Earning elite status is nothing new, but buying a whole year’s worth of travel in advance and picking up the perks right away? That’s precisely what United Mileage Plus is allowing members to do — again. First introduced in 2005, sales of the 2007 version of the United Elite Prepaid Travel Card begin Feb. 1. For $5,000, $10,000 or $20,000, members can purchase a “Prepaid Travel Card,” from which their 2007 travel purchases will be deducted. In exchange, they will immediately receive Premier, Premier Executive or 1K status.

This means access to Economy Plus, mileage bonuses for your flight miles of 25 percent for Premier and 100 percent for Premier Executive and 1K, a dedicated reservations number, and travel services such as priority check-in, priority boarding, and priority status on the waitlist.

You can use the card for your individual travel on united.com, through United Reservations or at any airport ticket counter. The card is not accepted at travel agencies or other non-United Airlines merchants, but you can use it to purchase upgrades, miles and United club memberships.

When you purchase your United Prepaid Travel Card, your elite benefits start immediately and will be honored through February 2008. Information can be found at http://www.united.com/prepaidtravel