MilesBuzz! - InsideFlyer Research - Please Answer!

InsideFlyer magazine is going to publish an article on elite programs in our next issue and we would like your answers to the following four questions. You can either answer here, or email lyoung@insideflyer.com. Thank you!

1. In how many frequent flyer programs (not hotel programs) are you an elite-level member?

2. What one benefit do you appreciate the most in your elite program? (Early boarding, Lounge access, Elite flight bonuses, Exclusive awards, Upgrades)

3. Have you achieved life-time elite status in any program? (Yes, No)

4. Have you successfully asked a frequent flyer program to match your elite status in another program? (Yes, No, Haven't tried)

1. 7 airlines have sent me a card this year for being an elite member in their frequent flyer program.

2. Bonus miles for elite status is the most valued perk, but I also value the premium check-in, lounge access, priority boarding and other such perks too.

3. Yes I do have lifetime status in my favorite frequent flyer program.

4. Yes, I've received status matches before.

1. In how many frequent flyer programs (not hotel programs) are you an elite-level member? Elite in 1 program

2. What one benefit do you appreciate the most in your elite program? (Early boarding, Lounge access, Elite flight bonuses, Exclusive awards, Upgrades) Early Boarding (but upgrades are a close second)

3. Have you achieved life-time elite status in any program? (Yes, No) No

4. Have you successfully asked a frequent flyer program to match your elite status in another program? (Yes, No, Haven't tried) Yes

1. Elite in two airline programs: American Platinum, Virgin Atlantic Gold

2. Most valuable benefit is mileage bonus

3. Lifetime American Platinum

4. Have not requested status match.

1. 2
2. Systemwide Upgrades (However, I usually fly Int'l C which gives you some elite benefits by the nature of the ticket. If I flew Y more often, I'd probably value the elite checkin and fast track through the ever-burgeoning security lines more)
3. No.
4. Haven't tried.

1. Two

2. Domestic upgrades (NW), Economy+ (UA)

3. No

4. Yes

1. 3 this year

2. Lounge access, but also enjoy Priority checkin, elite phone line,
seat selection, upgrades

3. No! (EQM earned mainly on alliance, not on a single airline)

4. Yes

1. 1
2. Pre-reserved preferred seating (exit row)
3. yes
4. Haven't tried

1. 2

2. Elite flight bonuses, though access to elite security lines is a real plus

3. No

4. Haven't tried

1. In how many frequent flyer programs (not hotel programs) are you an elite-level member? 3 (BAEC Gold, Aeroplan Elite but not for much longer, Flying Blue Silver - which isn't very elite as eliteness goes but better than nothing)

2. What one benefit do you appreciate the most in your elite program? (Early boarding, Lounge access, Elite flight bonuses, Exclusive awards, Upgrades) Something you haven't listed: business/first class check-in. The next most important benefit to me is lounge access.

3. Have you achieved life-time elite status in any program? (Yes, No) No

4. Have you successfully asked a frequent flyer program to match your elite status in another program? Haven't tried.

InsideFlyer magazine is going to publish an article on elite programs in our next issue and we would like your answers to the following four questions. You can either answer here, or email lyoung@insideflyer.com. Thank you!

1. In how many frequent flyer programs (not hotel programs) are you an elite-level member?

2. What one benefit do you appreciate the most in your elite program? (Early boarding, Lounge access, Elite flight bonuses, Exclusive awards, Upgrades)

3. Have you achieved life-time elite status in any program? (Yes, No)

4. Have you successfully asked a frequent flyer program to match your elite status in another program? (Yes, No, Haven't tried)1-just one-united mileage plus
2-upgrades but followed closely by "being taken care of" if need be, choice of seating with no restrictions and priority boarding
3-no but goalie-dad has
4-not for me but i got ua to match goalie-dad's status

1. One
2. Bonus miles for being elite (close 2nd is the elite phone number/agents)
3. No (not available on Northwest)
4. No (haven't tried)

1. Two (UA and NW).

2. Elite Flight bonuses. I like the fact that I'm bagging some great personal travel with the RDMs I'm earning from 100% elite bonues on business travel. Sure, upgrades are nice, but I have no problem with coach for up to about 12 hours, and most of my travel is domestic. So I'm in it for the RDMs.

3. No.

4. Yes.
(NW matched earned UA low-tier status. Then I earned mid-tier on NW, and next year UA matched me up from earned low-tier to mid-tier based on NW. Game falls apart next year where only earned low-tier NW, mid-tier UA so that's all I'll be.)

I wouldn't have had a clue that status-matching was possible except for FlyerTalk.

1. Three
2. Early boarding
3. No
4. Yes, twice. Once I went on to requalify and the other time (different airline), I didn't.

