I'm 50 miles short of Gold on United's MileagePlus, when will I be gold?

October 24, 2014 2:34 PM

More specifically: I have a four hour layover in Istanbul tomorrow (after a 15 hour flight) and would like to get free lounge access (which I would get with gold status). Will I be gold during the trip, or will I only be gold after the trip?
posted by Spurious to Travel & Transportation (6 answers total)

Technically, it will be after. From what I remember, United's system takes a few hours to days to credit your account with the miles. However, you might be able to sweet talk your way in if you can get them to look at your actual account balance and show that you're only 50 miles short. Depends on who's manning the counter, though.
posted by thewumpusisdead at 2:40 PM on October 24, 2014

You won't be Gold until the trip miles post to your account, which can take a few days. You can try to see if the lounge will let you in anyway if you show the people at the desk your account balance. (on preview: yep, what thewumpusisdead said)
posted by bedhead at 2:42 PM on October 24, 2014

Call ahead and see if they can help you out.
posted by Lesser Shrew at 3:15 PM on October 24, 2014

Yeah - you won't be gold until 2-3 days after your trip. You can call their gold preferred line and see if they can do something for you - but most likely they will tell you to buy a club pass.

At least you'll have it on your return trip.
posted by Suffocating Kitty at 3:25 PM on October 24, 2014

Just buy someone some flowers or something and don't stress about the 50 miles.
posted by zamboni at 5:06 PM on October 24, 2014

Flowers won't help. They get you Award Miles. Award Miles can be redeemed for awards (e.g. flights, more flowers), but they don't count toward elite status. You need Elite Qualifying Miles, which are really only available by flying.
posted by caek at 5:37 PM on October 24, 2014