I’m just one flight away from United’s elite status – here’s why I didn’t book

For the first time in years, I was within reach of elite status above unified airline. And it pains me to say that booking a flight just to be a Premier Silver beginner level elite is not financially sensible to me.

I’ve spent too many hours on a plane this year to be considered an elite level frequent flyer. Whenever possible, I try to book those flights on United. But sometimes, that’s not possible.

When I’m on a business trip, I don’t always have full control over the booking, with someone else choosing the lowest-priced airline or with whom the travel agency has a partnership. And with airfares skyrocketing this year, I find myself booking private flights on Southwest Airlinesusually on a non-priority route, because that airline offers the best deals.

In early November, however, I realized I would have enough Premier-qualifying points to hit United’s 3,000 PQP threshold for Premium Silver, thanks to a stupidly expensive trip to Florida over Thanksgiving week. thanks. But I also have to meet the requirement for eight Premier-eligible flights – and I only have 6 of those pesky PQFs.

Premier Silver status can be mine (insert maniacal laughter) for just one round-trip flight of any price or distance in any of the above cabin classes basic economy (no PQF earned). I was so close to being an airline VIP that I could taste it. (And it tastes, unsurprisingly, like Biscoff cookies.)

But as the year drew to a close, winter travel was booked, and the vacation budget was almost used up, my ability to make that last trip was thwarted. I can’t think of a way to earn that status without having to play with the airline and spend hundreds of dollars on an unnecessary flight that I may not reap the value of next year.

Here’s how I came to that decision and why you might make a different one.

My schedule is packed

I started looking at my options at the end of October, but by then my personal schedule was full.

I planned a long weekend getaway with my girlfriend in early November, followed by a Thanksgiving week excursion. In December, a long weekend is spent with a medical procedure, my parents are going to town for someone else and I have PTOs scattered for the last two weeks of the year, both to travel and to hang out with my children are out of school.

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To fit in a flight, I need to be away for another weekend (possibly putting my marriage in jeopardy) or find a way to take a midweek trip and work from the plane and the airport — either flying early or late — since my paid time off.

Related: 8 Lessons From The Travel Crisis Of 2022 To Use For Your Vacation

Flights are expensive

I’m willing to buy something – at the right price. Where is the cheapest flight I can find? Washington National Airport (DCA) or Dulles International (IAD)both airports are far from my house?

I found a page on United’s website that listed low fares by departure city and used that as a starting point to run a search. The cheapest fares I could find were around $150, but that was for limited times; most hovered close to $200, an arbitrary limit I set for myself.

I can fly to New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA) for less than $200 plus tax; a visit to my hometown of Boston would also be under $200. Several airports in Florida are possible, but I’ll only be there on Thanksgiving. Newark is out, so is Chicago – too expensive.

I was tempted by the LGA deal, because I had friends and offices in and around New York. Maybe I can see a Broadway show! But then I calculated – always a buzz kill. 1/10, not recommended.

For an overnight trip, airport parking will be around $20 to $54 (cheaper than carpooling, but a factor anyway). But then I need to get from the airport into the city and back ($100+ for a taxi) and pay for food and activities even if I crash at a friend’s place.

If I choose Boston, I get free trips and a place to stay – but my parents will be visiting in a few weeks. Why should I pay over $200 to see them for one night when they’re coming to me next weekend?

I can do a classic run and fly into the LGA and right out, never leaving the airport. But is elite status worth $250?

Related: I said I would never run all the way… but now I want United’s top 1K spot

My credit card makes elite status less valuable

To answer that question, I looked up United’s Premier Silver perks. They fall into three categories: perks I want, perks I’ll never use, and perks I’ve received with my credit card.

The privilege I had with my credit card

Let’s start with the last category. Some of the most valuable Silver tier perks I’ve received with a $95 annual fee on my account United℠ Explorer . Card. These include:

• Priority boarding group 2: This is a useful perk when flying with carry-on, but I was allowed on a Group 2 flight with my credit card.
• One free checked baggage in economy class: This privilege alone is well worth the distance running as much of my travel is on excursions that I find almost impossible to carry with a light luggage. However, I received a free check-in bag for me and a companion with a credit card.
• No blackout dates for award flights and better prize availability in the economy: This is another useful benefit, but it’s hard to gauge. I know I’ve got better access to reward flights through my credit card, although I’m not sure if I’d be more ready as an elite Mileage Plus member than I am. How to be a cardholder.

Privileges I will never or rarely use

Some Silver perks are extremely beneficial…to others. Not me. These include:

• Three free checked baggage in the premium cabin: I can’t think of a moment in my life when I’ve checked in so much luggage while flying in the premium cabin.
• CLEAR annual membership for $109: I still wonder if I want to pay for CLEAR once I have TSA PreCheck. The $80 discount won’t convince me to buy it, so the benefit isn’t worth it to me.
• Instant upgrade to premium cabin on economy fare Y or B: I’ve been at TPG long enough to know that these are expensive mainstream rates. Let’s be honest – I never book the most expensive economy class ticket.
• Free Avis Preferred Plus Elite Status: I can’t remember the last time I rented a car. I wouldn’t take an expensive flight somewhere to avoid queuing up on a trip perhaps next year.

Privileges are worth the distance

So why do I even want elite status, other than giving everyone a sense of entitlement to everyone in Group 5? These are the following perks.

• Free Premier upgrade, departure date: I love these… but with so many elites flying out of my hometown airport in Washington Dulles, can I really get one? Even top Premier 1K’s elite staff had difficulty upgrading This year.
• Free use of Economy Plus or priority seats: As a tall, long-legged, freely approachable person Savings Plus for me, is the Holy Grail of status. However, if I have to wait until check-in, I’m not optimistic that there will be a seat other than the middle seat.
• Up to 7 times more when booking United tickets and some partner flights: More miles equals more free travel! This is a privilege that I wish for. But without knowing my travel plans for next year, I cannot calculate how many extra miles I will earn and put some money on the value of this elite benefit.
• Complimentary onboard amenities when booking with United Cruises: As a cruiser, this can be a valuable option, but is United Cruises the best place to book a cruise? As my colleague Ashley Kosciolek pointed out, booking comes with a $25 credit. However, travel agents can access lower fares, better perks and/or more personalized service. Or I can get a bigger bonus when I book through Costco.

While these perks would be great, they’re secondary to the grand scheme of things as Premier Silver elite members line up last for upgrades and priority seats. Additionally, the elite qualification thresholds will increase in 2023, so even more will have to fly to meet the requirements for Silver next year.