United Matches American’s Elite Bonus for Chicago Flights

In reviewing American’s bonus offer for flights between Chicago or Dallas and Los Angeles or San Francisco, I observed that the bonus was "notable for doubling both the redeemable and the elite-qualifying miles," and doing so "on some popular routes, for a long time."

The same can be said of United’s new promotion for some of the same routes. No mystery there: United’s offer is clearly a response to American’s. But it still falls short of American’s incentive in one crucial respect.

Offer Details

Between November 3, 2011, and January 31, 2012, MileagePlus and OnePass members residing in Illinois or California can earn both double redeemable and double elite-qualifying miles for United or Continental flights between Chicago O’Hare and Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Orange County.

Registration is required.

Deal or No Deal

If you’re flying between Chicago and Southern or Northern California, between now and January 31, you can now choose between American or United-Continental to earn double elite and redeemable miles.

As incentives go, double elite-qualifying miles are particularly desirable. And since both American and United have plenty of flights on the targeted routes, they’d be the logical choices even without the bonus.

The difference, though, is the promotion period. The United bonus is only in effect through January 31, while American’s remains in effect through March 31 of next year.

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