Tag: memberships

So long, AOPA

After being a member of Airplane Owner and Pilot’s Association for more than 12 years, today I finally got around to canceling my membership. I first joined AOPA when I started seriously considering taking flying lessons in the early summer of 1999. Of course, I began my lessons later that summer and got my license on April 3, 2000. I flew on and off until 9/11 after which flying became more complicated and I couldn’t fly frequently enough to stay current. I maintained my membership over the next decade because AOPA is a good¬†organization, but also because I worked hard to get my pilot’s license, and being a member of AOPA was a reminder of what I had achieved.

But the truth is, I almost never use its services any more. They produce a great magazine that I receive monthly and end up tossing almost right away because I have no time to read it. (The last few months, I’ve been giving the magazine to the Little Man because he likes the pictures of the airplanes.) So I called them this morning, expecting the customer service¬†representative to talk my out of my cancellation. In truth, the conversation went much like this:

Customer service: How can we help you today?

Me: I’d like to cancel my membership as of my next renewal.

CS: Okay, are you no longer flying?

Me: Not for ten years now.

CS: I understand. I’ve taking you off automatic renewals and your membership will end at the end of July.

Me: Great, thank you.

CS: Have a nice day.

It’s bittersweet, of course. I was (and am) very proud of the fact that I became a pilot. But as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end.

Roll out the Red Carpet

For a few years, I have gone back and forth trying to decide whether or not to join United’s Red Carpet Club. I fly frequently enough to make it worthwhile, but I have hesitated because I tend to get to the airport later than I used to and the benefits may not entirely outweigh the cost.

Well, tonight, I finally joined. What pushed me over the edge was a special offer that included 5,000 bonus miles for joining. That, plus the fact that I can use the clubs in both Dulles and London/Heathrow. That means I can get to the airport earlier, not rush, and then relax in the clubs until my flights are ready to board, which is nice.

I have my temporary membership card and should be receiving my permanent one in a few weeks.

Premier 2007

My trip to Seattle for Thanksgiving put me over the 25,000 miles traveled mark for 2006. (I have just over 27,000 miles traveled this year.) That is a milestone because it takes 25,000 miles traveled on United to maintain your Premier status into the next year. Therefore, with this last trip, I have accumulated enough miles to retain my Premier status through 2007. That’s good because it will come in handy during my vacation in July.