I am in between employment atm so I may or may not have a job that requires high travel but I definitely have at least 4 trips next year.
$3,000 to do a day trip (prob in business) seems a little crazy but if there is enough compelling reason to do it, I will.
Is it worth it? I’ve never been SE. I have a lot of eUps and these days it seems most folks are upgrading from PE to J (cries in Economy Flex)
A lot more context for these kinds of posts will help. Such as:
* Where do you usually travel? Do you travel alone?
* Where are you planning to travel next year?
* Do you have a companion that can use your eupgrades?
* 3k is I think just on the verge of whether it makes sense or not - but if I were to guess, if you're barely hitting 100k it might be a tough call to make, but some might argue it's worth it if you're that close.
* Also depends on whether you can spare 3k or if it's going to break you a bit.
I would say yes. The perks are worth it. The gifting of 50k was my favorite thing when my brother hit SE. especially with them changing the rules for status in 2026, I would grab it now if you can. I’m sad to lose my 50k status after this year.
If you fly a lot and have a friend you want to gift 50k / Star Alliance Gold, yes it’s very worth it
In your case? I wouldn't. Don't take the risk given your current situation.
Imo yes, but all depends on what your travel plans are for next year... Concierge service is the best benefit. Also. Hitting SE will be a lot harder next year with all the changes.
If you're struggling to hit the spend requirements already, it's going to be harder to hit next year. SE has its advantages. Yesterday at EWR, the Priority line for bag drop was probably 15 people long meanwhile I walked right up to the front of the SE line.
Yes
Depends entirely on where / how often / what class you’re likely to book next year.
Do you have a concrete, nearly-signed offer for a high-travel job?
Jeez... really realizing how much I got screwed with all of my united legs. $18,500 in spend and I only got to 65k. Always did comfort if available with a couple of latitude flights.
I did not find SE that much better than 75k. But it really depends on how often you need help. My SE year was very smooth travel for the most part… also if you’re like me and live near a smaller airport with no concierge, it further limits value.
Na
If I understand, you can gift a friend 50k status. Find someone who is willing to pay you $3000 in return for 50k status for the year.
(A) this is a violation of the program terms, and if caught one or both of you could have your account cancelled
(B) tough sell to argue 50K is worth $3,000.
No