Airlines Elite on the cheap

Thanks to the sour economy, elite status in the big network airline frequent flyer programs is available for half of the miles normally necessary, provided you fly by 15 June.

Since United is the only carrier that serves Chico Ill focus on it, but similar offers are available at American and Delta and probably US Airways and Continental, too.

Its pretty simple. Register for the promotion and you’ll receive double Elite Qualifying Miles (EQMs) for any flights you take by 15 June.

That means it would only take 12,500 miles actually flown to reach the first elite level (Premier) in Mileage Plus, 25,000 miles to reach Premier Executive, or 50,000 miles to reach 1K.

If you travel much for business or for leisure, the benefits of even just the basic Premier status are compelling:

– No charge for checking the first two bags
– Complimentary use of Economy Plus seats (nore legroom)
– Priority check-in and earlier boarding
– Minimum 500 miles accrual on all flights
– 25% bonus miles on all flights
– Discounts on Red Carpet Club membership

As you move up the elite status food chain, additional benefits apply especially with regard to upgrades to business and first-class. Those who attain the 1K status seldom fly coach because they can so easily get upgraded.

Once you achieve one of the elite status levels, its not difficult to stay there because the airline makes earning EQMs easier for those already at that level.

Lets assume that you do not have Premier status now so you need to earn 12,500 (25,000 EQMs) between now and 15 June.

Here are some examples of the mileage you would earn based on trips originating in Chico connecting with a nonstop out of SFO:

Theres a happy convergence between this reduced threshold for elite status and low fares meant to stimulate travel. Here are a few randomly priced round-trip bookings just for the heck of it. Prices include all taxes and fees.

If youre considering a trip business or leisure and have some flexibility about when to take it, you might consider scheduling it for travel by 15 June in order to get a leg up on Premier status.

Dont forget you have to register for the promotion to get the double EQMs!

Want to read more? Heres an interesting and entertaining article from the Wall Street Journal about passengers doing mileage runs in order to rack up miles quickly.