How Important Is "Status" With Hotels & Airlines & Credit Cards?

[jsattapr2]

Just got notification of my Hyatt Visa annual fee, followed by an award of my free night certificate.

OK, the night really isn't free, IMO, it is just a way of 'buying' a deeply discounted one night stay at a Cat 4 Hyatt.

I like Hyatt properties, so I think this is a pretty good deal. I also enjoy the perks that come along with Platinum status.

[jmbklj]

Perhaps some of you saw the recent story on the Today Show about frequent flyers doing mileage runs in order to keep their elite status with the airlines. In case you missed it, here is a link for it. What's also interesting are the comments below the article, including the comments from Howie, the guy in the Today Show piece who did the Istanbul mileage run. FWIW, I've met Howie and Rick Ingersoll who is also quoted in the article; they're masters on how to maximize loyalty program benefits.


Status check: Extreme travelers sit through taxing 'mileage runs' - TODAY News

[omegaet]

jmbjlk....I'm beyond mileage runs, but status can often mean a better seat:

AA_777_.jpg

[danielboldea]

I keep a close eye on tier points and make sure that I re-qualify for elite status. Last year I broke up a direct flight into two segments to get an extra 10 tier points keeping me at silver elite on BA.

I have to say, BA lounges in London are of amazing quality. It is great to be able to take a hot, energizing shower after an overnight flight, before connecting on a following segment. Not to mention all other perks like waived baggage fees, business check-in, shorter security lines, early seating assignments, priority luggage handling, access to lounges and the extra miles offered!

I believe it pays to be mindful of everything you can get "for free" when traveling. Those little added bonuses make all the difference in the world!

[jsattapr2]

jmbjlk....I'm beyond mileage runs, but status can often mean a better seat:

AA_777_.jpg

What's in the big package?

[kyshel]

What's in the big package?

Looks like a full-sized pillow and blanket/comforter to me. That package is one of my faves on DL business elite overseas. Recently, DL started adding a small neck pillow to the package. I see some socks and maybe an eyeshade on the shelf? And a menu...Maybe some jammies?
Am I right? Do I win a prize?

[danielboldea]

Looks like a full-sized pillow and blanket/comforter to me. That package is one of my faves on DL business elite overseas. Recently, DL started adding a small neck pillow to the package. I see some socks and maybe an eyeshade on the shelf? And a menu...
Am I right? Do I win a prize?

I don't think the contest is open to the airline's employees .

[omegaet]

j-s-2....the large bundle contains the clothing I had turned in to the purser on the southbound leg - light starch in the shirts and no starch in the briefs).

Actually, kyshel is correct.... blanket, duvet, quilted bed topper, slippers and pajamas and the same and the usual amenity kit. The eyeshade & socks are on the ledge. This is seat 4G on a 777. It's my favorite 'coffin' when I am flying unescorted on this plane. Eventually, AA will introduce their new configurations up front and I'll have to find a new favorite.

The prize!

kyshel, as will all of us, have to wait a few more days to see if Santa puts another VIP Cert in her stocking!

[dh[email protected]]

I wish flying 1st/business to Latin America had perks like this! Latin America is the only route I can afford to fly in 1st/business. Maybe in another 20 years I will make elite status or if we win the lottery we could do it! I would love to fly to Europe or Asia like that. When I went to Paris on US Air the coach seats were horrible - my legs are long and they hit the seat in front of me - this was before they charged extra to buy the economy seats with a bit of extra legroom.

[kyshel]

I was very surprised with some airfare prices today on DL website. I just wanted to check seats in biz on several one way flights to Asia (NRT and PEK) Quite a few of the connecting flights were about $1000 more in biz than coach on the nonstops. Who knew? Still some significant prices, but that's much of a difference.
I've done enough horrible seats on USAir (to London) in the olden days when I dated a Brit long-distance. I empathize--my legs are long, too. I used to run into a US gate agent at PIT who gave me upgrade coupons (oh, yeah, those WERE the days!) and I amassed tons of miles and got first class seats for nothing extra. (I'm still trying to use my last 23K miles from 20 yrs ago!)