US Airways has announced the special benefits offered to its most loyal members. Special Dividends start at 35,000 miles or 45 segments and are designed to recognize members after they’ve already reached elite and are enjoying the regular elite perks of membership. After flying 35,000 miles or 45 segments in 2011, members receive the ability to nominate a friend as a Trial Silver Preferred member for 90 days, a US Airways Club day pass, wine club discount and Dividend Miles Dining VIP status. At the 60,000 miles or 75 segments level, members can add a spouse or partner to their US Airways Club membership, a $20 FTD discount and an exclusive wine club discount. After flying 85,000 miles or 105 segments, members receive first class upgrades on award travel and the ability to bump someone else to Silver Preferred status. Fly 125,000 miles or 150 segments and you can nominate one person to Gold Preferred and receive a complimentary US Airways Club membership. At higher levels, the benefit is the same: Nominate an additional Gold Preferred member. There are seven levels of benefits and Special Dividends are cumulative so if you reach the highest level at 200,000 miles or 240 segments, you will have already received the benefits offered at the lower levels. Elite members who qualify to receive Special Dividends can log in at usairways.com, go to the Toolbox under Quick links and select Special Dividends. You can also track your progress toward earning the benefits in the same way.

Bottom line: This is Dividend Miles’ way to entice elite members who qualify early in the year to stay loyal to US Airways instead of switching to another carrier to earn elite status there.