On my flight to Honolulu at the beginning of December, I has my first opportunity to witness the commemoration of someone receiving Million Miler status. Now, there are all sorts of levels of Million Miler, all the way up to Tom Stuker. But this was this passenger’s first million miles, which is extra special in its own right.
I thought United’s gesture was touching and I wanted to briefly write about it.
Recognition of 1 Million Miles
The captain made his way to our row and introduced himself to the passenger. If there was an initial announcement over the PA system, I missed it. The captain being there during boarding was the first oddity. He introduced himself and said why he was there: to recognize a passenger who would be crossing the Million Miler mark on our flight. The passenger was seated in the window seat of my row, while I had the aisle. No one was between us initially.
The captain remarked on the passenger achieving the one million milestone on this particular flight and how much of an achievement that much flying is. Following that, he presented the passenger with a commemorative coin.
The coin looked cool. I only got a quick glance. Per the captain, it’s a throwback to coins given in the military to members of specific air squadrons or for specific duties.
The passenger received everything politely. He honesty looked embarrassed at the attention, but I could also tell he was pleased. I think United gets things right by offering such a personal gesture. We all applauded for him, at least the passengers in the vicinity who knew what was going on.
Final Thoughts
It’s was a cool moment, and one that I’m glad I got to see. I knew that airlines recognize their most loyal fliers this way, but I’d never seen it done. It’s especially memorable since the crew actually participates in the process, making it far more personal. It’s far better than receiving a recognition email.
I don’t know if I’ll ever hit 1,000,000 miles with any carrier. I’m close to 200,000 with one of them. But I fly far too many award tickets to make much progress. In case I do, I hope airlines still offer this sort of recognition when I make it.
United did this for me as well back in 2018…. I was also a bit embarrassed by the attention but humbly took it in my stride…. The captain also pointed out that being from Australia, to achieve it on a US based airline was very difficult so they appreciated the business…. but I didn’t get a commemorative coin, just a hand shake
That’s amazing you achieved it while not even being in the states.
This guy is very lucky to have been recognized. I received nothing for my Million Miler flight – not even the certificate. After 35 years in the Army, I have hundreds of these coins, but that one would be extra special.
Bummer. Per Jason’s comment, it seems this is left up to staff. Some offer acknowledgement, others apparently don’t it seems.
Never got this while I achieved Million mile status in United Airlines between US & Germany in 2015
No United employee acknowledged me on my 1MM flight, or at any time afterward. But their software gives me what I want, Star Alliance Gold status for life for both me and my wife. Free lounge access on all international *A flights and the other perks mean more to me than any token.
Bummer you didn’t get recognized. But glad you still get use from the status. It’s great their 1MM is immediately Gold.
Probably similar to the coin I received known as a challenge coin (mine was with the Purser coming to my seat right after arrival, saying “Excuse me, the Captain would like to know if you’d do him the honor of joining him in his office..” ). The tradition, with variations in story, goes back to Vietnam where, according to one common tale, they were used to prove one had seen combat. Whichever way, they are symbols of being part of a select group or meeting a dignitary, or some sort of honored recognition. From my understanding from a college friend… Read more »
Very cool! Glad you were recognized. It seems odd to me that staff are left to themselves to acknowledge passengers, but I am glad many go out of their way to do so.
There’s still a few nice folks in the airline industry, even in woke America