Elite status miles are a rare commodity coveted by frequent travelers all over the world. Right now, United Mileage Plus members have the opportunity to boost their elite mileage balance by making holiday purchases. From now until Dec. 31, Mileage Plus members can earn up to 5,000 elite qualifying miles by making eligible purchases on their Mileage Plus Visa card. Members can earn 5,000 elite qualifying miles and five elite qualifying segments when they make $10,000 in eligible purchases, or 2,500 elite qualifying miles and two and a half elite qualifying segments when they make $5,000 in eligible purchases. Members must register and pay a $50 processing fee to be eligible for this offer. Miles will count toward 2006 elite status. For more information, or to register, visit http://www.united.com/mpvisaeqm.

Mileage transfer and conversion junkies may be pleased to know that they will now receive a bonus when they transfer Diners Club Rewards points into their United Mileage Plus accounts. From now until Dec. 31, Mileage Plus members will receive 30 percent more miles when they transfer Diners Club Rewards points into Mileage Plus miles. Mileage Plus members will earn 1,300 miles for every 2,000 Club Rewards points they transfer. The minimum transfer is 2,000 Club Rewards points. To redeem points call 1-800-234-6377.