Airline Status: What benefits do you actually get?

[ponyboy]

We churn credit cards so we take advantage of any airline offering miles. 15 years ago we honeymooned in Hawaii. Cost $150/each plus points from the East Coast. We thought that was a good deal then. That was the first flight we took using points/churning credit cards. We've gotten a lot better at playing the game since then.

 

[CO-guy]

Just returned from a trip to Asia and having Silver status was a huge help and major cost savings.

1. Our trans-Pacific outbound flight was cancelled due to a combination of mechanical issues, time spent de-icing and (ultimately) the crew timing out. In a crowded gate full of irate passengers waiting on help, we were able to access a "premier" customer service agent quickly by text/chat. The agent rebooked us in just a few minutes, sent us digital hotel and meal vouchers, and a submission form to send receipts for any incidental expenses. We departed early the next morning and it was such a stress relief to have someone sort things out for us right away while sitting in a sea of chaos, I can't put a price on that.
2. We were traveling to Asia to ski and each had a large ski bag. Each bag contained two pairs of skis as well as avalanche gear (shovels, probes, etc.) and other heavy items. My bag weighed over 60lbs and my better-half's bag was 55lbs. With Silver status, the weight limit is 70lbs rather than 50lbs which saved us each $200 in overweight baggage fees.
3. On both the outbound and return flights, we were given vouchers for free WiFi. It wasn't something we had planned on, but it was a nice perk.

Since returning, I've also discovered that Silver status allow me to access the "paid" seats on flights for free. Economy Plus still costs money to select, but the $20-40 "extra" fee seats are now free. For our trip to Europe this summer I was able to select seats between 10-20 rows further forward on all 7 of our flights for no additional charge. Same with an upcoming consulting trip later this month. Plus, an additional upgrade to at least Economy Plus is still a likely possibility at check-in. Either way, this is much more value than I had expected from this low-level airline status.

 

[audreyh1]

Thanks for letting us know!

 

[tulak]

I somehow managed to get Gold Status on Delta, which gives me access to KLM lounges in Amsterdam.

This came in handy the other day when my flight was delayed a couple of hours, on top of a 3 hour layover. The KLM lounges are much nicer than what you get with Priority Pass.

In addition to the extra comfort, it saved me $20-$30 I would have spent getting a meal/coffee somewhere else.

These little things add up.

 

[bonvoyage]

Since we live just 30 minutes drive from Newark, we have mostly flown United since we usually we want nonstop flights. As such, I managed to reach gold status on United just from leisure travel. But with the devaluations of points and the lack of upgrades on our usual routes, I have not found any value in retaining status with United so I have determined not to let loyalty stop me from getting good deals when I can find them.
We just flew to India on Emirates in business class. Not only was the in-flight experience far superior to United Polaris, it was significantly cheaper and the fare included chauffeur service on both ends.
Next month, we are flying to Greece in British Airways Club World (their business class). Again, it was a good $1000 cheaper than United and their in-flight service is competitive.
We will be flying to Bangkok for a wedding in August and found that Singapore Airlines business class is significantly cheaper than United. I know from experience that SQ business class is in a different league altogether.

 

[CO-guy]

Since we live just 30 minutes drive from Newark, we have mostly flown United since we usually we want nonstop flights. As such, I managed to reach gold status on United just from leisure travel. But with the devaluations of points and the lack of upgrades on our usual routes, I have not found any value in retaining status with United so I have determined not to let loyalty stop me from getting good deals when I can find them.
We just flew to India on Emirates in business class. Not only was the in-flight experience far superior to United Polaris, it was significantly cheaper and the fare included chauffeur service on both ends.
Next month, we are flying to Greece in British Airways Club World (their business class). Again, it was a good $1000 cheaper than United and their in-flight service is competitive.
We will be flying to Bangkok for a wedding in August and found that Singapore Airlines business class is significantly cheaper than United. I know from experience that SQ business class is in a different league altogether.

At that level of service, it doesn't sound like it's worthwhile to remain brand loyal. Both my better-half and I will get United Silver this year and are already hopeful for more discounted fares to use miles. For us, that was a cost savings of close to $2000 this past year.

 

[Chuckanut]

Southwest has announced a new perquisite for people with high level status, two checked bags for free. Mediocre status gives a customer only one bag checked for free. Little or no status means paying for checked bags. The changes start in about two months.

 

[audreyh1]

Interesting. They really are moving closer to regular airline rules, although one checked bag free is still more generous. Still no first class I assume, ha ha

 

[Chuckanut]

Interesting. They really are moving closer to regular airline rules, although one checked bag free is still more generous. Still no first class I assume, ha ha

Sadly they took away the previous perquisite of two free bags checked for everybody. Supposedly the free bags were there to help SW keep their schedule on time. I assume that with more people checking their bags, loading and unloading passengers went more quickly.

I don’t travel on SW very much since their flights to where I travel often require at least one change of planes and all the hassles of doing so. Once I was chastised by a SW flight attendant for ‘making the whole plane wait”. Actually, my SW incoming flight was late and I ended up racing from one gate to the other to help them be on time for this departure. They should have given me at least a bronze medal for airport slaloming. And a free drink.

 

[CO-guy]

I've never flown SW. They just don't seem to fly where we're going.

We're nearly always carryon only, but being able to check a pair of overweight ski bags for free was definitely a nice perk. Cost savings on the trip for that perk was $400 ($100 per bag each way).

My better-half also commented how much she liked being further forward in the plane during boarding and deplaning. She said it was easily worth an extra $5-10