I typically take about 25 flights a year on Delta a year. I'm two (2) segments short of Silver this year. I've been FO or GM for several prior years. As FO, I've generally enjoyed a solid upgrade rate and priority standby. Is it worth a mileage run to keep FO status? (It will set me back about $330 and Sunday morning.)
I'd just buy a few miles, but I'm a segment flyer.
I'd say some status is better than none, not that silver is all that great anymore. But if you were getting upgrades as silver it is likely worth it if you think you'll be flying a similar amount in 2013.
If you were getting upgrades before (and/or if you see FC go out empty frequently on flights you routinely take) then I'd say go for it too.
I know that better than 50% of the time I see empty FC seats on my commuter route, so FO now gives me access to them and is therefore well worth the small up front expense.
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 20,461
Despite all the criticism that FO isn't worth very much, it seems to be advantageous for your travel patterns, so go for it without guilt. Think how much you could regret not doing this every time you travel next year. Since you only need two segments, this gives you a lot of flexibility to find a MR that will be either cheap or fun, if not both. Why not make a weekend mini-vacation and genuinely enjoy it?
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Even if you never check bags, an FO gets to board before the non-status passengers, which means you are unlikely to be in the final group where there is no space left in the overhead.