1. 3 programs - UA US CO

2. Shorter check-in lines (domestic and overseas), double miles, bragging rights. :p

3. No.

4. Yes. America West morphed into USAir; and CO.

1 two

2 ug's, bonus mi's, early boarding, help w irr ops

3 yes

4 haven't tried

1. One
2. Priority Seating (E+/Exit Rows)
3. No
4. Haven't tried

1. One

2. Elite flight bonuses

3. No

4. Haven't tried but plan to

1. In how many frequent flyer programs (not hotel programs) are you an elite-level member? Two

2. What one benefit do you appreciate the most in your elite program? Internationally, I mostly fly C, so for me it's the Partner Elite card.

3. Have you achieved life-time elite status in any program? No.

4. Have you successfully asked a frequent flyer program to match your elite status in another program? Haven't tried.

(1) Two - UA and AA.
(2) General ability to obtain mediocre (instead of horrific) customer service from the airline. All other perks - upgrades, lounge, bonus miles, etc. - are secondary.
(3) Yes - AA Lifetime Gold.
(4) Yes. UA matched my AA Gold this year. I didn't really want to abandon AA (I'd rather be chugging along towards Lifetime Plat), but I fly to the West Coast often these days, and there is no easy AA way to get there. DL and Frontier both failed to respond to my status match request. Only UA matched - I've since flown about 55,000 miles on them.

My only elite program is AA (PLT-will travel about 70K miles this year) as they are the only airline other than CO that offers the most non stops to the destination I go a lot, particularly MIA where I have a second residence. While I would probably like CO more as it still operates as a full line carrier, EWR is one airport that I try to avoid. DL has increased particularly its JFK service, however, I like to stay true to an airline that has not done the pump and dump with its pension plan.

The stickers (upg) are the prime benefit followed by priority boarding.

Since I have no burning desire to use EWR I would not attempt to ask CO to match my status. And again some of what DL has done to its employees makes me queasy.

1. In how many frequent flyer programs (not hotel programs) are you an elite-level member? 3
2. What one benefit do you appreciate the most in your elite program? Mileage bonuses

3. Have you achieved life-time elite status in any program? No

4. Have you successfully asked a frequent flyer program to match your elite status in another program? Yes

InsideFlyer magazine is going to publish an article on elite programs in our next issue and we would like your answers to the following four questions. You can either answer here, or email lyoung@insideflyer.com. Thank you!

1. In how many frequent flyer programs (not hotel programs) are you an elite-level member?

3: United, British Midland, Air France/KLM

2. What one benefit do you appreciate the most in your elite program? (Early boarding, Lounge access, Elite flight bonuses, Exclusive awards, Upgrades)

United- preferred award inventory
British Midland- COS bonus miles counted toward status
Air France/KLM- preferred award inventory
3. Have you achieved life-time elite status in any program? (Yes, No)

YES- United Million Mile Flyer

4. Have you successfully asked a frequent flyer program to match your elite status in another program? (Yes, No, Haven't tried)

YES- Alaska matched United; KLM matched United; British Midland matched Air France/KLM; Swiss matched Air France/KLM

1. Currently elite in 5 FFPs (3 of these top status).

2. Best benefit varies by program. Eg on SQ it is clearing waitlists.

3. Not yet.

4. Haven't tried - no need so far.

1) 1
2) Exit row seat reservation followed closely by upgrades
3) No
4) No

1. 2

2. Economy Plus (United)

3. No

4. Haven't tried

InsideFlyer magazine is going to publish an article on elite programs in our next issue and we would like your answers to the following four questions. You can either answer here, or email lyoung@insideflyer.com. Thank you!

1. In how many frequent flyer programs (not hotel programs) are you an elite-level member? ONE

2. What one benefit do you appreciate the most in your elite program? (Early boarding, Lounge access, Elite flight bonuses, Exclusive awards, Upgrades) Upgrades

3. Have you achieved life-time elite status in any program? (Yes, No) NO

4. Have you successfully asked a frequent flyer program to match your elite status in another program? (Yes, No, Haven't tried)YES

1. 2
2. Mileage bonuses and early boarding
3. no
4. Haven't tried; saving this opportunity for when it will be most beneficial

1. one

2. upgrades (higher on the list) second: flight bonuses

3. no

4. haven't tried

InsideFlyer magazine is going to publish an article on elite programs in our next issue and we would like your answers to the following four questions. You can either answer here, or email lyoung@insideflyer.com. Thank you!

1. In how many frequent flyer programs (not hotel programs) are you an elite-level member?

2. What one benefit do you appreciate the most in your elite program? (Early boarding, Lounge access, Elite flight bonuses, Exclusive awards, Upgrades)

3. Have you achieved life-time elite status in any program? (Yes, No)

4. Have you successfully asked a frequent flyer program to match your elite status in another program? (Yes, No, Haven't tried)

1. 3 currently (UA, AS, US), only 1 (UA) next year
2. If it has to be one of the options listed above: upgrades. Otherwise, for UA, I would say award booking flexibility
3. No
4. Yes

1. Two
2. High level elite (on one of the two): international upgrades. Low level elite (on the other one): early boarding
3. Yes
4. Yes

1. 2 (AA,AZ)
2. Elite flight bonuses, upgrades,dedicated check-in lines and (at times) security lines; early boarding and elite hotline;irregular ops and stand-by priority.
3. No. :(
4.Haven't tried.

