Comments on: Done Right, Airline Elite Status Makes People Insane

By: The epicure

The epicure — Sat, 27 May 2023 19:44:57 +0000

In reply to Nico.

Dude, status on only two alliances?
I have lifetime status on all three.
And another 200K BIS miles on UA, GS FOR LIFE on *A.
No more “loyalty” after that.

By: John K

John K — Sat, 20 May 2023 01:37:56 +0000

I have found that I am ridiculously loyal to Qantas due to the perks, but their airfares are pretty ridiculous at the moment. The first lounge is stunning (even the first check in area is beautiful and serene and separated from the hordes of people checking in elsewhere). Oneworld is also the only alliance to have a number of first lounges in the network so it feels ‘worth it’ even though they are often 20-30% more expensive than say Thai or ANA. Holding elite status at your home port is often a great experience – access to SQ’s private airport entrance if travelling by car even if not in FC for example. It’s reaffirmed when friends are travelling with me and they are gobsmacked by the efficiency and much calmer experience. The Perrier Jouet in the lounge admittedly helps! Also the priority for points upgrades which I am amazed at how often they are approved. It is expensive but it’s such a more pleasant experience all around.

By: Cal

Cal — Thu, 18 May 2023 18:17:53 +0000

You also forgot to mention how well you are treated when you’re an elite flyer. Every time I fly Virgin in Upper Class, someone comes by and personally welcomes me on board and we have a brief chat. they don’t do that for other customers. So I get to feel like a rock star for a few minutes. I know that sounds stupid and vain but I am stupid and vain so it works for me. And I get all the other perks you mentioned, like free upgrades (sometimes), lounge access and all the rest. Could I save some money by flying BA? maybe, but I don’t even look anymore.

By: Nico

Nico — Thu, 18 May 2023 15:23:56 +0000

Well you need to consider that whoever achieves airline status by definition flies more than the average person and probably doesn’t necessarily need to look for the cheapest option but would rather spend an extra couple hundred dollars to unlock all the benefits status comes with. I see it as an investment (that is totally worth it)

By: Willem

Willem — Thu, 18 May 2023 15:13:35 +0000

Swap Star Alliance for Skyteam and you have my current situation… being USA-based I find loyalty to Delta unimaginable LOL

By: Gilbert Ott

Gilbert Ott — Thu, 18 May 2023 15:01:12 +0000

In reply to Nico. Yep, totally. But I'm just arguing that as a consumer, it makes us irrational to not consider other options and that, oddly, is them doing a very good job.

By: Nico

Nico — Thu, 18 May 2023 14:50:48 +0000

Elite plus with TK gives me several thousand $ worth in perks every year:
-free additional luggage
-free United Club access (even if flying eco) and lounges worldwide
-2 free upgrades/year on TK
-occasional free upgrades on other *A flight due to status

Status valid 2 years, plus saves me lots of time by using biz check-in counter and always group 1 boarding.

Airline loyalty makes total sense when done right.