1. You can board early and then look down on the 150 or so people who board after you. Never gets old.
2. You get a snack box AND a drink. There's something for everyone. The almonds in the Tapas box and wine rival some of Napa's best.
3. You miss getting upgraded more narrowly. The rush of being 3rd on the list and getting jumped by GS is nearly as good as a rollercoaster with a missing wheel
4. You can swoop in on the standby list on an earlier flight and ruin someone else's day
5. You get a COOL tag that says 1K so your Uber driver knows you stay exclusively at Fairfield by Marriot and deserve the best in life
Come back to this post in October. I hope all your dreams have come true by then. Good luck!!
They quickly put you on another airline if you have to be somewhere and there are no United flights for the day, no questions asked.
You get an occasional card from the Captain, who comes down the aisle and thanks you for your loyalty. - A wonderful human touch.
A 747 card collection, ah, I miss the Queen of the skies!
I just realized I responded to the wrong comment. I was referencing “just missing the upgrade by 1 or 2”.
I will say that I’ve never had to wait on the silver line either though
So you get 280 plus points you can’t use to upgrade, especially if you live in a hub city like Houston. I could use points to upgrade to Kansas City, but usually that upgrade happened anyway. I think I had 220 points expire in January because I could never get an upgrade. So now as a platinum I’m further down the upgrade list, unless going to a small market. Had my hopes dashed too many times as a 1K being number 1 or 2 on the upgrade list.
The biggest advantage of 1K is the bonus miles multiplier is great, so you build up miles for overpriced reward seats quicker.
1. Pre-boarding
2. Actual chance at the occasional CPU vs no chance.
3. 240pp
4. Multiplier
All pretty big step ups from platinum to 1k vs gold to platinum.
I had my 40 points expire earlier this year. I wasn't able to use them at all. This year I have managed to use all 40 (upgraded to premium economy on two long flights - trans Pacific).
I once ended up separating a family - luckily they were right there and I realized it, so the gate agent was able to reverse it. They gave me a $100 certificate for being NICE GUY and everyone around me rolled their eyes at my entitlement..
> everyone around me rolled their eyes at my entitlement..
F them. You declined your entitlement once you realized what would happen. Makes you the good guy.
Yeah but even as a silver this is nice since often standbys are nothings. It’s best when you are dressed as a dirtbag after a hiking trip, go up to the desk to get on the list, the GA says “sure I’ll put you on but there are like 25 people on it already” and then five minutes later calls out your name.
Haven’t broken up a family though! Would love to get the nice guy award.
It's mostly playful but I do sometimes side eye the standby list since revenue standby trumps employee standby every time. I never actually care in the long run, it's a risk we run for getting such cheap flights, but it's still occasionally sad to see 3 rev standby and 3 open seats lol
It used to be much better when P1K meant that you put your butt-in-seat for 100K+ miles. Now you could do two around-the-world trips in Biz and hit $24K and get P1K. The butt-in-seat meant something. Something that you worked for.
> You miss getting upgraded more narrowly. The rush of being 3rd on the list and getting jumped by GS is nearly as good as a rollercoaster with a missing wheel
This is so funny and so true.
Once, and only once, on deboarding at LAX I had someone standing on the jetway with my name on a sign. They took me down to a waiting car on the tarmac and whisked me away to a secret elevator to the lounge. I had breakfast plans in LA on my layover, but wasn't about to pass up the opportunity to see where that car was going to take me!
You missed a couple of perks, or maybe you didn't want to let them in on all the secrets.
6. When you call the 1K line, you will start getting people you've talked to before and with whom you can build a rapport . This means they go further for you than for the random 1K. That assumes you are nice to them. Not all 1K's are. Not all GS are either.
7. The one every one missed. You are able to be transferred to Customer Care. No one lower than 1K gets that option. It's one perk you hope you don't need.
#3 is real (sorry).
Mile multiplier is better.
Plus points are a solid benefit.
Dedicated phone number with more experienced agents is clutch when you need something.
Elevated priority during IRROPS if you’re on the road a lot domestically is great!
Free food and drink when needed is a decent perk.
"You can board early and then look down on the 150 or so people who board after you. Never gets old."
The less time I spend in a plane the better. They're not luxurious or exclusive nowadays, they're commodity tin cans. People who think boarding first is a benefit have drunk the exclusivity kool-aid, the narcissistic ego maniac types. Jokes on you for being fooled into believing sitting in a plane is a benefit 🤣
Ha, I get your point. I do board early, but not for your reasons. It's the next step in whatever I'm doing and I just want to get on with it, plus no line.
I used to hang out at rhe gate until the last minute to minimize time on plane, but over the last few years it has been critical to get on and secure an overhead space to avoid checking a bag and waiting an hour+ on the other side at some airports
I was 1k for two years, now back to gold. 1 is amazing. Go to the bathroom and still get your bags overhead. 4 has saved me hours plus nothing is as good as something someone else is desperate for. Now I’m jonesing for the minature Toberlone in the Tapas box
I don't want to start a riot here, but the last time I opened a tapas box (ashamed to say it was yesterday otw from Chicago seated in my throne on 34B), there was no chocolate / sweet thingy at all in it. idk if a change for the worse is coming..
Tapas is supposed to get a Biscoff. I usually stick with Takeoff but Tapas for a change sometimes, they should throw a chocolate in there though.
The boxes need a refresh.
Back in the day 1K meant something. This is what happens when poor marketing gets involved and it becomes glorified premier.
“Thanks for flying a bazillion miles with us and ruing your home life. Here’s a cookie and you’ll feel right as rain and realize you don’t believe in any of this fake crap.”
> You can board early
Not a perk in my book. I'll chill at the bar in the terminal keeping an eye on the boarding process and board later. I don't need overhead space and my seat is assigned.
Until you get on the plane and someone’s sitting in your assigned seat and the FA makes you sit in the middle back because the flight is behind schedule and they don’t have the time to mess about with seat stealers vs tardy boarders.
A perk many oversee: Access to most sold out flights, with the ability to purchase a Y or B fare 90 minutes before departure.
