Originally Posted by
JayTeaBee
I was thinking as a GM I might have a pretty good shot at an upgrade on a flight to MBJ (non weekend) but perhaps you guys can level set me there. I assume that is a not a super frequent place tons of DL and PL are going all the time as it's more of an exotic location. But hey, everyone vacations and I'm sure there are plenty of FF who travel between US and Jamaica constantly for work.
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DM is the status that attracts me the most with the GUC's but that will just not happen until I can sustain like 220k a year on amex's. Once I can.... it's on!
If you're thinking about churning Amexes, be sure to check the thread in the Amex forum about their new policy of only one bonus per LIFETIME. I'm not 100% on all the details as it didn't concern me, but I"m sure there is more info than you could ever want in that thread.
For travel to the Caribbean, you might actually have pretty decent luck as a GM and even FO. From what I understand, routes like NYC-SJU are some of the easiest medallion UG routes, and often have gate upgrades for purchase even for non-status pax.
You've got a great attitude and pretty level head about what status will and will not get you, so keep that realistic lens on and you'll be fine. Before you become a seasoned cynic like the rest of us FTers, though, make sure you are still considering and weighing those cheaper options on other airlines, even if continuing your trek toward gaining and keeping status.
Yes, status (even FO) is absolutely helpful and if you're flying already, you might as well work toward it, but only if all other factors are equal. Where it breaks down is if you have to choose between an $900 DL flight in Y or a $700 AA flight in F to get to the same destination. As unlikely as that scenario might be, I'd hope that you would not choose the DL flight just to collect a few more MQMs.