Originally Posted by
Kate_Canuck
I just crossed the 75K threshold with CO and expect to reach 100K by the end of the year. I'm curious to know if there are any significant differences in tangible benefits and the travel experience as a Plat (and likely as a 100K Plat in the near future). I know that I'll be getting a couple of regional upgrade certificates at 75K and some SWUs at 100K, but how easy are these to use in practice? Is there much a difference regarding the frequency of complimentary upgrades as a Plat (versus as a Gold)?
I used to have Gold status with BA (similar to Plat status with CO) for about 5 years, and I did find that there were some significant benefits associated with Gold versus Silver. (For example, the frequency of op-ups as a Gold was much higher. Also, I had access to the First Lounge at Heathrow, not just the Club Lounge. And I found that Customer Service tended to go out of its way to assist me when there were travel problems, like cancelled flights etc.)
I have no real experience with being CO Plat (although, on the one TATL I did on CO after the status match I did score upgrades both ways), but I do have experience with having been Premier Exec (50K) and 1K (100K) with UA and I notice some significant differences. If you are going to hit 100K, then you will be UA 1K next year.
The differences were especially noticable last year when I was 1K and my wife was PE (dropped to P for this year, will be back to PE next year). I ended up turning down a number of upgrades because I was number one on the list at the airport and she was like 12 (chose to sit with her in coach).
I have always been able to use up all my SWUs, but I do 3-4 TATLs a year for my job and my employer will only pay for coach. May end up giving away some regionals, though, because UDU kicks in so often.
Also, in my experience you can get a lot more help out of the 1K line, expecially during irregular operations, than the PE line. Being 1K also gets you a room for the night if you get stranded, or so I am told (not had to test this benefit, yet).
You are also much more likely to get your first choice of meals when in business or first.
Welcome to the club, if you get your 100K.