I am traveling for work. More so than I have done in many years. But, for the first time in a decade – without any frequent flier status. I have been at least a Premier Executive on United Airlines since 2001 – with a few 100K years.

During the last year, I flew very little – given some interesting work dynamics. So, I’m not even a Premier. And to compound it, re-earning the miles has been made more difficult, thanks to issues getting credit for Star Alliance flights on Air Canada.

The aggravating and interesting things to note:

• You have to be very careful to make sure the right program is getting credit. If your boarding pass doesn’t say it, it’s probably an issue – no matter what the agents say. Make them change it.
• Checking in for the first flight on one mileage plan does not guarantee that number will be propagated to the subsequent flights – another glitch of the kiosk system.
• Air Canada has a far lower bar for getting Star Alliance Gold status than United; perhaps I’m backing the wrong horse? But without it, no Economy Plus and complementary upgrades – which make a big difference on flying UA versus the same economy treatment on AC. And with the Continental merger, even more destinations I am likely to fly at some point.

Interesting ramblings. Now, back to work – and the trip.