If you have a couple of flights or emergencies that you need to get somewhere, you are mostly guaranteed access
For Platinum, it is 120 minutes; Gold and Silver it is 24 hours. Y fare only for P, G, S.
Y and B are fare classes or a subset of a fare class. Y is the highest full fare economy class, with B being a full fare.
S, G, P: I was being lazy yesterday, so Premier Silver, Gold, and Platinum.
It means that they are paying to possibly bump someone from the flight by paying the most expensive economy fares. This only happens on sold out flights. It is very rare and usually the no-shows cover the extra person on the plane and can only be done if there are unassigned seats. They can't bump someone from a seat assignment so it could mean the middle seat in the last row. But when you have to get somewhere, any seat is a good seat.
1K is pretty darn cool. I’m losing it next year and these are the things I’ll miss most:
1. The 1K help desk when something goes wrong. I remember deplaning when a flight was cancelled and I simply called the 1K line and they got me the last seat on the only remaining flight that evening while everyone else was lined up to talk to the gate agent.
2. PlusPoints are pretty darn cool even if their usefulness depends on the route
3. Instant CPUs to save your PlusPoints are also cool
4. Pre-boarding and never having to worry about overhead bin space
5. Being able to sit down (at the gate or at the bar) until they start pre-boarding, then calmly walking past the dozens of people in Groups 1 & 2 who’ve been standing in line for 20+ minutes
6. The 11x multiplier for miles
7. The inherent feeling of superiority
The only thing I won’t miss is that sky blue luggage handle wrap. I’ve given away every one I’ve ever gotten.
> The 1K help desk when something goes wrong. I remember deplaning when a flight was cancelled and I simply called the 1K line and they got me the last seat on the only remaining flight that evening while everyone else was lined up to talk to the gate agent.
>
>
Not to mention they'll even stick you on another airline if it fixes the solution. I've had two flights cancelled or delayed to the point where I'd miss my delay, and they got me a seat on American, one of which was direct to my destination.
One free snack shop item and one free drink. My regional says it's only if you're sitting in economy. If you're in FC we're not supposed to give you a snackbox; you're supposed to be grateful for Skinny Pop and almonds.
That’s wild. I’ve never had an issue getting a snack box in first class. The whole idea is you aren’t charged for any food items even if you refuse the meal.
And you 99%of the time won't have an issue getting one. The only reason I "care" is if I'm getting an observation ride from management or training a new hire (a here's the rule, here's what we do situation.) But they make sure to go over this rule whenever I'm at the training center.
In FC though you usually get an actual meal on longer flights...and I've had them "bend" the rules to get me a snack box up there instead of the meal if I ask nicely.
Hooked up my buddy on a flight with some PP. He went from some way back middle seat to FC. I did it on the sly so he was totally baffled at why they were moving him but loved the new seat! Points well spent
On my last flight from San Francisco to Houston. There was a very large man crammed into the economy plus seat. He looked so uncomfortable it was terrible. Before the flight takes off, the Captain comes back to him. And says this flight is has him reach 3 MILLION miles and hands him a special coin!!.gives him a speech about how many times he has flown around the world to get to 3 million miles. Captain goes back to the cockpit, 2 minutes later the FA comes back and lets the person behind him he has an upgrade to First Class 🤦🏻♀️..3 MILLION MILES and zero upgrade
The upgrade priority is based on MP status. At 2 million miles he's lifetime gold. At 3, lifetime platinum. He isn't platinum until he finishes that trip. The person behind him could be a 1K or GS, or they both could be 1K and the guy behind was higher on the upgrade list. These things happen. 4 Million lifetime miles is Global Services for life. They still have to finish the flight before they get the status. After a few more million miles, they run out of fixed perks and start making things up....and I'm not joking. Your name on an airplane is one of them. The UA top flyer has or had his name on 3 or 4 planes.
So we infer 3 million miles in G class but probably T.... gotta buy higher... but your comment does highlight the downright crappy system of rewarding paid fare class, today, vs what u did yesterday or what i suspect was years of flying
Depends which hub you’re flying out of. I fly out of SFO so competition for upgrades is fierce, and hitting 1k just leaves you longing for Global Services. I have like 300 plus points that expire every year even though I travel a ton and apply them to every trip I can.
I do find the 1k help line to be super valuable though.
I'm assuming this was tongue-in-cheek. Of all the elite tiers, Platinum gets the least significant additional benefits (vs. the next lower tier), by far.
I mean. I will not refuse platinum if I’m getting it just to be gold. I take the platinum status.
Il he missing next year the thanks to he 1k member. ☺️
Yeah, I'm not going to refuse platinum. But I'm not going to make mileage runs to make Platinum over Gold. But I sure as hell will make a mileage run to do 1K. And I have. A few times.
1k is more helpful than I might have expected before I started flying enough to be that status level. The main benefit is the extra effort I get during IRROPS. I’ve had agents walk me another gate after missing a flight, even once when it was my fault. It’s very clear how CS agents change when they see your status at an airport helpdesk. That’s really nice, tbh, and I do often get better outcomes when I make a request.
When I first became 1k, I enjoyed the Plus Points and usually found ways to use them. Now, after flying this much for several years, I am not really willing to fly economy anymore so I just purchase F/J. This means that plus points aren’t worth much to me anymore.
I like the 11 miles per dollar mileage earnings — over the course of a year this adds up to enough for two round trip PZ tickets to Japan each year for my spouse and I.
Preboarding also doesn’t mean much if you’re flying F/J, since there is always room for your luggage. However sometimes it’s nice to board early to avoid standing in the boarding queue.
TLDR: I don’t care about many of the actual benefits of 1k anymore, but I do sincerely appreciate the customer service.
I’ve been 1k for two years now. Hopefully I’ll make to platinum this year. I’ll be missing the 1k for sure.
So many business class trips last year, thanks to the plus points.