1. Only one
2. Domestic upgrades and the rare international op-up.
3. No-My program does not have one
4. Yes

1. One
2. Domestic upgrades
3. No-My program does not have one
4. Haven't tried

1. In how many frequent flyer programs (not hotel programs) are you an elite-level member? One (top-tier)

2. What one benefit do you appreciate the most in your elite program? (Early boarding, Lounge access, Elite flight bonuses, Exclusive awards, Upgrades)Upgrades!

3. Have you achieved life-time elite status in any program? (Yes, No)Yes (but I'm going for a higher lifetime status)

4. Have you successfully asked a frequent flyer program to match your elite status in another program? (Yes, No, Haven't tried)Haven't tried

1. One airline-AA

2. First-upgrades Second international award business class and first class

3. Yes, I am lifetime Platnium with AA

4. Haven't tried

1. One. Don't see a need to split mileage.

2. Skipping the security lineup. Gives me an extra hour at least to sleep in every time I fly. Second? Well, the OP only asked for the first ;) Upgrades are nice but a seat is a seat and early boarding? Well, that might save you from having to check a bag 10% of the time, but the lineup to get on a plane doesn't require you to get to the airport early. Dunno who that would be the biggest benefit.

3. No, and wouldn't really want it. If you don't fly enough to get elite status, then who cares about elite status.

4. Yup. I'm a domestic flier and well informed enough to ditch UA. CO hooked me up within two days.

1) Top tier on AA, AS, DL, US. Mid tier on CO. Bottom tier on NW.
2) Complementary space-available upgrades (when the airline isn't trying to do everything possible to sell them for peanuts at the gate to avoid giving them away for free).
3) Yes. AA Plat for life.
4) Yes. Failed to match on DL, had to earn it; bad move on their part. Matched on AS, got me to requal the following year, so we both won.

1. One
2. Priority Check-in; Early Boarding
3. No
4. Yes, and No. Well, this is a tough one. NW sent me an invite for status match the past spring. I sent in all the reqired paperwork and they said confirmation would arrive in a couple of weeks. So far, I got nothing in the mail from NW. So I think the answer to the question is: Yes, I tried, unsuccessfully. ;)

1. In how many frequent flyer programs (not hotel programs) are you an elite-level member? A: Three (UA, LH and AF if you're interested)

2. What one benefit do you appreciate the most in your elite program? (Early boarding, Lounge access, Elite flight bonuses, Exclusive awards, Upgrades) A: Lounge access

3. Have you achieved life-time elite status in any program? (Yes, No) A: Not yet, but close.

4. Have you successfully asked a frequent flyer program to match your elite status in another program? (Yes, No, Haven't tried) A: Yes, the Flying Dutchman offer from 2002 (but you had to fly to qualify for the match)

1. 1 program (Qantas)
2. Lounge access.
3. No. Not yet. Shortly!
4. Havn't tried. Reserving that for when I really need it!

1) 2 programs

2) Upgrades, Boarding, Bonuses..

3) No

4) Yes

1. Five, Four top, one brass.

2. Not in order. Guaranteed seat on sold out flight. Lounge Access. SWU's. Depends on carrier.

3. Yes on one, soon on a second.

4. Yes, the LH deal, however have qualified normally since then as Senator.

1. One program

2. Lounge access

3. No

4. Haven't tried

1. In how many frequent flyer programs (not hotel programs) are you an elite-level member? ONE

2. What one benefit do you appreciate the most in your elite program? (Early boarding, Lounge access, Elite flight bonuses, Exclusive awards, Upgrades) ELITE FLIGHT BONUSES

3. Have you achieved life-time elite status in any program? (Yes, No) NO

4. Have you successfully asked a frequent flyer program to match your elite status in another program? (Yes, No, Haven't tried) YES

1) 2 Programs

2) Lounge Access (strong point w/OW Emerald)

3) No

4) Yes

1. one
2. flight bonus miles
3. no
4. yes

One
Upgrades to F
No
No

1. Two, AA (Platinum) and AS (MVP Gold)

2. AA: Seat selection and upgrades. AS: Free unlimited 1st class upgrades and no charge to change tickets. Both: 100 percent bonus miles.

3. No.

4. Yes, America West several years ago.

Three programs: NW- PLat, UA -PE, US

Easy upgrades, customer service Elite line.

