> Those carriers give out miles based on total fare. Sort of. They give out miles based on this, but often not the miles needed to accrue status (which often m

> Those carriers give out miles based on total fare. Sort of. They give out miles based on this, but often not the miles needed to accrue status (which often makes mileage accrual substantially more lucrative, as well unlocking free/reduced upgrade access). On United, for example, you accrue MileagePlus miles based on total price paid, but accrue "Premier Qualifying Miles" and "Premier Qualifying Dollars" based on the "fare", which is always far lower.