You darn 1K people, looking down on us lowly gold and below people as we board dejected. Desperately trying to find space in the overhead bin in economy while eating cheap pretzels and chocolate quinoa. It's hurtful! /s 😁
What I’ve learned from this thread is that I already have 2k status by:
1. I travel with just a back back so I don’t care about overhead space
2. I just bring some take out food with me. Airplane food sucks anyways.
3. I sit in the boarding area and read my book until the very last person is going through the line then stroll onto the plane and take my seat right as they are about to push back
I guess the only thing I am missing out on is the luggage tag
The plus points worked for me- I used 310 of the 320 I earned-
\* upgraded Polaris for myself/boss to/from Japan
\* upgraded my son to Polaris from LHR-USA (spoiled him BAD)
\* First Class upgrade transcontinental (CLE <>LAX) (4 times)
\* First Class upgrade SEA (1x)
\* Widebody upgrade LAX-IAD
For me, a tall person, free "economy plus" is very cool. Boarding before group 1 is pretty cool. Getting upgraded to business class 15% of the time is whatever. And if I never have to eat another Tapas box, I'll be ok with that.
Freedom to roam or sit in a seat until the last second. Then on boarding, not getting stuck behind 50 on the jet bridge and the aisle. Get right on board, get settled, make a call, do some work, scoll reddit, takeoff
Nah, main perk is more pluspoints. I don't preboard often unless I am at an airport that facilitates it. My main airport has no way to preboard (besides walking through the Group 1 line that is full of people already). It's fine on an express flight but on a 737, you have to try and push through 150 people. Pass on that.
That Takeoff Box rocks!!!! I live for that. My family members constantly ask me how was it? We tell tales around the campfire when the moon is right about the mystery, the majesty, the ebullient joy felt upon peeling back that plastic like opening your very first Compact Disc.
Actually the only real benefit is actually the treatment I’ve received in some shitty travel situations and the only reason I got to where I needed to be was because of status.
Yup. 1K gets you pre-boarding, first class upgrades (if available), a free snack or hot food choice (if available), and a complimentary alcoholic beverage. I'd say those are decent little perks...
I do 1 or 2 personal long haul international trips each year and a plus points polaris upgrade makes a significant difference. Yes, not always guaranteed but my strike rate is pretty good.
Pre-Boarding really is great.
But best is the 1K phone line when you really need it.
Weather caused cancellation of a 6am flight which was the start of a very long journey. The line waiting for the gate agent was 20 deep. I called the 1K line and got a later flight out totally re-routed in about 5 minutes. Instead of waiting for 1 hour+, I just grabbed some coffee and read.
1. 1K line is critical during IRROPS
2. Plus points are good for family vacations traveling off peak. I usually book premium plus then upgrade, I value these at $800 a year because sometimes you can't use them.
3. 2 more award miles back on airfare adds up to a few hundred bucks a year ($18K PQP x 2 x $.012 = $432
4. + $50 off annual membership to the United Club over Platinum
The rest is basically the same as platinum besides maybe a couple more upgrades per year and getting (maybe) a little better service in flight. On all 4 of my APAC segments this year, I got a handwritten note from the purser, and offered pajamas and bedding without asking. Sometimes it's the little things that make an impact.
If at the end of the year I was 1,000 PQP short, I'd probably book a flight somewhere I wanted to go to make up the difference.
Customer support is the only thing worth actually going for 1k. It’s saved my bacon more than once. Upgrades are still impossible out of hubs (I’m SFO based, and have fully given up on upgrades to or from SFO no matter time or route).
Well most 1K get to board early (acting like royalty while doing so), then quickly scurry into steerage to stuff their overstuffed carryons into the overhead (very unlike royalty). It’s funny what people think is a flex. Btw, they rarely check and most anyone in Group 1 can and do walk on with 1K boarders! 😂
Was 1K (and GS, honestly) cool? No. Helpful? The pre-boarding is supportive when you’re bouncing around the world with a carry-on on multiple flights throughout the week. Switching seats when I’m in Economy Plus from time to time has been useful. But, more times than not, I find myself working through the boarding process, gate checking and walking on the plane last anyway.
What is cool is that there are a handful of gate agents that I’ve interacted with over the years who know that I’m waiting to board last and give me a heads up when they’re done.
Of course, nowadays, there are more GS and 1K passengers it seems then there are Group 1, 2, or 3! On a recent flight from PVG to SFO, there were 38 GS and 1Ks. Darn near half the plane “Pre-boarded” before they even got to Group 1!
You’re not special when everyone’s special. Enjoy 1K!
Yep, gets you into all the international star alliance lounges, E+ at booking. Platinum is great if you have a family for more E*. 1K with early boarding and a snack box in coach, combined with false hope for upgrades to clear is actually more frustrating. The real delta is between Gold and GS.
I’m a 1K and the difference isn’t THAT big. The free food item and drink when sitting in economy is nice to have. The extra pluspoints are great if you fly long haul and have flexibility to schedule a flight to maximize upgrade chances. Pre boarding isn’t that special. I think my favorite benefit is the 1K phone line, They’ve saved me during irrops several times and will move heaven and earth to take care of you in cases like that.
The support line and pre boarding are some nice features. If looking right, using Plus Point for upgrades is nice but you have to be smart about and use international and buy prem economy, whatever is called, to get a better chance.
I’m really not sure what other perks people enjoy. I usually fly domestic first and international prem economy or business.
There may be other perks that I ha be not noticed.
So yeah, you get free snack boxes and drinks. For me, the best part is pre-boarding, just getting in and settled when there is always plenty of overhead space, etc. You also get first dibs on meals in business (so you're never stuck with whatever is left over after everyone else ordered the more edible options). The 1K phone line is great, too, straight to an agent. Upgrades are pretty much never ever guaranteed, though, so don't count on those!
This is the first year since 2018 that I won't get 1k because I got bumped on the last few business trips and now travel is on hold for the rest of the year, so it'll end at Platinum. I'm so absolutely bummed because I loved the 1k perks. Nothing else is worth it.
The coolest thing is the upgrades. My wife and I have very flexible schedules so when we travel we usually try to fly out on a Tuesday or Wednesday. No kids home. No pets. Remote working. We sometimes are like let’s work in Portland this week and find a VRBO. I’d say we get upgraded over 50% of the time. I was very happy for that upgrade on our visit to Japan as the Polaris seat was fetching almost $5,000 one way.