Yes, Dl

Yes, AA, CO, US, NW, UA

1. Zero
2. N/A
3. No
4. No

In how many frequent flyer programs (not hotel programs) are you an elite-level member?
Four

2. What one benefit do you appreciate the most in your elite program? (Early boarding, Lounge access, Elite flight bonuses, Exclusive awards, Upgrades)
Exclusive award access.

3. Have you achieved life-time elite status in any program? (Yes, No)
No.

4. Have you successfully asked a frequent flyer program to match your elite status in another program? (Yes, No, Haven't tried)
Yes

1. Two (AS MVPG, UA 1K)
2. Upgrades including ability to usually get exit row if F not available)
2. No
4. Never

Glenn

1. Yes (AA).
2. Exit row seats. I tend to take flights that are 3+ hours long and really appreciate the extra legroom. Second favorite benefit - a tie between bonus miles and upgrades
3. No
4. Haven't tried

1. United
2. Upgrades with higher priority for most services a close second
3. No, but working on it
4. Havent tried.

InsideFlyer magazine is going to publish an article on elite programs in our next issue and we would like your answers to the following four questions. You can either answer here, or email lyoung@insideflyer.com. Thank you!

1. In how many frequent flyer programs (not hotel programs) are you an elite-level member?

2. What one benefit do you appreciate the most in your elite program? (Early boarding, Lounge access, Elite flight bonuses, Exclusive awards, Upgrades)

3. Have you achieved life-time elite status in any program? (Yes, No)

4. Have you successfully asked a frequent flyer program to match your elite status in another program? (Yes, No, Haven't tried)

1. One
2. Early boarding
3. No
4. Yes, DL to CO in early 2001

1. Two programs
2. upgrades, mileage bonuses
3. No
4. Yes (this year from Continental to United)

One
Upgrades!
No
Haven't Tried

1. In how many frequent flyer programs (not hotel programs) are you an elite-level member? Two (UA & DL)

2. What one benefit do you appreciate the most in your elite program? (Early boarding, Lounge access, Elite flight bonuses, Exclusive awards, Upgrades) Most definitely upgrades - under which I include UA's E+ ... my favorite elite benefit!

3. Have you achieved life-time elite status in any program? No

4. Have you successfully asked a frequent flyer program to match your elite status in another program? Yes (DL)

1. Two programs

2.2-upgrades but followed closely by "being taken care of" if need be, choice of seating with no restrictions and priority boarding
(2) General ability to obtain mediocre (instead of horrific) customer service from the airline. All other perks - upgrades, lounge, bonus miles, etc. - are secondary.Like goalie and pinniped pointed out, a better shot at being protected/cared for in the event of IROPS, combined with shorter lines, shorter phone hold times, and other touches that improve the customer service experience. (bypassing a 100 pax long check-in line to get in the one person long elite line, then going to the lounce and spending that extra hour relaxing makes the experience almost civilized).
Upgrades, priority boarding, etc. are a subset of this answer, as are most of the other perks.

3. no

4. no

1. In how many frequent flyer programs (not hotel programs) are you an elite-level member? ONE

2. What one benefit do you appreciate the most in your elite program? (Early boarding, Lounge access, Elite flight bonuses, Exclusive awards, Upgrades) BEING TREATED VERY WELL DURING IRREGULAR OPS (The SWUs are also wonderful, as well as the mileage bonuses)

3. Have you achieved life-time elite status in any program? NO

4. Have you successfully asked a frequent flyer program to match your elite status in another program? Haven't tried

Kate

1. 2

2. upgrades

3. no

4. haven't tried

1. Currently 2

2. Upgrades

3. No

4. Yes

A number of replies have mentioned irregular ops. This is also important benefit for me, but the treatment I have received has been mixed. Some wonderful and very thankful of elite status (including bumping someone else off an oversold flight not long before departure to put me on to protect my connection for the next flight). Others not so good (QF this means you!).

1.One
2. Upgrades and pleasant service
3. No
4. Several years ago I matched premium on UA to silver on US.

1. 4, two airlines, 2 hotel
2. No Change fees, early upgrades
3. Yes, AA
4. Yes, twice with Airlines and hotels each, UA & AS, SPG, Hyatt

1. 2 (UA, AA)

2. Preferred seating (E+)/Upgrades

3. Yes (AA)

4. Yes (UA matched NW)

1) Currently elite in 5 programs: NW Plat, UA PremEx, US Gold (to expire in Feb 2007), BA Gold, AirTran (lifetime?) Elite

2) Complimentary First Class upgrades 95% of the time & pre-boarding/elite lines at security

3) No

4) Yes

1. In how many frequent flyer programs (not hotel programs) are you an elite-level member?

Two

2. What one benefit do you appreciate the most in your elite program? (Early boarding, Lounge access, Elite flight bonuses, Exclusive awards, Upgrades)

Upgrades, baby. First class all the way! ^

3. Have you achieved life-time elite status in any program? (Yes, No)

Not quite yet, but getting close.

