Join Date: Oct 2006
Programs: UA, bmi, AA, CO, DL, B6, AMEX, Hertz, Most Hotels
Posts: 3,002
another +1 for airlines
While I fly enough to achieve 1K on UA, it's all MRs and all on my dime.
So far, I've definitely benefited from it (close in award availability w/ no fee, great service during IRROPS, etc)
While I've managed to obtain Gold Status with Marriott, SPG, Hilton and Plat with PC. (mostly through promos and such) turns out I don't really get to enjoy the benefits.
Speaking of Marriott, one of the main benefits is Concierge Lounge access. Sadly, most of my Mileage Runs and stays are on off-hours or weekends, when they close those Lounges.
Also, IME, the nicer the Marriott resort , the worse they've seemed to treat me (as a Gold) and I've read the same sentiment from Plats.
Don't get me wrong, I'd rather have status than go without but so far, the meager benefits don't make up for the cost required to obtain it the hard way.
YMMV