After a fifteen year career in which I did a lot of business travel, I retired in 2002. Since then, I have been busy starting my own business (of course, I have also taken a few well deserved vacations by redeeming miles).

Post March 1, I find myself in an interesting situation that I have never before experienced. I have plenty of miles - substantial 6 and 7 figure balances on all the major carriers. However, I have no status at all. Base member. Non elite. Tier level: Blue. You get the picture.

How much difficulty will I have redeeming future awards with no status? Any thoughts/advice?