4. Have you successfully asked a frequent flyer program to match your elite status in another program? (Yes, No, Haven't tried)

Yes. I have been matched by every program I have requested, except Marriott. They just don't seem to give status matches. That is cool as I am happy with HH Diamond and SPG Platinum.

1 One Delta
2 Upgrades
3 Yes Million Miler Lifetime Silver
4 Yes Long ago got a status match from USair

1 - 3
2 - UG
3 - No
4 - Yes

1. Two.
2. Upgrades.
3. No.
4. Yes.

1. Three (aka 3).
2. Upgrades.
3. No.
4. Yes.

hehehe
OK, one from the little guy here just to mix it up:

I am currently elite in nothing and that's fine for now. Congrats to all those who are. I know it's better and you earned it.

One time, though, I recall being involved in a significantly delayed flight situation in some frustrated lounge... They finally announced, "Would all the Platinum Elite members please come up to the counter..."

Everyone got up but me and some other guy. While they were all kibitzing over this and that priority whatever, the airline gate person waiting to scan ticket stubs and welcome you aboard waved us both to come up and we sauntered quietly onto the plane and found our seats in good ole economy. Everyone else eventually piled in with that disheveled look I've sometimes had...

Ok, resume partying! See ya in FC someday whenevah!
:D MM

1) Two
2) It is surprisingly seldom I get any of these benefits listed by the OP exclusively through my FF card.
3) N/A
4) No

1. In how many frequent flyer programs (not hotel programs) are you an elite-level member?
Lufthansa Miles and More: Senator

2. What one benefit do you appreciate the most in your elite program? (Early boarding, Lounge access, Elite flight bonuses, Exclusive awards, Upgrades)
Lounge access

3. Have you achieved life-time elite status in any program? (Yes, No)
no

4. Have you successfully asked a frequent flyer program to match your elite status in another program? (Yes, No, Haven't tried)
Haven't tried

1. In how many frequent flyer programs (not hotel programs) are you an elite-level member? 2

2. What one benefit do you appreciate the most in your elite program? (Early boarding, Lounge access, Elite flight bonuses, Exclusive awards, Upgrades) Flight bonuses

3. Have you achieved life-time elite status in any program? (Yes, No) No

4. Have you successfully asked a frequent flyer program to match your elite status in another program? (Yes, No, Haven't tried) No

1. 2

2. upgrades

3. no

4. haven't tried


TD

1. In how many frequent flyer programs (not hotel programs) are you an elite-level member? 1

2. What one benefit do you appreciate the most in your elite program? (Early boarding, Lounge access, Elite flight bonuses, Exclusive awards, Upgrades) Lounge access, followed closely by priority luggage handling and additional luggage allowance

3. Have you achieved life-time elite status in any program? (Yes, No) No

4. Have you successfully asked a frequent flyer program to match your elite status in another program? (Yes, No, Haven't tried) Not yet

1. 2

2. Exit row seating - only because I'm 6'6". The second biggest benefits are: When flying internationally, bonus miles. When flying domestically, upgrades.

3. No.

4. No.

1. One, United

2. Lounge access on Int'l, followed by preferred seating

3. no

4. haven't tried

1. One : AA PLT
2. Elite flt. bonuses
3. No
4. Haven't tried.

Michael

1. Seven
2. Early Boarding (followed closely by Elite bonus)
3. Yes
4. Yes

1. In how many frequent flyer programs (not hotel programs) are you an elite-level member?
1

2. What one benefit do you appreciate the most in your elite program?
Elite flight bonuses (Elite security lines a close second)

3. Have you achieved life-time elite status in any program?
No

4. Have you successfully asked a frequent flyer program to match your elite status in another program?
Haven't tried

1. Two.

2. Depends on the program: on UA, the upgrades; on BA (where I haven't yet managed to upgrade), the lounge access.

3. Yes.

4. Yes, once. I'm about to do so again (on a different airline).

1. 1

2. Reserved preferred seating (exit rows)

3. Almost (Jan 07)

4. Haven't tried

1. In how many frequent flyer programs (not hotel programs) are you an elite-level member? 2 - CO, AA

2. What one benefit do you appreciate the most in your elite program? (Early boarding, Lounge access, Elite flight bonuses, Exclusive awards, Upgrades) Upgrades

3. Have you achieved life-time elite status in any program? (Yes, No) Yes - CO

4. Have you successfully asked a frequent flyer program to match your elite status in another program? (Yes, No, Haven't tried) Yes - AA

1. 1-- AA
2. Early boarding, no waiting in line, and picking exit row seats
3. No...but thanks to FT .. am working on it thru churning
4. have'nt tried ..

1 - One.

2 - Upgrades (NW)

3 - No

4 - Yes

InsideFlyer magazine is going to publish an article on elite programs in our next issue and we would like your answers to the following four questions. You can either answer here, or email lyoung@insideflyer.com. Thank you!

