Originally Posted by
Gargoyle
In theory someone could, by running something on the order of $110k through various AMEX cards, plus Hilton stays and some other promos, but it would take a lot of effort. And, if that person isn't actually flying, what does it matter? They don't compete for upgrades, they don't use their benefits, they don't drink all the Woodford in the lounge, so it doesn't impact the rest of us.
Interesting! that's undoubtedly the reason that the carriers are willing to offer lifetime status--- once those people are eventually flying less, they will be low-cost elites.
I should mention that in 2000, AA did try out a top tier promo--- anyone buying a single round-trip premium class ticket overseas was "gifted" EXP status for a year. This proved a disaster because the promo-ed EXP's ate up a huge amount of top tier hotline (and, when they did fly, airport staff) resources, being relatively "clueless" compared to the usual top tier BIS flyers.