Sorry to dredge this up again but I am deeply cynical of mileage programmes. I have about 70k miles with United and they are due to expire shortly if I don't do something about it.
I have never understood the workings of this scheme. It looks to me like it would be like taking on a second job to get to grips with it. I will be in Majorca next week and considered booking car hire through the United website to get points but it adds complications and reduces choice. I could walk in off the street to a carhire place when I get there and it would it be much less hassle.
As for flight upgrades...do I have to book an economy fare first and then hope an upgrade is available?
I know I am too lazy/busy to get properly into all this and was wondering is there a plain english brief overview of the scheme available anywhere?
Are the 70k miles worth saving or is life a lot easier if one doesn't bother being constrained by these schemes?