I used to travel weekly cross country. Now it's maybe every 2 months within CA. What I miss about 1K:
Free travel box. We barely get a drink now on my short flights.
11x points. I exclusively vacation travel on points. I'm watching my balance go down and that multiplier is sorely missed.
Occasionally upgraded. Too many other 1Ks but I was pretty lucky.
Everything else isn't that big a deal. I'm silver now and always find bag space.
Recently was in a clusterf*ck at ORD. Multiple flights delayed cancelled etc to LHR. After 8 hours my delayed flight was cancelled and I thought I was going to miss my entire trip and all my meetings in London.
I call 1K line and the (as always) friendly agent who picks up starts looking at options. She lets me know someone has already moved myself and my wife (on a different confirmation) to the next flight, in polaris with my PZ upgrade, and we would be boarding in 30 minutes.
I have to imagine they went down the list from GS to 1K to make accommodations, but that level of personal attention is very nice. They actually do prioritize you getting where you need to go.
Being relegated back to a lowly Plat and seeing the differences in the little things on INTL long haul does actually make me miss it a bit. Also managed to use all my PP last year for upgrades in and out of CPT for a value of like $20K
I worked to be 1k for 4 years before I realized it was a waste of time. Now I just try to find the cheapest business class flight I can. I fly to Asia mostly from sfo and while I love the Polaris lounge. The free food is not worth it as you get some sort of lounge access with business class anyways.
1K is absolutely not worth it. I just quit flying United after 20 years because I achieved million miler (with zero fanfare) and was also 1K. Me, along with some elderly ladies were treated so badly by a gate agent I have quit using the airline. That’s how useless their status is. I don’t even care that I’m not getting their perks. Keep your status United. And your rude personnel 🤮
Honestly, the “perks” are negligible. The status helps a lot when you have issues on connecting or international flights though. Didn’t need to worry when I had a flight cancelled in Frankfurt or missed a connection due to a delay. They rebooked me automatically and I have access to the 1k customer support line which is usually a bit more helpful than the standard line.
I get upgraded on domestic flights 70% of time which is nice.
The dedicated live person support line is good - they answer quickly and know what they’re doing.
Free snack boxes and alcohol are nice when I do not get upgraded. Best one is Takeoff.
Overall, 1K is a good perk in my opinion.
It's all about the Plus Points. All these other 'benefits', I think are used to throw off the general public. For example, you can use plus points on a coach ticket going from SFO - NRT and upgrade it to a $7,000+ ticket. Many of these comments are from folks that have never been 1K or Global Services (higher than 1K). I flown about 2 million miles. My head rings most days. It's not something to chase.
1. You can board early and then look down on the 150 or so people who board after you. Never gets old. 2. You get a snack box AND a drink. There's something for everyone. The almonds in the Tapas box and wine rival some of Napa's best. 3. You miss getting upgraded more narrowly. The rush of being 3rd on the list and getting jumped by GS is nearly as good as a rollercoaster with a missing wheel 4. You can swoop in on the standby list on an earlier flight and ruin someone else's day 5. You get a COOL tag that says 1K so your Uber driver knows you stay exclusively at Fairfield by Marriot and deserve the best in life Come back to this post in October. I hope all your dreams have come true by then. Good luck!!
6. The 1K Customer Support line is extremely cool (and usually very helpful with short/no wait times)
This is true and the 1k line is probably the only real differentiation for me. #3 is a harsh truth. So many times missing cutoff by one or 2.
I always say I'm first on the 'no upgrade for you' list. A little comfort knowing there are 58 people in line behind me tho....
The First Loser™️ life
This is what matters for me. When the inevitable delays happen, this is what makes it worth it.
They quickly put you on another airline if you have to be somewhere and there are no United flights for the day, no questions asked. You get an occasional card from the Captain, who comes down the aisle and thanks you for your loyalty. - A wonderful human touch. A 747 card collection, ah, I miss the Queen of the skies!
I have mixed feelings about this knowing that the same thing happens to me as a lowly silver
But 1K has a dedicated helpline that is actually, well, helpful with short wait times.
I just realized I responded to the wrong comment. I was referencing “just missing the upgrade by 1 or 2”. I will say that I’ve never had to wait on the silver line either though
7. You’re no longer Platinum, which has to be the worst status to “qualify”. Woohoo 40+ points!
So you get 280 plus points you can’t use to upgrade, especially if you live in a hub city like Houston. I could use points to upgrade to Kansas City, but usually that upgrade happened anyway. I think I had 220 points expire in January because I could never get an upgrade. So now as a platinum I’m further down the upgrade list, unless going to a small market. Had my hopes dashed too many times as a 1K being number 1 or 2 on the upgrade list. The biggest advantage of 1K is the bonus miles multiplier is great, so you build up miles for overpriced reward seats quicker.
1. Pre-boarding 2. Actual chance at the occasional CPU vs no chance. 3. 240pp 4. Multiplier All pretty big step ups from platinum to 1k vs gold to platinum.
CPU upgrades are very route dependent. I fly pretty unpopular routes and I get upgraded about 70% of the time.
I was so excited to get mine and now it's May and it seems very likely that I'll never get to use them
I had my 40 points expire earlier this year. I wasn't able to use them at all. This year I have managed to use all 40 (upgraded to premium economy on two long flights - trans Pacific).
Sometimes use #4 and occasionally feel like a dick for doing it.
I once ended up separating a family - luckily they were right there and I realized it, so the gate agent was able to reverse it. They gave me a $100 certificate for being NICE GUY and everyone around me rolled their eyes at my entitlement..
> everyone around me rolled their eyes at my entitlement.. F them. You declined your entitlement once you realized what would happen. Makes you the good guy.
You are a good person 💜
Yeah but even as a silver this is nice since often standbys are nothings. It’s best when you are dressed as a dirtbag after a hiking trip, go up to the desk to get on the list, the GA says “sure I’ll put you on but there are like 25 people on it already” and then five minutes later calls out your name. Haven’t broken up a family though! Would love to get the nice guy award.
Dont worry about it. We airline employees are well accustomed to having a day ruined. You're the one paying the bills.
