Originally Posted by
ThrowDownYourLeavyScreens
Which gets me back to my original point.
On the one hand, you can chase FO "status" by contorting yourself into a sardine can for 25,000 miles or 30 segments, plus spend $2500 with DL (realistically $3000-$3500 once taxes are factored in) or $25,000 with Amex.
On the other hand, if Delta decides to make this program available year-round, you can spend roughly $800 all-inclusive and get 95% of the same benefits.
Hmmm....decisions, decisions. Which is the better deal? Spending $800 or spending $3500?
I don't think that's a fair comparison because you're ignoring the $3000-3500 worth of travel you get out of it. I'll use myself as an example. This year, I realized around mid-year that I had done/would do 48 segments based on planned travel. I decided it was worthwhile to add 3 more weekend trips to make GM. I spent about $600 on airfare for those trips, all-inclusive. Yes, I have hotel costs, but I'm also get to see an NFL game at Cowboys stadium, get to attend the homecoming game at my alma mater, and get an extra weekend with my long-distance fiancee. So unless you're comparing to true mileage runners who gain zero utility from the trips, the monetary cost comparison is skewed.
With all that said, I do agree with the premise of your statement. I'll be GM next year and will probably requalify for FO for 2015 just based on work and my long distance relationship because Delta generally has the best rates from my airport. After that, when I am living with my then-wife and don't need to travel to see her, I will happily let my status expire and consider picking up something like this if I have a serious amount of travel in a short time frame in the future.