the things we think but do not say

A few months back I had a fact checker from Business 2.0 magazine called me. She wanted to verify a few things for an interview I had with a writer the other week. It was the first time any one wanted to check my facts. The article is a clever piece by a writer called Rachel Wong about air travel and the tricks people have to make it work better, quicker, cheaper or just plain more fun. I’m in it for just a line but it’s rather thrilling seeing your name in a real magazine.

If you remember I took a mileage run this time last year (on Christmas Day in fact) from Chicago to LA, then to Oakland, then to Las Vegas and then back to Chicago all in the space of about 20hrs. I really, really wanted to make it to Premier Executive status with United Airlines.

Premier Executive status is reached when you travel at least 50,000 Elite Qualifying Miles in a calendar year. That’s about one trip a month domestic, and a couple of trips to Europe or one trip to Asia, in a year.

After a year of god like superiority over mere mortals and Premier status fliers, I can tell you this:

It’s not worth it.

Sure. Getting 100% bonus miles all year when I fly is nice, but really it just means that you’re away a lot. I know a few people that are in the next level above Premier Executive. The mysterious and shadowy world of the 1K crowd. These poor bastards fly 100,000 EQM a year. I don’t know how that manage it. You’re never home dude!

My girlfriend told me once that of all the time we’ve been together, I’ve been here for about half of it.
I think it’s time I start putting my seat in an upright position.

And it’s not as though being Premier Executive gets you into those sneaky Red Carpet Club lounges much either. That’s still another $699 a year! (It’s apparently only $350 if I join up now while I hold me lofty status.)

Thankfully I’ve had exit row seats the last dozen or so times, but I suspect that’s more down to my travel agent than anything else. By the way, if you’d like me to pass on the best damn travel agent this side of Texas then drop me a line.

Janine. You’re the best thing about traveling.

But the other thing that I’ve realized after almost five years of work travel, is that I’m getting a little sick of it. And I do mean sick of it. Every time I fly now, I’m left feeling nauseous for hours after. It’s not good I tell you. I used to love flying. I used to love jetting off to somewhere thinking I was the shit and being all cool… but now it’s just means I’m away a lot.

Looks like I’m going to lose my status this year. I think I’ll be ok.