1. In how many frequent flyer programs (not hotel programs) are you an elite-level member?

2. What one benefit do you appreciate the most in your elite program? (Early boarding, Lounge access, Elite flight bonuses, Exclusive awards, Upgrades)

3. Have you achieved life-time elite status in any program? (Yes, No)

4. Have you successfully asked a frequent flyer program to match your elite status in another program? (Yes, No, Haven't tried)

5

AA EXP - International VIP upgrades

Yes

Yes

1) One (Flying Blue)
2) Dedicated line for check in (it used to be lounge access, but now that AF has gone non-smoking in all of its lounges...)
3) No
4) Haven't tried

1. One
2. Early boarding
3. No
4. Haven't tried

1. In how many frequent flyer programs (not hotel programs) are you an elite-level member? Elite in 1 program

2. What one benefit do you appreciate the most in your elite program? (Early boarding, Lounge access, Elite flight bonuses, Exclusive awards, Upgrades) Economy + on UA

3. Have you achieved life-time elite status in any program? (Yes, No) No

4. Have you successfully asked a frequent flyer program to match your elite status in another program? (Yes, No, Haven't tried) Yes

1. 3 airlines
2. lounge access
3. no
4. haven't tried

1. One
2. Can choose Exit Row coach seats
3. No
4. Haven't tried

[QUOTE=lynda_insideflyer;6879502]InsideFlyer magazine is going to publish an article on elite programs in our next issue and we would like your answers to the following four questions. You can either answer here, or email lyoung@insideflyer.com. Thank you!

1. In how many frequent flyer programs (not hotel programs) are you an elite-level member? CO Plat and AA Gold

2. What one benefit do you appreciate the most in your elite program? Upgrades

3. Have you achieved life-time elite status in any program? No -- CO doesn't offer :(

4. Have you successfully asked a frequent flyer program to match your elite status in another program? Yes, from AA Plat to CO Gold

1 - NW Gold
2 - Domestic upgrades
3 - No
4 - Haven't tried

1. Elite in 6 airline programs.

2. Lounge access no matter which airline I'm flying (LH/SQ), Domestic upgrades (NW/DL).

3. No.

4. Yes.

1. 3

2. Upgrades, elite check-in/security

3. No

4. Yes

1. In how many frequent flyer programs (not hotel programs) are you an elite-level member? 2

2. What one benefit do you appreciate the most in your elite program? Upgrades

3. Have you achieved life-time elite status in any program? Yes

4. Have you successfully asked a frequent flyer program to match your elite status in another program? Yes

1. AA and DL

2. First, Upgrades and second, Elite Phone Number

3. Yes

4. Yes

Cheers

1. In how many frequent flyer programs (not hotel programs) are you an elite-level member?

3 - LH Senator, BA Gold, AF/KLM Silver

2. What one benefit do you appreciate the most in your elite program? (Early boarding, Lounge access, Elite flight bonuses, Exclusive awards, Upgrades)

LH/BA - Ground handling in general (First class check-in, elite security lines, lounge access independent of airline)
AF/KLM - Elite flight bonuses

3. Have you achieved life-time elite status in any program? (Yes, No)

No

4. Have you successfully asked a frequent flyer program to match your elite status in another program? (Yes, No, Haven't tried)

Yes

InsideFlyer magazine is going to publish an article on elite programs in our next issue and we would like your answers to the following four questions. You can either answer here, or email lyoung@insideflyer.com. Thank you!

1. In how many frequent flyer programs (not hotel programs) are you an elite-level member?1

2. What one benefit do you appreciate the most in your elite program? (Early boarding, Lounge access, Elite flight bonuses, Exclusive awards, Upgrades)Access to E+ (this is UA, of course).

3. Have you achieved life-time elite status in any program? (Yes, No)No. My best shot would have been TWA, but they went belly-up.

4. Have you successfully asked a frequent flyer program to match your elite status in another program? (Yes, No, Haven't tried)Yes, twice. CO matched my TW status, and UA matched my CO status.

One -- United
Upgrades
No
Yes, a few years ago (on Delta...)

1. 2

2. UA (E+)

3. no

4. yes

one
upgrades
no
haven't tried

1. In how many frequent flyer programs (not hotel programs) are you an elite-level member? 3

2. What one benefit do you appreciate the most in your elite program?
Upgrades, Elite Flight Bonuses

3. Have you achieved life-time elite status in any program? No

4. Have you successfully asked a frequent flyer program to match your elite status in another program? Yes

Hi,

(1) 3 - BA gold/VS Gold/bmi Silver

(2) Lounge access on cheap fares and bonus miles.

