United elites: It's the last day to make your bonus selection
At the end of April, United Airlines detailed its three latest bonus promotions, giving current elite members an opportunity to earn extra redeemable miles, or to close the gap on 2021 status.
The airline's latest promo, called "Pick Your Path," lets current elites choose between up to 3,750 bonus Premier Qualifying Points, or PQPs, an "Easy PQP" deposit of up to 1,500 points or double miles with MileagePlus X, for up to 10,000 bonus miles in total.
You'll need to finalize your selection right here by 11:59 p.m. Central Time tonight, May 13 — if you don't make your pick by then, you'll automatically be registered for the "Welcome-back bonus," giving you an opportunity to earn the greatest number of PQPs, assuming you fly between now and July 27, 2021.
If you have plans to fly within that timeframe, the "Welcome-back bonus" is the option I'd pick. If a current Premier 1K member selects that offer and takes three trips by July 27, they'll end up with 3,750 bonus PQPs, in addition to the 3,750 they received at the beginning of the year — halfway to the reduced 2021 requirement, without factoring in any PQPs earned from flying.
According to the head of United's MileagePlus program, Luc Bondar, there are more promotions on the way — if you're a current elite member, there's a chance that requalifying in 2021 may not require much effort at all.
TPG featured card
at Capital One's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 5X miles | Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel |
| 2X miles | Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day |
Pros
- Stellar welcome offer of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, a $250 Capital One Travel credit to use in your first cardholder year upon account opening.
- You'll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which means you won't have to worry about memorizing bonus categories
- Rewards are versatile and can be redeemed for a statement credit or transferred to Capital One’s transfer partners
Cons
- Highest bonus-earning categories only on travel booked via Capital One Travel
- LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Top rated mobile app