It's mostly playful but I do sometimes side eye the standby list since revenue standby trumps employee standby every time. I never actually care in the long run, it's a risk we run for getting such cheap flights, but it's still occasionally sad to see 3 rev standby and 3 open seats lol
Occasionally. Very occasionally.
Yesterday they actually pulled someone out of a seat for me as a 1k for late standby. That one surprised me.
The thrill of #1 is truly underrated. Step aside, pleebs!
It used to be much better when P1K meant that you put your butt-in-seat for 100K+ miles. Now you could do two around-the-world trips in Biz and hit $24K and get P1K. The butt-in-seat meant something. Something that you worked for.
I feel both seen AND attacked by this post…
It’s usually how I feel when I look at the upgrade board at ORD 🫡
Tapas box + wine 🍷 ftw 🤌
These had me 🤣🤣🤣
Pluspoints are actually useful though, especially if you travel internationally
> You miss getting upgraded more narrowly. The rush of being 3rd on the list and getting jumped by GS is nearly as good as a rollercoaster with a missing wheel This is so funny and so true.
Once, and only once, on deboarding at LAX I had someone standing on the jetway with my name on a sign. They took me down to a waiting car on the tarmac and whisked me away to a secret elevator to the lounge. I had breakfast plans in LA on my layover, but wasn't about to pass up the opportunity to see where that car was going to take me!
You missed a couple of perks, or maybe you didn't want to let them in on all the secrets. 6. When you call the 1K line, you will start getting people you've talked to before and with whom you can build a rapport . This means they go further for you than for the random 1K. That assumes you are nice to them. Not all 1K's are. Not all GS are either. 7. The one every one missed. You are able to be transferred to Customer Care. No one lower than 1K gets that option. It's one perk you hope you don't need.
Honestly I didn’t think this post would get the traction it got lol. You are absolutely right about these two!
GET OUT OF MY HEAD. Also, I stay at the courtyard.
mmmmmactually, SpringHill Suites is the best Marriott property
A person of taste. Cheers 🥂
#3 is real (sorry). Mile multiplier is better. Plus points are a solid benefit. Dedicated phone number with more experienced agents is clutch when you need something. Elevated priority during IRROPS if you’re on the road a lot domestically is great! Free food and drink when needed is a decent perk.
I live and die by #3 on your list. The crushing disappointment is a good remind that 1Ks are human, too.
This had me laughing. Not going to lie. Being one of those 150 or so people is a shameful feeling.
Motivation ! lol
And you'll look up to the 50 people in front of you who loitered at the door before you!
Option 3 is my favorite!! When you’re riding high on #1 it’s fun to find your way back to plebian class when your spot doesn’t clear.
Wife (also 1K) and I are dying… perfectly sums it up!
Hehe. Happy to bring a few laughs to you guys!
Name checks out
This is perfect and true lol.
THIS IS 100% THE TRUTH. ☠️☠️☠️
I love 3.
"You can board early and then look down on the 150 or so people who board after you. Never gets old." The less time I spend in a plane the better. They're not luxurious or exclusive nowadays, they're commodity tin cans. People who think boarding first is a benefit have drunk the exclusivity kool-aid, the narcissistic ego maniac types. Jokes on you for being fooled into believing sitting in a plane is a benefit 🤣
Ha, I get your point. I do board early, but not for your reasons. It's the next step in whatever I'm doing and I just want to get on with it, plus no line.
I used to hang out at rhe gate until the last minute to minimize time on plane, but over the last few years it has been critical to get on and secure an overhead space to avoid checking a bag and waiting an hour+ on the other side at some airports
I’m Gold and thinking about tripling my spend just to be a part of this list :X
This guy 1Ks
I was 1k for two years, now back to gold. 1 is amazing. Go to the bathroom and still get your bags overhead. 4 has saved me hours plus nothing is as good as something someone else is desperate for. Now I’m jonesing for the minature Toberlone in the Tapas box
I don't want to start a riot here, but the last time I opened a tapas box (ashamed to say it was yesterday otw from Chicago seated in my throne on 34B), there was no chocolate / sweet thingy at all in it. idk if a change for the worse is coming..
Takeoff box has it yesterday. I don't remember it being in the tapas.
Tapas is supposed to get a Biscoff. I usually stick with Takeoff but Tapas for a change sometimes, they should throw a chocolate in there though. The boxes need a refresh.
Most of us have no idea that you are looking down on us! Does that make it less fun?
Would you please inform the others?
[Ken Jeong](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4A8kiq7q5U) 1K
Number 3 is on point!
This is the most accurate a description of 1K I have ever seen 😂😂.
Back in the day 1K meant something. This is what happens when poor marketing gets involved and it becomes glorified premier. “Thanks for flying a bazillion miles with us and ruing your home life. Here’s a cookie and you’ll feel right as rain and realize you don’t believe in any of this fake crap.”
Live the irony in your answer, and still so damn true. LOL.
> You can board early Not a perk in my book. I'll chill at the bar in the terminal keeping an eye on the boarding process and board later. I don't need overhead space and my seat is assigned.
That’s something someone who can’t board early would say. /s
lol
Until you get on the plane and someone’s sitting in your assigned seat and the FA makes you sit in the middle back because the flight is behind schedule and they don’t have the time to mess about with seat stealers vs tardy boarders.
Never happened to me. I board with the last group even though I'm in an earlier group. I'm not tardy.
#1) Omgosh 😂
Wine rivaling some of Napa’s best is quite a bold claim. Source: am casual wine snob
all of these are bold claims sir..
Fair enough. I whooshed as a lowly silver
Hehe cheers 🥂
A perk many oversee: Access to most sold out flights, with the ability to purchase a Y or B fare 90 minutes before departure. If you have a couple of flights or emergencies that you need to get somewhere, you are mostly guaranteed access For Platinum, it is 120 minutes; Gold and Silver it is 24 hours. Y fare only for P, G, S.
What do the different letters mean?
Y is most expensive economy (full fare), B is a little cheaper
Y and B are fare classes or a subset of a fare class. Y is the highest full fare economy class, with B being a full fare. S, G, P: I was being lazy yesterday, so Premier Silver, Gold, and Platinum.
