Because I flew United to Thailand and got about 16000 miles, it is possible that I could fly the 25000 required for Premier membership. This is the lowest of the ranking for frequent flyers, but could possibly allow for an upgrade. The early boarding is not so important now that I have the United Explorer Visa card, as it too allows for early boarding. In fact, early boarding is getting to be a joke. I had Group one on an American flight, but first they boarded all of the frequent flyer groups, so by the time Group one got to board, the plane was half full. So maybe being Premier would get me on a little ahead of Explorer.

Early boarding is important because of all the carry-ons people are bringing in order to avoid the bag check fees. That's another advantage of the Explorer card- you get a free bag checked. I got 25000 miles for signing up for it as well. It would have been 40000, but I was already a United Visa cardholder, so I didn't get that.

So to the question- should I try for Premier status, or should I just try to get the lowest fare and fly that airline?

One extra benefit to consider is any mileage multiplier. My understanding, on American at least, is each tier ups the miles earned per miles flown. Though I may be mistaken. Still, if you can get that benefit at the start of a year you're flying a lot you can rack up a nice savings account of miles for the future, and keeping the status becomes easier...

Because I flew United to Thailand and got about 16000 miles, it is possible that I could fly the 25000 required for Premier membership. This is the lowest of the ranking for frequent flyers, but could possibly allow for an upgrade. The early boarding is not so important now that I have the United Explorer Visa card, as it too allows for early boarding. In fact, early boarding is getting to be a joke. I had Group one on an American flight, but first they boarded all of the frequent flyer groups, so by the time Group one got to board, the plane was half full. So maybe being Premier would get me on a little ahead of Explorer.

Early boarding is important because of all the carry-ons people are bringing in order to avoid the bag check fees. That's another advantage of the Explorer card- you get a free bag checked. I got 25000 miles for signing up for it as well. It would have been 40000, but I was already a United Visa cardholder, so I didn't get that.

So to the question- should I try for Premier status, or should I just try to get the lowest fare and fly that airline?

I would just buy a first class ticket and be done with it.

I would just buy a first class ticket and be done with it.

And, don't worry about the miles. Money talks.

Best regards,

RA1