As I’ve mentioned previously, I collect all kinds of airline memorabilia that I’ve come across over the years. On the back of one of my old 1982 ticket jackets is a chart of Mileage Plus awards that I’ve posted below. Keep in mind United wasn’t flying internationally at this point, so no, you could not get a free First Class round-trip to Tokyo for just 50,000 miles.
What I don’t recall was the earning structure and any bonus mile opportunities, aside from the 1,000 mile head-start this ad claims to give. I didn’t join until 1988, but United did have the Premier levels rolled out when I had joined. Someone correct me if I’m wrong, but I believe the Premier Executive level required 75,000 miles back then, and I’m not sure the 1K level had even been introduced.
It’s kind of amazing how much the programs have evolved over a relatively short amount of time!
That’s pretty nifty. I’m surprised at how little upgrades were valued (in terms of mileage) back then.
Thanks for posting!
I assume UA owned Westin in 1982?
@Matthew: You’re right… UAL Corporation appears to have owned the Westin chain from 1970 to 1988.
Thanks for posting.
DL gave 10k to sign up during the initial period. I was a kid, but realized that was enough for a first class upgrade. I asked my mother if I could sign up more than once!
Do you remember the brand “allegis” that United started marketing in the mid-80s. It was a link up of UA, a hotel (Westin I presume) and a car rental group. It was sort of a vertically integrated alliance – unlike todays alliances which are horizontal.
AA used to give hotel and car coupons, too. Those were very valuable.
Yup, I do remember Allegis, and as Matthew reminded in his comment, United owned Westin at that time. Incredible evolution in a relatively short amount of time.
Wow! Neat find and post!
Looks like an ad for an urgent care clinic.
@Rick: Yes, yes it certainly does.