In its first mileage-related announcement since filing for bankruptcy, United is offering some members an opportunity to extend the elite qualification period until March 31, 2003.

Through Feb. 16, Mileage Plus members who are within 10,000 miles or 10 segments of Premier, Premier Executive or Premier Executive 1K status can pay a $25 charge to extend the qualification period. And, as an added benefit, status miles earned during the extended period will count towards both 2003 and 2004 status.

Prior to this announcement, it was expected that thousands would probably not be able to retain their Mileage Plus elite status. It appears that, with this offer, United is intent on retaining as many of its most loyal customers as possible, while also gaining a quick, if somewhat minimal, cash infusion. More importantly, perhaps, this announcement seems to confirm United’s belief in the value of the Mileage Plus program as a means to dig the company out of bankruptcy. Irrespective of the offer itself, this bodes well for Mileage Plus members.

To take advantage of this offer, go to http://united.com/eliteextension and login with your Mileage Plus number.