I have gold on United and get CPUs more often than not but these are often short flights, or even regional routes on Skywest, so that's really a crapshoot depen

I have gold on United and get CPUs more often than not but these are often short flights, or even regional routes on Skywest, so that's really a crapshoot depending on the route, I think. I'll take the other benefits, too, and they're "worth it" as long as you don't spend a bunch of money to get them. There's a real dollar benefit to free Economy Plus, checked bags and the mileage multiple; but of course how much that's worth to you depends on what's important to you, let alone the intangibles like pre-boarding or better customer service. So far, the status and miles I've earned haven't involved spending any money I wouldn't have otherwise. With the sometimes exception of spending a little more to stick with United. Which is of course the point of a loyalty program. But I've never spent more on that increment than I've recovered in benefit on that flight (like from free Economy Plus). But who knows? Maybe I'll get so addicted I'll be tempted to make a "mileage run".