(3) No

(4)Yes

Regards

TBS

1. 2 - AA and NW (though I will drop out of elite in NW next year)

2. upgrades and good, competent service

3. No

4. Yes (In fact, twice with AA)

1. Two

2. Upgrades

3. Yes

4. Have not tried

1. 2 programs with Elite status

2. Upgrades

3. No

4. Haven't tried

1. AA, NW
2. Most value special status phones in Irr Ops situations.
3. No
4. No

1. 2

2. Upgrades

3. No

4. Yes

2 (AA and EK)
bonus miles
No
yes

Elite in 3 programs
Complementary & unlimited domestic upgrades subject to availability (but batting close to 100% on NW for upgrades in '06)
No
Yes.

1) 3 (LH,GF,EK)
2) exit row seats in Y, elite check-in, lounge access
3) No
4) Haven´t tried

1. 2
2. Upgrades
3. No
4. Yes

1. 3

2. Upgrades

3. No

4. Yes

1. AS (MVPG) and UA 1P

2. Double Miles

3. No.

4. Yes (AS matched UA - and it worked for them, i qualified on my own the next year)

1. In how many frequent flyer programs (not hotel programs) are you an elite-level member?
5 (AA EXP, CO Platinum, LH FTL, UA Premier, BA Silver)

2. What one benefit do you appreciate the most in your elite program? (Early boarding, Lounge access, Elite flight bonuses, Exclusive awards, Upgrades)
Upgrades

3. Have you achieved life-time elite status in any program? (Yes, No)
Yes

4. Have you successfully asked a frequent flyer program to match your elite status in another program? (Yes, No, Haven't tried)
Yes.

InsideFlyer magazine is going to publish an article on elite programs in our next issue and we would like your answers to the following four questions. You can either answer here, or email lyoung@insideflyer.com. Thank you!

1. In how many frequent flyer programs (not hotel programs) are you an elite-level member?

3 (AA/DL/NW)

2. What one benefit do you appreciate the most in your elite program? (Early boarding, Lounge access, Elite flight bonuses, Exclusive awards, Upgrades)

Bonus points and Lounge access, thats it.

3. Have you achieved life-time elite status in any program? (Yes, No)

Yes, LT Plat AA

4. Have you successfully asked a frequent flyer program to match your elite status in another program? (Yes, No, Haven't tried)

Not necessary for me yet, for mrs. psyflyer... of course.;)

1. In how many frequent flyer programs (not hotel programs) are you an elite-level member? ONE (Delta)

2. What one benefit do you appreciate the most in your elite program? Double miles

3. Have you achieved life-time elite status in any program? No

4. Have you successfully asked a frequent flyer program to match your elite status in another program? Haven't asked (But was offered by the airline and accepted by me many years ago)

1. Just one.
2. Upgrades. Despite its reputation for being awful for upgrades, CO has almost always come through with me on that. I do fly mostly Tues/Weds, but still. The mileage bonus is the second most important bennie.
3. No
4. Haven't tried.

>1. In how many frequent flyer programs (not hotel programs) are you an >elite-level member?

2

>2. What one benefit do you appreciate the most in your elite program?
>(Early boarding, Lounge access, Elite flight bonuses, Exclusive awards, >Upgrades)

Preferential seating, Early Boarding, Miles Bonuses

>3. Have you achieved life-time elite status in any program? (Yes, No)

No

>4. Have you successfully asked a frequent flyer program to match your elite >status in another program? (Yes, No, Haven't tried)[/QUOTE]

Yes

1. One
2. Lounge Access (never received an upgrade so I can't say I appreciate those the most)
3. No
4. Haven't tried

InsideFlyer magazine is going to publish an article on elite programs in our next issue and we would like your answers to the following four questions. You can either answer here, or email lyoung@insideflyer.com. Thank you!

1. In how many frequent flyer programs (not hotel programs) are you an elite-level member?

2. What one benefit do you appreciate the most in your elite program? (Early boarding, Lounge access, Elite flight bonuses, Exclusive awards, Upgrades)

3. Have you achieved life-time elite status in any program? (Yes, No)

4. Have you successfully asked a frequent flyer program to match your elite status in another program? (Yes, No, Haven't tried)

LH-Senator, CO-Gold, DL-Gold, NW-Silver,
1,Elite bonus miles. 2. Lounge access. 3. Priority check in and pre-boarding
NO
Yes LH-senator to DL-Gold

1. One (NW gold)
2. Sitting up in front via FC upgrades!! :D :-:
3. No
4. Haven't tried

1. One
2. Early Boarding and 100% bonus
3. Yes
4. Almost tried, but didn't, so haven't tried

2
upgrades
haven't tried
no

1. 3

2. Upgrades followed closely by check-in and early boarding. Upgrades because I mostly (90%) fly long haul.

3. Yes.

4. Yes.

Good luck with the survey......

