to Dividend Miles? Enjoy the benefits of Preferred status now through the Trial Preferred program. Get priority check-in and boarding, unlimited upgrades to First Class and more during your 90-day trial period.
Here's how to get Preferred status
Choose and purchase your level of Preferred status, then fly with US. It's that easy to get all the benefits of Preferred status.
Learn more about Preferred
Upgrade to Preferred
Preferred status / cost Silver – $200 Gold – $400 Platinum – $600
Then, over the next 90 days, fly a minimum number of miles on flights operated by US Airways or American Airlines to keep your Preferred status through February 29, 2016. If your trial began on or before June 30, 2014, you'll maintain your Preferred status through February 28, 2015.
- Silver: Fly 7,500 miles or 10 segments
- Gold: Fly 15,000 miles or 20 segments
- Platinum: Fly 22,500 miles or 30 segments
- Chairman's: Fly 30,000 miles or 40 segments
The Trial Preferred program is the quickest way to get to Preferred status. Just enroll online to try Preferred on for size today.
Enroll in Tral Preferred
Terms & Conditions
This program is available only to non-Preferred members. Dividend Miles members must fly a minimum number of miles or segments to keep Preferred status for the remainder of the program year. Bonus miles earned based on class of service do not count toward Preferred status. Members may enroll in the Trial Preferred program only once in any consecutive 12-month period. Members who did not requalify for Preferred status for the current year are not eligible to participate in the Trial Preferred program. Only elite-qualifying miles earned on flights operated by US Airways, US Airways Express, American Airlines and American Eagle can be applied toward the Trial Preferred program. The program participation fee is non-refundable. Federal excise tax of 7.5% will be added to the purchase price. Only bookings made after the member's status has been upgraded reflect his or her new status. Preferred status earned through the Trial Preferred program is only valid in the Dividend Miles program through February 29, 2016 for members who purchased Trial Preferred after June 30, 2014. Members who purchased Trial Preferred on or before June 30, 2014 will retain their earned Preferred status through February 28, 2015. Associated First Class upgrade benefits are based on availability and only available on US Airways and US Airways Express-operated flights.
Wiki updated 7 Dec 2014
Trial Preferred Status (merged) [Master Thread]
#241
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: BUF
Posts: 33
flight nurse,
thanks for the response and yes I know they have been answered it just seemed like the answers were different at times. Although you seem to be the most informed of anyone on this thread and seem to answer everyones questions with reasonable clarity. Thanks again, I appreciate your help.
thanks for the response and yes I know they have been answered it just seemed like the answers were different at times. Although you seem to be the most informed of anyone on this thread and seem to answer everyones questions with reasonable clarity. Thanks again, I appreciate your help.
#242
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 19
Preferred Trial
So, I have read through this thread and have two questions:
(1) Is there still a preferred trial for current elites? I.e., I am gold and want to do a challenge to reach platinum or charimans. The T&C seems to indicate that the challenge is only good for those w/o status. The USAIR DM rep I spoke with was confused and did not know because her system was saying I could and T&C was saying it is only for non preferred.
(2) I am a DM Gold with just under 50k miles. Instead of trying to reach plat this year with 25k miles, why wouldnt I just open a new DM account and take the silver challenge and fly enough (30k) to qualify for chairmans? And, since I am gold, I can nominate my new account for silver for free.
thoughts?
(1) Is there still a preferred trial for current elites? I.e., I am gold and want to do a challenge to reach platinum or charimans. The T&C seems to indicate that the challenge is only good for those w/o status. The USAIR DM rep I spoke with was confused and did not know because her system was saying I could and T&C was saying it is only for non preferred.
(2) I am a DM Gold with just under 50k miles. Instead of trying to reach plat this year with 25k miles, why wouldnt I just open a new DM account and take the silver challenge and fly enough (30k) to qualify for chairmans? And, since I am gold, I can nominate my new account for silver for free.
thoughts?
#243
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: PHX & AGP
Programs: AA Lifetime PLT, Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, Hilton Gold
Posts: 11,463
So, I have read through this thread and have two questions:
(1) Is there still a preferred trial for current elites? I.e., I am gold and want to do a challenge to reach platinum or charimans. The T&C seems to indicate that the challenge is only good for those w/o status. The USAIR DM rep I spoke with was confused and did not know because her system was saying I could and T&C was saying it is only for non preferred.
(1) Is there still a preferred trial for current elites? I.e., I am gold and want to do a challenge to reach platinum or charimans. The T&C seems to indicate that the challenge is only good for those w/o status. The USAIR DM rep I spoke with was confused and did not know because her system was saying I could and T&C was saying it is only for non preferred.
