Originally Posted by
craz
If True what will the hordes of folks who make *G based on flying 20k do?? some folks might have to actually go out and buy a Club membership or pay up for a CC that has Club assess with it and 2 free bags
It will do wonders for UA as either folks will have to fly BIS 50k (heaven forbid) or have to get use to be a kettle and start paying fees
I always felt that *S & *G should be standardized so that no matter which Carrier you credited the miles to you still needed the exact same flown to achieve any given Elite level
I see where you are coming from but frankly A3 is my only chance to reach *Gold. I pay for most flights myself and fly 100-120k a year but almost all on awards in J/F. I'm adding short paid flights in Y for most itineraries. As we all know that is very cost effective. My total elite status miles were <10k - so A3 is a godsend for all those times I fly short haul economy and need to use a nice (some food, quiet, fast wifi) lounge. In Europe/ Asia most nice lounges (that means non-Priority Pass ones) are off limits to day pass/ club pass.
Of course Priority Pass is an alternative but in places like FRA not much help. * Gold gives you an enormous choice in places like FRA or ICN.