1. One (UA)
2. Upgrades (both domestic and international)
3. No
4. Haven't tried.

1. 1 (AA)

2. Upgrades.

3. No, almost there (860K on AA).

4. No, but I did challenge on AA.

1. now only miles&more (LX, LH, OS, LOT) - formerly also Flying Dutchman (KLM) and Mileage Plus (UA)

2. as a SEN (miles&more) the partner awards that cost only 150% of the miles (2nd: fast check-in at 1st class counter, even when flying eco)

3. YES, LH SEN (qualification criteria are: must be over 60, must have been unniterrupted SEN for 10 years and still be SEN when applying, must have over 1 Mio lifetime flight-mileage credits, must apply - not granted automatically )

4. YES, Mileage Plus (UA): I was 1K with them, but gave up using them when they cancelled flying from ZRH (to IAD); when they resumed ZRH-IAD 3 years later I asked and got 1K again.

1. In how many frequent flyer programs (not hotel programs) are you an elite-level member?

2. What one benefit do you appreciate the most in your elite program? (Early boarding, Lounge access, Elite flight bonuses, Exclusive awards, Upgrades)

3. Have you achieved life-time elite status in any program? (Yes, No)

4. Have you successfully asked a frequent flyer program to match your elite status in another program? (Yes, No, Haven't tried)

1. One. AA
2. It's a whole package, though priority seating and upgrades are most important.
3. No
4. Never tried.

1. One

2. Elite flight bonuses

3. No

4. Haven't tried

1. 1
2. upgrades!
3. no
4. haven't tried

1. 1
2. upgrades!
3. no
4. haven't tried

I'll second that - same as freeloader :p

1. 1

2. Upgrades

3. Nope

4. Haven't tried

ITTIA

1. In how many frequent flyer programs (not hotel programs) are you an elite-level member?

1. Elite level member in 2 airline FF programs

2. #1 benefit - bonus mileage, #2 benefit - priority boarding, #3 benefit - upgrades

3. No

4. Yes

1. In how many frequent flyer programs (not hotel programs) are you an elite-level member?

--Just DL

2. What one benefit do you appreciate the most in your elite program? (Early boarding, Lounge access, Elite flight bonuses, Exclusive awards, Upgrades)

--Bonus points, free domestic upgrades, occaissional international upgrades (usually saves me realistically only 30% when I use them) and elite lines - esp. security lines! I will miss the free Crown Room Club from DL come March, as I don't think they offer enough value for the lounge. (I don't care about free drinks, but add easy internet options, more massage chairs and nice hair products or something to freshen up int he bathroom, and I'll reconsider.)

3. Have you achieved life-time elite status in any program? (Yes, No)

--No - about 1/3 of the way there.

4. Have you successfully asked a frequent flyer program to match your elite status in another program?

--No, never asked.

1. 1, although it'll be zero in about a year since I refuse to fly commercial anymore
2. Upgrades
3. No
4. Haven't tried

1. 2
2. upgrade awards
3. no
4. no, was declined

1. One
2. Elite access, early boarding, elite security line, and elite check-in
3. No
4. Haven't tried

1. One.

2. A. Upgrades; B. (usable) international upgrades.

3. No.

4. No...Haven't tried.

1. In how many frequent flyer programs (not hotel programs) are you an elite-level member?

One currently, AA. Used to be in Delta too. Had both 1998-2001.

2. What one benefit do you appreciate the most in your elite program?

Upgrades.

3. Have you achieved life-time elite status in any program?

Yes, AA Platinum (mid-tier).

4. Have you successfully asked a frequent flyer program to match your elite status in another program?

Yes, AA matched my DL status in 1998. My travel agent (remember those?) made it happen through her sales rep. Never asked directly.

1. Three (Delta , AA, NW)

2. Delta Upgrades

3. No

4. Yes - Delta Matched AA

1. In how many frequent flyer programs (not hotel programs) are you an elite-level member?
1

2. What one benefit do you appreciate the most in your elite program? (Early boarding, Lounge access, Elite flight bonuses, Exclusive awards, Upgrades)
Upgrades

3. Have you achieved life-time elite status in any program? (Yes, No)
Yes

4. Have you successfully asked a frequent flyer program to match your elite status in another program? (Yes, No, Haven't tried)
Haven't tried

1. One

2. Exit rows and early boarding

3. No

4. Haven't tried

I am Elite in three programs.

I value all the perks, but especially bonus miles, upgrades and priority check-in/boarding.

I do not have lifetime status anywhere yet.

I have not used my status to leverage another carrier.

1. 1
2. Bonus miles
3. no
4. haven't tried

1. 2 (AA & DL)
2. Early boarding
3. Yes, AA MM
4. Yes, AA matched UAL in 1996, and I quickly made PLT on AA.

1 - 2 Flying Blue Platinum, SK Gold
2 - Upgrades
3 - Will qualify for Lifetime in 2 years
4 - Haven't tried

1. 2

2. Upgrades

3. No

4. Yes (twice)