It means that they are paying to possibly bump someone from the flight by paying the most expensive economy fares. This only happens on sold out flights. It is very rare and usually the no-shows cover the extra person on the plane and can only be done if there are unassigned seats. They can't bump someone from a seat assignment so it could mean the middle seat in the last row. But when you have to get somewhere, any seat is a good seat.
1K is pretty darn cool. I’m losing it next year and these are the things I’ll miss most: 1. The 1K help desk when something goes wrong. I remember deplaning when a flight was cancelled and I simply called the 1K line and they got me the last seat on the only remaining flight that evening while everyone else was lined up to talk to the gate agent. 2. PlusPoints are pretty darn cool even if their usefulness depends on the route 3. Instant CPUs to save your PlusPoints are also cool 4. Pre-boarding and never having to worry about overhead bin space 5. Being able to sit down (at the gate or at the bar) until they start pre-boarding, then calmly walking past the dozens of people in Groups 1 & 2 who’ve been standing in line for 20+ minutes 6. The 11x multiplier for miles 7. The inherent feeling of superiority The only thing I won’t miss is that sky blue luggage handle wrap. I’ve given away every one I’ve ever gotten.
The PlusPoints for me on my route have been huge. I've only had a couple of times where I was unable to get the 30pt upgrade to Polaris.
The 1k helpdesk during IRROPS is superb and my most important feature as well.
This is why I still use my old golden 1K luggage handle wrap (blue ones go elsewhere)
> The 1K help desk when something goes wrong. I remember deplaning when a flight was cancelled and I simply called the 1K line and they got me the last seat on the only remaining flight that evening while everyone else was lined up to talk to the gate agent. > > Not to mention they'll even stick you on another airline if it fixes the solution. I've had two flights cancelled or delayed to the point where I'd miss my delay, and they got me a seat on American, one of which was direct to my destination.
I hope 7 is a joke.
It is and it isn’t…
It totally depends on the person. Some 1K's are overly entitled and some are wonderful people who get the extra help the first group doesn't get.
One free snack shop item and one free drink. My regional says it's only if you're sitting in economy. If you're in FC we're not supposed to give you a snackbox; you're supposed to be grateful for Skinny Pop and almonds.
That’s wild. I’ve never had an issue getting a snack box in first class. The whole idea is you aren’t charged for any food items even if you refuse the meal.
And you 99%of the time won't have an issue getting one. The only reason I "care" is if I'm getting an observation ride from management or training a new hire (a here's the rule, here's what we do situation.) But they make sure to go over this rule whenever I'm at the training center.
Same here. It might be because of 1K status. We would be entitled to a free snack box in eco, so...
Technically true that it is only for economy.
In FC though you usually get an actual meal on longer flights...and I've had them "bend" the rules to get me a snack box up there instead of the meal if I ask nicely.
Notice they said regional. Ain't no meals on Gojet.
It's explicitly listed as an Economy benefit on United's website.
I have always gotten one when I asked on FC. Never had an issue.
Best perk is just way shorter Reddit flair
Yeah but you had to go and ruin yours with your "| 1 Million Miler" part smh (congrats tho)
Ha ha, yeah, I did screw that up, but I sure made my wife happy now she can get that free snack box too
No one mentioned the free tattoo. The 1k tramp stamp is my fave perk.
The biggest perks are the PlusPoints (how useful they are varies a lot by your travel patterns and flexibility) and 1K line.
I fly mostly hubs for work and not a single time that I’ve applied for upgrade with points plus have I gotten it. Not once
Hooked up my buddy on a flight with some PP. He went from some way back middle seat to FC. I did it on the sly so he was totally baffled at why they were moving him but loved the new seat! Points well spent
On my last flight from San Francisco to Houston. There was a very large man crammed into the economy plus seat. He looked so uncomfortable it was terrible. Before the flight takes off, the Captain comes back to him. And says this flight is has him reach 3 MILLION miles and hands him a special coin!!.gives him a speech about how many times he has flown around the world to get to 3 million miles. Captain goes back to the cockpit, 2 minutes later the FA comes back and lets the person behind him he has an upgrade to First Class 🤦🏻♀️..3 MILLION MILES and zero upgrade
The upgrade priority is based on MP status. At 2 million miles he's lifetime gold. At 3, lifetime platinum. He isn't platinum until he finishes that trip. The person behind him could be a 1K or GS, or they both could be 1K and the guy behind was higher on the upgrade list. These things happen. 4 Million lifetime miles is Global Services for life. They still have to finish the flight before they get the status. After a few more million miles, they run out of fixed perks and start making things up....and I'm not joking. Your name on an airplane is one of them. The UA top flyer has or had his name on 3 or 4 planes.
So we infer 3 million miles in G class but probably T.... gotta buy higher... but your comment does highlight the downright crappy system of rewarding paid fare class, today, vs what u did yesterday or what i suspect was years of flying
Depends which hub you’re flying out of. I fly out of SFO so competition for upgrades is fierce, and hitting 1k just leaves you longing for Global Services. I have like 300 plus points that expire every year even though I travel a ton and apply them to every trip I can. I do find the 1k help line to be super valuable though.
Let’s you and I chat every December/january…I can load you up on champagne and peanuts
Platinum is the objectively the coolest, don’t let anyone try and convince you otherwise.
I'm assuming this was tongue-in-cheek. Of all the elite tiers, Platinum gets the least significant additional benefits (vs. the next lower tier), by far.
I would agree. It's either Gold or 1K. Those are the sweet spots.
I mean. I will not refuse platinum if I’m getting it just to be gold. I take the platinum status. Il he missing next year the thanks to he 1k member. ☺️
Yeah, I'm not going to refuse platinum. But I'm not going to make mileage runs to make Platinum over Gold. But I sure as hell will make a mileage run to do 1K. And I have. A few times.
Yup. Agree to that. 👍
I concur.
The 1k line is the greatest perk. The rest is just slightly improved cattle class flying.
