Thank goodness for frequent flier programs

Mar 8th, 2007 by Nick

I’m going to Australia at the most expensive time of the year for airfare. Even the most highly discounted coach ticket on United Airlines is going to cost me about $2200. United probably is not the best carrier flying the US-Australia route, but it has one massive advantage:

A frequent flier program geared towards international upgrades. In 2006, I flew a lot: over 85,000 flight miles. But with various bonuses I accrued, I got over 104,000 “status” miles on United. And that means I got a very beneficial bonus for reaching their “1K” level: six one-way upgrades which can be used anywhere in the world, without having to burn any miles. These upgrades expire on January 31, 2008. So guess which month I’m going to Australia? Now, United doesn’t make a lot of seats available for frequent fliers, either for full award tickets or for upgrades such as mine. But upgrades are far easier to come by if you’re willing to book earlier. I’ve never had a problem getting an upgrade award if I’m flexible about my dates and booking 4-5 months in advance. This is true even when full award tickets are sold out. Spending $2200 is not so bad when you can fly business class! Plus, by purchasing a ticket and then upgrading, I get frequent flier miles. All told, including the bonus miles for being a 1K member and for putting the ticket on my United Mileage Plus Visa, I will get 38,000 United miles, of which 20,000 will count towards elite status for 2008.