On September 14th, I called US Airways and signed up for their Trial Preferred program. While their Grand Slam promotion certainly led me to wait until 9/14 to make the call, the truth is that my decision wasn’t all about getting a “hit” in the Grand Slam. If you’ve been reading, you know that I’ve been debating some kind of move from United to US Airways for a while. On the face of it, I know that seems a little bit questionable, but the truth is that I find myself on more US flights than UA flights, I’m primarily a domestic US traveler, and further, I’m primarily an east coast traveler. Top that off with the fact that I’m a 15 minute cab ride to/from DCA on a busy day, and I think you can see where I’m heading with this. For me, US Airways, warts and all, makes sense.
For sure, I could continue to fly US and credit my miles to United, and there may be some circumstances where I do just that. But I can no longer ignore the compelling option that US Airways has become for someone who lives so close to DCA and flies up and down the east coast a lot. I appreciate early boarding afforded a Star Alliance Gold traveling on US, but I could be sitting in First Class. OK, stop laughing. I know US domestic first isn’t all that fabulous, but if it’s complimentary, why not take it?!?! Obviously, it’s about more than first class upgrades to US Airways’ not quite more than average domestic first product. Simply put, I think that the airline I spend the most time on is the one where I should hold status. And starting September 14th, that’s exactly what I’m going to do.
There are 3 options for trial preferred, Silver for $200 dollars, Gold for $400 dollars, and Platinum for $600 dollars. Given that I’m Premier Executive (Star Gold) at United, I considered the Gold trial option, but ultimately opted for Silver. In addition to being $200 dollars cheaper, it gives me the benefits I care about most, comp upgrades, early boarding (although I already have that through the US MasterCard), and waived fees for up to 2 checked bags. Then there’s the added benefit of if I actually fly the amount of miles and/or segments that qualify for Gold Preferred, US will elevate me to that status. In short, the Silver Preferred trial seemed to offer the most bang for my buck, so that’s what I went with.
Getting registered for the trial was pretty seamless. I called the number on the Trial Preferred page. The first rep I was connected to stated that she would transfer me to an agent who could assist me, and that agent was reasonably knowledgeable about the program and had me registered in a few minutes. She also took the time to go through the terms and conditions with me, and also gave me the Silver Preferred 800 reservations number for my use during the trial. By the end of the phone call, my Dividend Miles status was reflected on usairways.com. While I was immediately able to “see” preferred and exit row seats on usairways.com, it took about 36 hours for me to actually be able to successfully select those seats online. In one case, I called the Silver Preferred number, and the agent was able to place me in the exit row seats I was looking for. For another reservation, I decided to wait and see if the seat maps would eventually work for me, and as mentioned, after about 36 hours, I was able to grab those seats on my own. I can only assume that it takes about that much time for your new preferred status to propagate through US Airways’ various IT systems.
So there you have it. I’m “Trial Preferred” Silver at US Airways, and I earned a hit in the Grand Slam promotion. I’ll keep you posted on how things go from here.
Update, NOT AN HOUR AFTER I POSTED ABOVE I RECEIVED THE FOLLOWING:
Due to the circumstances involved, we have granted you a one-time exception and nominated you to Silver Preferred status. To maintain this status, you must earn qualifying miles/segments for the next program year. To qualify for Silver Preferred you must fly 25,000 Preferred Miles or 30 Preferred Segments. Please allow 3-4 weeks to receive your membership kit.
In the meantime, your Preferred status will print on your boarding passes, so you can enjoy your benefits when you travel on US Airways or any Star Alliance carrier, including priority check-in and security lines (where available) and priority boarding.
Thank you for being a member of our Dividend Miles program. We look forward to assisting you with any future needs.
I am happily surprised. I better not file the lawsuit after all.
I was screwed on the Preferred Trial,. I PAID $215 for the 90 day trial. The caveat was that I complete 10 segments or 7500 miles. USAIR CANCELED ONE OF MY FLIGHTS and I was forced to travel OUTSIDE THE 90 days. As a result I did not get the preferred status promised by the offer. I have contacted the airline on several occasions via email, phone, and now by mail. The airline originally responded by awarding 7000 miles to my account. Unfortunately those miles were not Preferred Qualifying Miles. This is a ridiculous game. I paid to play and LOST. Ripped OFF.
I think this was a smart decision living so close to DCA, especially with US installing F cabins in most of their RJ fleet this fall.
I may do this as well. Apparently, all parties traveling on the same confirmation get free bag check. Four of us are going to the Bahamas in December. So signing up for preferred status will save us some cash and any upgrades will be gravy. Plus another hit for GS!
If I understand it correctly, you can sign up for Trial Preferred again next year in october and get another hit?
Once you qualify, how long will your Preferred status last? Thanks.
Feb 2013 according to the agent since I started the trial after June.
So essentially you paid for something you already have as *G + a small chance at scoring and upgrade?
Only if I’m not changing airlines,
can you keep a running tally of your successful upgrades, exit row seating? I am interested to see the results from your trial period.
enjoy the perks and the hit!
Will let you know.
Can you get a trial preferred every year or once every 5 years?
According to the US Airways website ” Members may enroll in the Trial Preferred program only once in any consecutive 12 month period. Members who did not re-qualify for Preferred status for the current year are not eligible to participate in the Trial Preferred program.” (emphasis mine)