(2) I am a DM Gold with just under 50k miles. Instead of trying to reach plat this year with 25k miles, why wouldnt I just open a new DM account and take the silver challenge and fly enough (30k) to qualify for chairmans? And, since I am gold, I can nominate my new account for silver for free.
thoughts?
thoughts?
#244
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: On strike
Posts: 8,135
And no, I have no idea what happens if you straddle by signing up before Oct. 1 & then meeting the challenge after Oct. 1 ....
#245
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 5
PHX-SFO Silver/Gold Upgrade Chances?
Hello, first post!
I just accepted a job which will require travel between PHX and SFO weekly for 3 months and then once a month or so afterwards. Most likely departing Sunday PM and returning Friday PM weekly. I got the US Air Premier MC, made my purchase, and have the miles posted to my account – Zone 2 boarding.
I want to shoot for the FC upgrades. Anyone with Silver/Gold status travel between PHX-SFO? Any idea what my upgrade chances are as Silver/Gold during my travel times?
I figure I will make Gold even if I buy the Silver trial, but if my upgrade % is much higher as a Gold I will spend the extra money on the Gold trial upfront. If Silver’s have a high upgrade % then maybe I take my chances and save $200 or so and buy Silver. If Silver/Gold FC upgrades chances are low then I might not bother with the trial since I get Zone 2 boarding.
My main goal for buying the trial would be FC upgrades right away for the weekly travel for the next 3 months. Thanks in advance for guidance!
I just accepted a job which will require travel between PHX and SFO weekly for 3 months and then once a month or so afterwards. Most likely departing Sunday PM and returning Friday PM weekly. I got the US Air Premier MC, made my purchase, and have the miles posted to my account – Zone 2 boarding.
I want to shoot for the FC upgrades. Anyone with Silver/Gold status travel between PHX-SFO? Any idea what my upgrade chances are as Silver/Gold during my travel times?
I figure I will make Gold even if I buy the Silver trial, but if my upgrade % is much higher as a Gold I will spend the extra money on the Gold trial upfront. If Silver’s have a high upgrade % then maybe I take my chances and save $200 or so and buy Silver. If Silver/Gold FC upgrades chances are low then I might not bother with the trial since I get Zone 2 boarding.
My main goal for buying the trial would be FC upgrades right away for the weekly travel for the next 3 months. Thanks in advance for guidance!
#246
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: A lovely little town filled with cows
Programs: US2, Hyatt Diamond, SPG Plat, Hilton Gold
Posts: 3,284
Hello, first post!
I just accepted a job which will require travel between PHX and SFO weekly for 3 months and then once a month or so afterwards. Most likely departing Sunday PM and returning Friday PM weekly. I got the US Air Premier MC, made my purchase, and have the miles posted to my account – Zone 2 boarding.
I want to shoot for the FC upgrades. Anyone with Silver/Gold status travel between PHX-SFO? Any idea what my upgrade chances are as Silver/Gold during my travel times?
I figure I will make Gold even if I buy the Silver trial, but if my upgrade % is much higher as a Gold I will spend the extra money on the Gold trial upfront. If Silver’s have a high upgrade % then maybe I take my chances and save $200 or so and buy Silver. If Silver/Gold FC upgrades chances are low then I might not bother with the trial since I get Zone 2 boarding.
My main goal for buying the trial would be FC upgrades right away for the weekly travel for the next 3 months. Thanks in advance for guidance!
I just accepted a job which will require travel between PHX and SFO weekly for 3 months and then once a month or so afterwards. Most likely departing Sunday PM and returning Friday PM weekly. I got the US Air Premier MC, made my purchase, and have the miles posted to my account – Zone 2 boarding.
I want to shoot for the FC upgrades. Anyone with Silver/Gold status travel between PHX-SFO? Any idea what my upgrade chances are as Silver/Gold during my travel times?
I figure I will make Gold even if I buy the Silver trial, but if my upgrade % is much higher as a Gold I will spend the extra money on the Gold trial upfront. If Silver’s have a high upgrade % then maybe I take my chances and save $200 or so and buy Silver. If Silver/Gold FC upgrades chances are low then I might not bother with the trial since I get Zone 2 boarding.
My main goal for buying the trial would be FC upgrades right away for the weekly travel for the next 3 months. Thanks in advance for guidance!
PHX-SFO is 651 miles and about 1.5 hours flying time. If you do this weekly for three months, you'll amass approximately 15,624 miles. Another few months of monthly flights will net you say 11,718 miles, for a total of 27,342 in a year. You would just make silver status.
The flight will have beverages only - no food (I don't even think the snack basket is offered) in first class.
