It’s been a while since I’ve visited United’s MileagePlus auction website, but yesterday I went there for research on an article I’m writing. And to my amazement, one of the auction items is for a pre-merger United red carpet.
I love airline collectibles and memorabilia, but when I saw that people have actually bid 20,000 miles for it, I nearly fell off my chair. Bidding started at 5,000 miles, which if United simply priced it that way in their United Shop store (or for cash), I’d actually strongly consider buying one. But burning 20k+ miles for it? Oy.
And even more intriguing is that it’s apparently a “used†carpet. From their description (bolding mine):
Here’s a unique opportunity to own an official United red carpet. It measures 58″ x 32″, features the original pre-merger United logo, and was actually used in an airport.
I can’t seem to find the thread on Flyertalk, but I do recall reports of people emailing United back when the carpets were being swapped out for Continental’s blue version and being successful in getting one shipped to them for free.
I certainly hope you wouldn’t burn 20k+ miles on one, but if you’re interested, the auction runs through June 7, 2013.
Related posts:
The New United Shop is Open for Business… Get Your Swag On!
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I earned 23K miles this weekend, and 24K the week before, if the price doesn’t go up much, I may be interested.
@Kris: Oh no! Save those miles for another RTW like you’re on right now!
I’ve gpt an unused one that is now for sale. Let me know if you’re interested. Cash only.
I hope they had the carpet professionally cleaned before putting it up for auction!
I hope I wasn’t the only one that read it as an actual RCC was for sale. 😛 20k miles doesn’t seem bad for your own club.