A Quick Trip to Las Vegas and Lessons Learned from Flying United Airlines
After returning from a recent trip to Las Vegas, where I attended Virtuoso Travel Week, I found myself reflecting on the experience of flying with different airlines. This particular journey involved a mix of choices, challenges, and insights that could be useful for frequent travelers looking to optimize their flights.
I initially flew with American Airlines (AA) because of my elite status and the value it offers when redeeming miles. However, after attending meetings that ended at noon, I needed a flight back to Los Angeles as soon as possible. AA’s next available flight was scheduled for 7:52 PM, which meant waiting in the scorching heat of Las Vegas. To avoid this, I opted for a one-way ticket with United Airlines instead.
A decade ago, I used to fly United frequently, holding their highest published status level—1K. But I switched to American when they started offering nonstop flights to destinations I often traveled to, such as Miami, Toronto, New York, and Honolulu. American also provided better elite status perks and rewards, which kept me loyal to them. However, this time, I was traveling alone, not checking any bags, and the flight from Las Vegas to Los Angeles was just 45 minutes long. I wanted the fastest option possible.
I purchased my ticket three days before departure, which meant paying a higher price. The cheapest non-Basic Economy ticket came out to $181. I almost considered Southwest Airlines, but their flight was slightly later, and I didn’t want to deal with open seating, which is ending soon.
Despite having flown over 900,000 miles with United Airlines, I’m still 100,000 miles short of becoming a Million Miler, which would grant me Lifetime Premier Gold status. This status comes with benefits like priority check-in, security, and boarding. However, since I haven’t flown United in a couple of years, I have no current status, even though I’ve given them significant business over the years. I believe airlines should recognize travelers who accumulate high mileage, even if they’re not currently active. A simple gesture like complimentary Economy Plus (EP) upgrades at the gate would go a long way.
When I booked my ticket, United offered several upsells, including Economy Plus seats, which provide extra legroom. For a 45-minute flight, I wasn’t willing to pay $35 for an upgrade, so I settled for a free aisle seat in the back. United also sells “Preferred Seats,” which are closer to the front but don’t offer extra legroom for $14.99. That felt like a joke, especially since prices dropped significantly just 24 hours before departure.
Economy Plus was now $21.49, and Preferred Seating was free. I upgraded to a row closer to the front. At the gate, I asked the agent about the price of Economy Plus seats, expecting them to be cheaper than at check-in. They weren’t; they started at $25. I decided to keep my seat, which I had just changed using the app. I noticed that my original seat had someone in the middle, but the row in front had only a window seat occupied. I moved to the aisle in that row, knowing the chances of an empty middle seat were much better. The agent confirmed my decision.
I ended up flying on a United Airlines 737 MAX with an empty seat next to me. I was grateful because the plane was hot while sitting on the tarmac, and having someone beside me would have made it feel even warmer.
So, the next time you fly with United or any airline, take a moment to check the seat map just before boarding. You might find an empty middle seat that can make your flight more comfortable. With kids back in school and tourism slowing down, the odds of finding one are better than ever.
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