If you are able to hit 15k miles in 90 days from the start of the trial, you'd get gold status for the program year - otherwise you'd have silver status. Additionally, if you do the trial and earn any status, you'll be unable to complete it again for 1-2 years (say to challenge for a higher status).
Is it worth the $200?
If you think so, you should be aware that Sunday/Friday are peak travel days (as I understand it) and unless you take inconveniently-timed flights, you might have trouble getting the upgrade.
I don't want to rain on your parade - I just want to make sure you understand what "upgrades" entail and how this trial program works. Whatever you decide, good luck and congratulations on the new job!
#247
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: PHX & AGP
Programs: AA Lifetime PLT, Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, Hilton Gold
Posts: 11,463
having flown on this route Sunday isn't hard to upgrade as Silver and or Gold going to SFO, however coming home on friday its a crap shoot, I would assume early morning flights or late flghts would be a possible. Flying out of US hub can be tough for Silver and Golds even PLTS can have a hard time. There are other advantages other then upgrades that are nice, Emergency Exit seating, priority boarding, extra luggage and elite line through security.
Hello, first post!
I just accepted a job which will require travel between PHX and SFO weekly for 3 months and then once a month or so afterwards. Most likely departing Sunday PM and returning Friday PM weekly. I got the US Air Premier MC, made my purchase, and have the miles posted to my account – Zone 2 boarding.
I want to shoot for the FC upgrades. Anyone with Silver/Gold status travel between PHX-SFO? Any idea what my upgrade chances are as Silver/Gold during my travel times?
I figure I will make Gold even if I buy the Silver trial, but if my upgrade % is much higher as a Gold I will spend the extra money on the Gold trial upfront. If Silver’s have a high upgrade % then maybe I take my chances and save $200 or so and buy Silver. If Silver/Gold FC upgrades chances are low then I might not bother with the trial since I get Zone 2 boarding.
My main goal for buying the trial would be FC upgrades right away for the weekly travel for the next 3 months. Thanks in advance for guidance!
I just accepted a job which will require travel between PHX and SFO weekly for 3 months and then once a month or so afterwards. Most likely departing Sunday PM and returning Friday PM weekly. I got the US Air Premier MC, made my purchase, and have the miles posted to my account – Zone 2 boarding.
I want to shoot for the FC upgrades. Anyone with Silver/Gold status travel between PHX-SFO? Any idea what my upgrade chances are as Silver/Gold during my travel times?
I figure I will make Gold even if I buy the Silver trial, but if my upgrade % is much higher as a Gold I will spend the extra money on the Gold trial upfront. If Silver’s have a high upgrade % then maybe I take my chances and save $200 or so and buy Silver. If Silver/Gold FC upgrades chances are low then I might not bother with the trial since I get Zone 2 boarding.
My main goal for buying the trial would be FC upgrades right away for the weekly travel for the next 3 months. Thanks in advance for guidance!
#248
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 5
Thanks for the input vysean and FlightNurse!
I am pretty tall and was thinking FC would be worth it to me if I could 75% or so upgrades just for the comfort factor.
FlightNurse had a great point I didn't even think about and that is the exit rows. At this point I am leaning towards Silver realizing it is somewhat of a gamble....I still have a week and half before my first flight so I'll continue to mull it over if its worth it to me.
Thanks again!
I am pretty tall and was thinking FC would be worth it to me if I could 75% or so upgrades just for the comfort factor.
FlightNurse had a great point I didn't even think about and that is the exit rows. At this point I am leaning towards Silver realizing it is somewhat of a gamble....I still have a week and half before my first flight so I'll continue to mull it over if its worth it to me.
Thanks again!
#249
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: BWI
Programs: AA Gold, HH Diamond, National Emerald Executive, TSA Disparager Gold
Posts: 15,180
Does trial status "wrap" around the new year?
Hey all,
I'm looking at switching over to US. I have a trip confirmed in Feb. However, also may have a business trip in Feb too.
If I were to buy a trial silver membership in December, would I still have till Feb to get the 7500 miles to keep it? Or do I have to start it all at the beginning of the year?
Thanks!
Super
I'm looking at switching over to US. I have a trip confirmed in Feb. However, also may have a business trip in Feb too.
If I were to buy a trial silver membership in December, would I still have till Feb to get the 7500 miles to keep it? Or do I have to start it all at the beginning of the year?
Thanks!
Super
#250
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: A lovely little town filled with cows
Programs: US2, Hyatt Diamond, SPG Plat, Hilton Gold
Posts: 3,284
There's no doubt a thread on here that will answer all of your questions, but you have 90 days from the date you purchase the trial elite status - irrespective of it crossing "elite" years or calendar years.