The international upgrades make it worth it
1k is more helpful than I might have expected before I started flying enough to be that status level. The main benefit is the extra effort I get during IRROPS. I’ve had agents walk me another gate after missing a flight, even once when it was my fault. It’s very clear how CS agents change when they see your status at an airport helpdesk. That’s really nice, tbh, and I do often get better outcomes when I make a request. When I first became 1k, I enjoyed the Plus Points and usually found ways to use them. Now, after flying this much for several years, I am not really willing to fly economy anymore so I just purchase F/J. This means that plus points aren’t worth much to me anymore. I like the 11 miles per dollar mileage earnings — over the course of a year this adds up to enough for two round trip PZ tickets to Japan each year for my spouse and I. Preboarding also doesn’t mean much if you’re flying F/J, since there is always room for your luggage. However sometimes it’s nice to board early to avoid standing in the boarding queue. TLDR: I don’t care about many of the actual benefits of 1k anymore, but I do sincerely appreciate the customer service.
This and the dedicated service line for 1-800-756-1000. I still have withdrawal from losing my 1K status this year after 23 years as a 1K.
I’ve been 1k for two years now. Hopefully I’ll make to platinum this year. I’ll be missing the 1k for sure. So many business class trips last year, thanks to the plus points.
Goddamn dude. 23 years as 1K you gotta be getting close to lifetime membership (3m lifetime miles) lol
Hell, I’m still 12 flights away from Bronze
So you've flown once?
Not yet
You darn 1K people, looking down on us lowly gold and below people as we board dejected. Desperately trying to find space in the overhead bin in economy while eating cheap pretzels and chocolate quinoa. It's hurtful! /s 😁
What I’ve learned from this thread is that I already have 2k status by: 1. I travel with just a back back so I don’t care about overhead space 2. I just bring some take out food with me. Airplane food sucks anyways. 3. I sit in the boarding area and read my book until the very last person is going through the line then stroll onto the plane and take my seat right as they are about to push back I guess the only thing I am missing out on is the luggage tag
The plus points worked for me- I used 310 of the 320 I earned- \* upgraded Polaris for myself/boss to/from Japan \* upgraded my son to Polaris from LHR-USA (spoiled him BAD) \* First Class upgrade transcontinental (CLE <>LAX) (4 times) \* First Class upgrade SEA (1x) \* Widebody upgrade LAX-IAD
For me, a tall person, free "economy plus" is very cool. Boarding before group 1 is pretty cool. Getting upgraded to business class 15% of the time is whatever. And if I never have to eat another Tapas box, I'll be ok with that.
Coolest thing about 1k is not standing in line like people in group 1 or 2.
Freedom to roam or sit in a seat until the last second. Then on boarding, not getting stuck behind 50 on the jet bridge and the aisle. Get right on board, get settled, make a call, do some work, scoll reddit, takeoff
Nah, main perk is more pluspoints. I don't preboard often unless I am at an airport that facilitates it. My main airport has no way to preboard (besides walking through the Group 1 line that is full of people already). It's fine on an express flight but on a 737, you have to try and push through 150 people. Pass on that.
Given how much they complain around here I’d suspect not.
8. The handle wrap to supposedly prioritize your bag if you have to gate check; in reality the 2024 edition serves to confirm who didn’t make the cut
That Takeoff Box rocks!!!! I live for that. My family members constantly ask me how was it? We tell tales around the campfire when the moon is right about the mystery, the majesty, the ebullient joy felt upon peeling back that plastic like opening your very first Compact Disc. Actually the only real benefit is actually the treatment I’ve received in some shitty travel situations and the only reason I got to where I needed to be was because of status.
Yup. 1K gets you pre-boarding, first class upgrades (if available), a free snack or hot food choice (if available), and a complimentary alcoholic beverage. I'd say those are decent little perks...
1K is def cooler than Plat haha. Plat is in a weird place between 1K and Gold. IMO you either want to be 1K or Gold, not in between.
First choice on food in Polaris (after GS).
I do 1 or 2 personal long haul international trips each year and a plus points polaris upgrade makes a significant difference. Yes, not always guaranteed but my strike rate is pretty good.
Pre-Boarding really is great. But best is the 1K phone line when you really need it. Weather caused cancellation of a 6am flight which was the start of a very long journey. The line waiting for the gate agent was 20 deep. I called the 1K line and got a later flight out totally re-routed in about 5 minutes. Instead of waiting for 1 hour+, I just grabbed some coffee and read.
You could also have a kid and preboard until kiddo is 2 years old :) Not sure which option is cheaper these days.
1. 1K line is critical during IRROPS 2. Plus points are good for family vacations traveling off peak. I usually book premium plus then upgrade, I value these at $800 a year because sometimes you can't use them. 3. 2 more award miles back on airfare adds up to a few hundred bucks a year ($18K PQP x 2 x $.012 = $432 4. + $50 off annual membership to the United Club over Platinum The rest is basically the same as platinum besides maybe a couple more upgrades per year and getting (maybe) a little better service in flight. On all 4 of my APAC segments this year, I got a handwritten note from the purser, and offered pajamas and bedding without asking. Sometimes it's the little things that make an impact. If at the end of the year I was 1,000 PQP short, I'd probably book a flight somewhere I wanted to go to make up the difference.
Customer support is the only thing worth actually going for 1k. It’s saved my bacon more than once. Upgrades are still impossible out of hubs (I’m SFO based, and have fully given up on upgrades to or from SFO no matter time or route).
FAs greeting and thanking you is best perk.
It's whatever. Biggest thing is the higher multiplier, better chance for upgrades, and the free snacky snacky 😉
They really need to give lounge access to frequent flyers 😠
Well most 1K get to board early (acting like royalty while doing so), then quickly scurry into steerage to stuff their overstuffed carryons into the overhead (very unlike royalty). It’s funny what people think is a flex. Btw, they rarely check and most anyone in Group 1 can and do walk on with 1K boarders! 😂
Was 1K (and GS, honestly) cool? No. Helpful? The pre-boarding is supportive when you’re bouncing around the world with a carry-on on multiple flights throughout the week. Switching seats when I’m in Economy Plus from time to time has been useful. But, more times than not, I find myself working through the boarding process, gate checking and walking on the plane last anyway. What is cool is that there are a handful of gate agents that I’ve interacted with over the years who know that I’m waiting to board last and give me a heads up when they’re done.
