I know this topic has probably been beating up a number of times, but I am currently a FO and I am less than 1K from being a GM. My issue is that I won't be flying as much next year, and I am doubting if I'll even make Silver again. I did say, before this year, that I wouldn't be flying much this year either and ended up almost at Gold, but I expected to fly enough for Silver.
Is it worth it to have Gold for next year for roughly 6 trips, or keep Silver for two more years? I have been upgraded at least 40% of the time as an FO, and like the ability to pick E-row when I book. My main complaint is not being Sky Priority. It would also be nice to be able to upgrade my wife when we use award travel because many of the destinations are not heavy business destinations.
I was thinking that if I loose Silver I would just start paying for Economy Comfort which would get me most of what I want. I am also hoping that Delta doesn't make the Silver program worse in 2013.
Go for GM. The benefits are much better than FO. If you end up flying a lot, the benefits will be great and you will likely qualify for FO next year. If you end up not flying then you dont need status anyway. Oh...and welcome to FT!
I made gold for the first time this year. I have seen only a slight increase in upgrades from Silver (I typically fly unusual time and routes so it was very high to begin with) but I have really enjoyed the ability to SDC and pick economy comfort right after booking.
I know this topic has probably been beating up a number of times, but I am currently a FO and I am less than 1K from being a GM. My issue is that I won't be flying as much next year, and I am doubting if I'll even make Silver again. I did say, before this year, that I wouldn't be flying much this year either and ended up almost at Gold, but I expected to fly enough for Silver.
I think the real question is....what are you doing in 2015?
If you hold short, one trip is going to get you FO for 2014. Then you have until 2015 to earn enough MQMs to maintain some status.
If you plan on doing any kind of flying in the future, you do not want to go all the way back to a general member. If you honestly think your "elite earning" days are over; take GM for next year and go out with a bang.
I would go for Gold. 2014 is a ways off, and who knows what might happen between now and then. Silver isn't hard to get to with CC sign up bonuses, buying MQMs, a few flights, etc. Gold is a big step up, so take it for the next 14 months and worry about getting Silver at the end of next year.
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 19,458
Quote:
Originally Posted by clean97z
I know this topic has probably been beating up a number of times, but I am currently a FO and I am less than 1K from being a GM. My issue is that I won't be flying as much next year, and I am doubting if I'll even make Silver again. I did say, before this year, that I wouldn't be flying much this year either and ended up almost at Gold, but I expected to fly enough for Silver.
Is it worth it to have Gold for next year for roughly 6 trips, or keep Silver for two more years? I have been upgraded at least 40% of the time as an FO, and like the ability to pick E-row when I book. My main complaint is not being Sky Priority. It would also be nice to be able to upgrade my wife when we use award travel because many of the destinations are not heavy business destinations.
I was thinking that if I loose Silver I would just start paying for Economy Comfort which would get me most of what I want. I am also hoping that Delta doesn't make the Silver program worse in 2013.
What are your thoughts?
Note that whether FO or GM--or PM or DM--you cannot upgrade a companion on an award ticket.
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Note that whether FO or GM--or PM or DM--you cannot upgrade a companion on an award ticket.
Not officially. I've done it twice at the gate a couple years back. This only works if seats were going to go out empty in F and you have a nice GA. I ended up gifting her GM so that wasn't an issue any more.
Thanks for the feedback. I think I will go for it. Now the debate is do I buy the 2500 miles or go for the purchase of Sky Club and get the 1500 miles (I think it was 1500).
Thanks for the feedback. I think I will go for it. Now the debate is do I buy the 2500 miles or go for the purchase of Sky Club and get the 1500 miles (I think it was 1500).
If you don't have an existing Skyclub membership, then buying the Skyclub membership gives you something tangible to use plus the MQMs.
- go for the purchase of Sky Club and get the 1500 MQMs!
If you don't have an existing Skyclub membership, then buying the Skyclub membership gives you something tangible to use plus the MQMs.
- go for the purchase of Sky Club and get the 1500 MQMs!
I actually wouldn't recommend that. They are over-crowded. Free drinks are nice, but when I was letting mine lapse I found I could go in but didn't anymore.
I actually wouldn't recommend that. They are over-crowded. Free drinks are nice, but when I was letting mine lapse I found I could go in but didn't anymore.
It's $395 to purchase a 2,500 MQM's, or $400 for a Silver to purchase a SkyClub membership that will give 1,500 MQM's. I'm definitely with dd1612 on getting the SkyClub membership so at least you are getting something tangible to go along with the Gold status.
SkyClubs are either terribly overcrowded or they're fine (and quite nice). It all depends on which airport you're at.
For example, don't bother trying to go into the one in DCA, particularly in the late afternoon.
On the other hand, I camped out in the SLC club for about 8 hours on a weekday (about 4pm until 12:30am) a couple of weeks ago and found it to be quite relaxing and nice.
The ATL clubs get busy at peak times but never get totally unmanageable like the one at DCA.
Programs: DL PM (as of 12/19/2012-all BIS miles), SC Member: 2012 upgrades 43 of 59
Posts: 774
Quote:
Originally Posted by dd1612
If you don't have an existing Skyclub membership, then buying the Skyclub membership gives you something tangible to use plus the MQMs.
- go for the purchase of Sky Club and get the 1500 MQMs!
I agree. I drink my weight in gold in those SC's so go for the tangible benefits. Plus with any IROPS, SDC, issues, seat changes, sky club agents are a god send. Go for the SC membership. Also allows 2 guests per member so you can get your wife in plus another guest.
I spent 2 years as FO. Dreadful and mostly useless except free bag check. But Amex gets you that anyway.
As GM for 2011 and 2012 I have been much happier. Sky priority and preference over FO's in IROPS is huge. There are a TON of FO's. but UG %... Don't get your hopes up too much. I really had high hopes for UG's as gold and its been lackluster to say the least.
Plus gold get free EC on domestic which is nice. And a decent discount on intl EC as well.
