I'm at the point of the year again where I've reached a fork in the road. I've re-qualified for 1K status on United, so my elite benefits are safe through at least January 2012, but now I must decide whether to continue to credit to UA (where I earn double RDMs on most flights) or pursue status on another Star Alliance carrier.

Lounge access is very important to me when I fly so I have appreciated holding Star Alliance Gold status with British Midland the last two years. That status ...

United will offer passengers flying in Economy Plus a free alcoholic drink during the first beverage service August 6-16. While UA has not explained why it has chosen to do this, I would guess it has something to do with UA's aggressive new push to sell Economy Plus upgrades under the Travel Options by United℠ program.

If UA really wanted to compete with world class carries like SQ, LH, and LX they would offer alcohol for free, but I think this move is a step in the right ...

Responding to United's recent promotion, American is offering discounted awards for trips of 700 miles or less (each way). Travel must conclude by December 15 and tickets must be booked by August 31. At 17,500 miles roundtrip or 8,750 miles one way, your discount is nearly 1/3 off the cost a normal saver domestic coach award ticket. 

Nice to see UA lead and AA follow for a change.

(tip of the hat to Lucky)

Perfecting an award itinerary is an art requiring patience and skill. With the ability to make free and unlimited changes on United awards (1K/GS benefit only), segment by segment you can construct an ideal award itinerary.

As I mentioned earlier, when I booked my trip China the only flight with First Class availability on the return was a Air China flight from Shanghai to Frankfurt. I booked it, but CA's hard product is a bit dated and I continue to ...

United has created a couple of games that I have to admit are very addicting. The first is called "Legroom Legend" where the object is to "use fancy footwork to guide tossed items onto your tray table." It starts easy, but it gets hard after the first couple levels.

The second game, "Linejump Hero" (interesting name, huh?) is even more fun. It's a game that requires precise hand-eye coordination as you ...

For a limited time, economy award trips under 700 miles in the U.S. and Canada are 30% off on United. These flights must be on United metal and be booked at least a week prior to departure. Only economy awards are discounted--first and business class will require the full amount of miles.

Both standard and saver awards are discounted, as are both one-way and roundtrip awards.

For example, a round-trip saver award under this promotion is 17,500 miles and a one-way saver award is 8,750 miles.

You must purchase before August 31 for travel before January 7, 2011.

More details here.