But there's no point in paying for it now if your first flight isn't until February - I'd wait until about a week out (maybe just 3 days) from your first flight to purchase the trial.
And it would be significantly to your benefit to try to cram in as much flying in those 90 days as is humanly possible. You'll enjoy the results much more. @:-)
But there's no point in paying for it now if your first flight isn't until February - I'd wait until about a week out (maybe just 3 days) from your first flight to purchase the trial.
And it would be significantly to your benefit to try to cram in as much flying in those 90 days as is humanly possible. You'll enjoy the results much more. @:-)
#251
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Swamps of Jersey
Programs: US Silver, Club Carlson Gold
Posts: 376
There's no doubt a thread on here that will answer all of your questions, but you have 90 days from the date you purchase the trial elite status - irrespective of it crossing "elite" years or calendar years.
But there's no point in paying for it now if your first flight isn't until February - I'd wait until about a week out (maybe just 3 days) from your first flight to purchase the trial.
And it would be significantly to your benefit to try to cram in as much flying in those 90 days as is humanly possible. You'll enjoy the results much more. @:-)
But there's no point in paying for it now if your first flight isn't until February - I'd wait until about a week out (maybe just 3 days) from your first flight to purchase the trial.
And it would be significantly to your benefit to try to cram in as much flying in those 90 days as is humanly possible. You'll enjoy the results much more. @:-)
#252
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: A lovely little town filled with cows
Programs: US2, Hyatt Diamond, SPG Plat, Hilton Gold
Posts: 3,284
True, but there are plenty of other cheaper hits than this - it would be a shame to sacrifice 66% of the 90 days for a hit for the GS promo.
#253
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: BWI
Programs: AA Gold, HH Diamond, National Emerald Executive, TSA Disparager Gold
Posts: 15,180
The reason I ask about the wrap is I may have a business trip in December. It hasn't been confirmed that I would be going on it yet, so I wasn't going to buy anything. I'd wait until I'd actually travel before buying it. I don't need a GS hit that badly.
The main thing I didn't want to run into is buying it before the trip and then have December's travel not count.
Ideally, I would want to fly a lot more than those 2 trips. It'll depend on what work has in store for me.
Now another question ... if I do the December trip, it'll likely be a Y or B ticket. If I buy the ticket, then buy the trial status, would I be able to call in and ask for the Y/B immediate upgrade, or would I have to have the status first before I book it.
Ideally I'd rather buy a flexible F ticket as I've seen some of those are cheaper than the flexible Y tickets, but I'm dealing with corporate idiocy for Y domestically.
I take it US doesn't give a 50% PQM bonus like UA does on Y/B fares, right?
The main thing I didn't want to run into is buying it before the trip and then have December's travel not count.
Ideally, I would want to fly a lot more than those 2 trips. It'll depend on what work has in store for me.
Now another question ... if I do the December trip, it'll likely be a Y or B ticket. If I buy the ticket, then buy the trial status, would I be able to call in and ask for the Y/B immediate upgrade, or would I have to have the status first before I book it.
Ideally I'd rather buy a flexible F ticket as I've seen some of those are cheaper than the flexible Y tickets, but I'm dealing with corporate idiocy for Y domestically.
I take it US doesn't give a 50% PQM bonus like UA does on Y/B fares, right?
#254
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: A lovely little town filled with cows
Programs: US2, Hyatt Diamond, SPG Plat, Hilton Gold
Posts: 3,284
Now another question ... if I do the December trip, it'll likely be a Y or B ticket. If I buy the ticket, then buy the trial status, would I be able to call in and ask for the Y/B immediate upgrade, or would I have to have the status first before I book it.
Ideally I'd rather buy a flexible F ticket as I've seen some of those are cheaper than the flexible Y tickets, but I'm dealing with corporate idiocy for Y domestically.
I take it US doesn't give a 50% PQM bonus like UA does on Y/B fares, right?
Ideally I'd rather buy a flexible F ticket as I've seen some of those are cheaper than the flexible Y tickets, but I'm dealing with corporate idiocy for Y domestically.
I take it US doesn't give a 50% PQM bonus like UA does on Y/B fares, right?
I've never seen flex F cheaper than flex Y, but I almost always see restricted F cheaper (or the same price) as flex Y.
No, sadly US does not offer a bonus on Y/B fares like UA (or like US used to).
#255
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: BWI
Programs: AA Gold, HH Diamond, National Emerald Executive, TSA Disparager Gold
Posts: 15,180
Really wish they did for Y/B. That's the only thing I could really see keeping me on UA. 50% PQM bonus really adds up on transcons and to/from Europe.