Originally Posted by
brooklynmatt
Thanks for your responses all.
I guess from seeing them and thinking further it is more a case of how many miles do you need to not worry about the question...
EG if I had 1M in each program plus was earning at least what I was spending in them each year then I would never use cash for Hotels or Flights...Elite Status wouldn't apply if I was redeeming in F/J instead of Y.
But when I haven't got that amount, where is the tipping point where it is worth paying.
Tricky subject... the maths are there though, I can kinda visualize it so will think some more and see if I can excel sheet it, any other insight would be appreciated.
On miles only redemptions, you are correct that elite status doesn't generally matter if you are redeeming for F/J, but for earning miles and redeeming through paying for a cheap ticket and upgrading, it may make a significant difference. When I flew JFK-LHR in economy on BA as an entry-level Blue member, I earned 3458 Avios each way. As a Bronze member currently, I would earn 4323, if I still flew in coach. When I reach Silver, my earnings rate for the same seat would be 6916.
With AA, status can make a significant difference in being able to clear upgrades to higher classes of travel from the lowest cost economy fare flights. This link provides some information,
http://www.flyerguide.com/wiki/index...te_Status_(AA). Earning rates for the same fare track the BA program. Other domestic airlines have similar features in their programs (although UA recently made drastic changes to their elite program that have many grumbling).
Elite status is not just about waived baggage fees, airport lounge access, and priority boarding. It can make a significant difference in how you accumulate miles with a particular airline or have the option of having your employer pay for a seat in economy that you can then upgrade to a more comfortable class of travel.