The Deal In-laws are coming to town for their annual visit, and a trick I learned at the Chicago Seminars will get even once-yearly flyers a free checked bag and possible upgrades on every United and US Airways flight they take until 2014: signing them up for the Aegean Airlines frequent flyer program.
Aegean, as in Greece. I know it sounds strange, but with just the one flight to come visit us, they’ll earn enough miles on Aegean for Star Alliance Silver until 2014. With Star Alliance silver, you’ll get a free bag on US Airways and United and maybe even an occasional upgrade!
Here’s how to get it:
- Get an Aegean Airlines Miles and More account, which comes with a 2000 sign up bonus. You’ll get an email card immediately.
- The next time you fly US Airways or United, just put in your Aegean Airlines #.
- Once you’ve flown 2,000 miles (pretty much one round trip for most), you’ll get Star Alliance Silver automatically!
- Then, use your Aegean Airlines # for future flights and your Star Alliance Silver status will show up on your reservation. You may want to take a copy of your card (or printout showing “star alliance silver”) to the airport in case it doesn’t show up for some reason.
- Check your bag for free!
Original publish date October 25, 2012.