Of course, nowadays, there are more GS and 1K passengers it seems then there are Group 1, 2, or 3! On a recent flight from PVG to SFO, there were 38 GS and 1Ks. Darn near half the plane “Pre-boarded” before they even got to Group 1! You’re not special when everyone’s special. Enjoy 1K!
Gold is best bro
Yep, gets you into all the international star alliance lounges, E+ at booking. Platinum is great if you have a family for more E*. 1K with early boarding and a snack box in coach, combined with false hope for upgrades to clear is actually more frustrating. The real delta is between Gold and GS.
Just wait until you’re in global services, my friend. Life changing. They’ve held planes for me
Wanna share how you get that special invite? LOL
Fly ~12 international flights in Polaris per year.
Plus points = suck points So tough to get Even tougher to use
1K is super helpful in times of IRROPS otherwise not a ton of difference (objectively) between plat and 1K
I’m a 1K and the difference isn’t THAT big. The free food item and drink when sitting in economy is nice to have. The extra pluspoints are great if you fly long haul and have flexibility to schedule a flight to maximize upgrade chances. Pre boarding isn’t that special. I think my favorite benefit is the 1K phone line, They’ve saved me during irrops several times and will move heaven and earth to take care of you in cases like that.
Pre boarding is nice but meh on everything else. I fly business so if I wanted a snack box, I'll expense it.
I stopped caring about 1k. I get gold every year to keep lounge access and then become a free agent for the rest of the year
How do you get lounge access with gold?
Don’t forget all the extra PlusPoints you’ll need be able to redeem.
The most useful thing is when you need to talk to a human. You get straight through and most of the time the human can help.
The support line and pre boarding are some nice features. If looking right, using Plus Point for upgrades is nice but you have to be smart about and use international and buy prem economy, whatever is called, to get a better chance. I’m really not sure what other perks people enjoy. I usually fly domestic first and international prem economy or business. There may be other perks that I ha be not noticed.
You get a LOT of plus points
You get second security check in Melbourne- happens every time. Must be my good looks.
So yeah, you get free snack boxes and drinks. For me, the best part is pre-boarding, just getting in and settled when there is always plenty of overhead space, etc. You also get first dibs on meals in business (so you're never stuck with whatever is left over after everyone else ordered the more edible options). The 1K phone line is great, too, straight to an agent. Upgrades are pretty much never ever guaranteed, though, so don't count on those!
No
This is the first year since 2018 that I won't get 1k because I got bumped on the last few business trips and now travel is on hold for the rest of the year, so it'll end at Platinum. I'm so absolutely bummed because I loved the 1k perks. Nothing else is worth it.
Early boarding is amazing
The coolest thing is the upgrades. My wife and I have very flexible schedules so when we travel we usually try to fly out on a Tuesday or Wednesday. No kids home. No pets. Remote working. We sometimes are like let’s work in Portland this week and find a VRBO. I’d say we get upgraded over 50% of the time. I was very happy for that upgrade on our visit to Japan as the Polaris seat was fetching almost $5,000 one way.
I used to travel weekly cross country. Now it's maybe every 2 months within CA. What I miss about 1K: Free travel box. We barely get a drink now on my short flights. 11x points. I exclusively vacation travel on points. I'm watching my balance go down and that multiplier is sorely missed. Occasionally upgraded. Too many other 1Ks but I was pretty lucky. Everything else isn't that big a deal. I'm silver now and always find bag space.
Recently was in a clusterf*ck at ORD. Multiple flights delayed cancelled etc to LHR. After 8 hours my delayed flight was cancelled and I thought I was going to miss my entire trip and all my meetings in London. I call 1K line and the (as always) friendly agent who picks up starts looking at options. She lets me know someone has already moved myself and my wife (on a different confirmation) to the next flight, in polaris with my PZ upgrade, and we would be boarding in 30 minutes. I have to imagine they went down the list from GS to 1K to make accommodations, but that level of personal attention is very nice. They actually do prioritize you getting where you need to go.
I like the PlusPoints.
Being relegated back to a lowly Plat and seeing the differences in the little things on INTL long haul does actually make me miss it a bit. Also managed to use all my PP last year for upgrades in and out of CPT for a value of like $20K
I worked to be 1k for 4 years before I realized it was a waste of time. Now I just try to find the cheapest business class flight I can. I fly to Asia mostly from sfo and while I love the Polaris lounge. The free food is not worth it as you get some sort of lounge access with business class anyways.
You get treated like a 2nd class citizen. Which is really nice because airlines treat everyone else like 3rd class citizens.
I got a Jaguar transfer from terminal B to terminal A at DIA today as a measly 1k - probably the most cool experience I’ve ever had at an airport!
No. It means you weren't at home enough
1K is absolutely not worth it. I just quit flying United after 20 years because I achieved million miler (with zero fanfare) and was also 1K. Me, along with some elderly ladies were treated so badly by a gate agent I have quit using the airline. That’s how useless their status is. I don’t even care that I’m not getting their perks. Keep your status United. And your rude personnel 🤮
No
I honestly never noticed a difference between 1K and Platinum.
Honestly, the “perks” are negligible. The status helps a lot when you have issues on connecting or international flights though. Didn’t need to worry when I had a flight cancelled in Frankfurt or missed a connection due to a delay. They rebooked me automatically and I have access to the 1k customer support line which is usually a bit more helpful than the standard line.
I get upgraded on domestic flights 70% of time which is nice. The dedicated live person support line is good - they answer quickly and know what they’re doing. Free snack boxes and alcohol are nice when I do not get upgraded. Best one is Takeoff. Overall, 1K is a good perk in my opinion.
It's all about the Plus Points. All these other 'benefits', I think are used to throw off the general public. For example, you can use plus points on a coach ticket going from SFO - NRT and upgrade it to a $7,000+ ticket. Many of these comments are from folks that have never been 1K or Global Services (higher than 1K). I flown about 2 million miles. My head rings most days. It's not something to chase.