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United Airlines and I have had a love-hate relationship for many years. I was a Premier 1K® or Global Services® member for many years and flew United and Star Alliance exclusively for a long time. Last year, I shifted my flying largely to Delta Air Lines and Spirit Airlines. I managed to retain my status with United this year and am on a path to keep it. I’ll have to sacrifice Diamond Medallion, but I’m okay with that. Here are the five reasons I’m going to be a Premier 1K® again in 2025.
5. United’s Amazing Route Network
I split my time between Chicago and Tampa. When I’m departing from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), I can be pretty much anywhere in the world with a connection. United recently announced its destinations for next summer and I’m excited. Will I be heading to Greenland, Mongolia, or any of the places that United will soon fly in Portugal or Spain in 2025? I’m not sure, but I love that those are options. United will begin flying nonstop from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Palermo’s Falcone Borsellino Airport (PMO) and that is one route I know I’ll be buying tickets for in the future. Domestically, United works for me out of Tampa International Airport (TPA) as well as Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD).
4. Two-Million Miler Status
I am closing in on earning my Two Million Miler status. This will be achieved in the next few years. I want to lock this in and then try for three million (I’m not sure four million is in the cards). Once I cross the threshold of two million miles, I’ll be Premier Platinum for life.
3. Nonstop Flights
I have talked my husband into connecting at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) more times than he would like to remember this year. When we are in Chicago, we have so many options nonstop. I don’t mind the connections and enjoy the Sky Clubs®, but as I get older: nonstop is always better.
2. I Don’t See Many Differences Between Delta Platinum Medallion and Diamond Medallion
For 2025, I have currently earned Platinum Medallion status with Delta Air Lines. I was Diamond Medallion this year and I honestly don’t see the difference. I buy First and Business Class seats, so I’m not vying for upgrades. This also negates any preboarding I would receive as a Diamond Medallion, because I board before with First Class. I’m also a little concerned that Delta will unbundle Delta One® and make it even more expensive.
1. PlusPoint Upgrades
I was always successful in using these in the past. While I might buy myself a ticket in Polaris®, it adds up when I have to buy two on those occasions when my husband is with me. PlusPoints are fairly easy to use if your plans are flexible. I have also enjoyed upgrading family and friends when they are traveling with me.
Anthony’s Take: My plan as it stands now is to earn Delta Platinum Medallion (done), Spirit Free Spirit Gold (in process), United Premier 1K® (in process), and to possibly maintain British Airways Gold status (if I can find the time to take a flight to extend the status match). We’ll see how I fare with 79 days left to 2024.
(Image Credits: United Airlines.)
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Advertiser & Editorial Disclosure: The Bulkhead Seat earns an affiliate commission for anyone approved through the links above This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. We work to provide the best publicly available offers to our readers. We frequently update them, but this site does not include all available offers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities.
3 comments
While I know nothing about PlusPoint upgrades and they do sound interesting, what does status matter if you always pay to fly up front?
Early boarding, better handling during irregular operations, quicker phone wait times, and some other benefits.
The platinum vs diamond medallion differences are huge when using for long haul upgrades for travelling companion. And much easier to search and use for AF and KL flights ime vs UA plus points which nearly ever clear more than a few days before departure (depending on status).
During irregular operations, both 1k and diamond medallion are equally very valuable as without them you’re frequently waiting in a long physical line or phone wait for help.
With both however, given a choice, if schedule is close, I’ll fly a partner airline for long haul. Dl and ua just don’t come close for me.
But it’s hard to deny United’s superior network from all hubs. Maybe from ATL dl would rival but not at any other dl hub.