blindy, you make some very interesting points and it shows that you have considered this very carefully.

I joined the 'Club' this year and have also given it a lot of thought. My main objective was to improve my travelling experience and to make the whole thing much more comfortable. After reaching Silver status a month ago I decided to aim for Gold, purely for the reason that I wouldn’t have to reach a target next year (as I will have a soft landing to Silver). So this year I have pushed the boat out a little bit, which means that I have already reached a status that enables me to enjoy real benefits until August 2017.

When deciding to aim for Gold I weighed up all the pros and cons, and eventually decided that as most of my flights will originate from Vienna I probably won’t have the opportunity to use First lounges very often.

Silver usually gives me a good selection of seats, business check-in (which has been really useful), and priority boarding which enables me to beat the mad rush to shove the bags in the overhead lockers. Another important benefit for me is that I can usually find a reward flight back to England at very short notice, which is reassuring to know should something unfortunate happen to a family member.

The main benefit for me though is the use of the lounges. Sitting in a crammed airport departure lounge surrounded by noisy crowded shops is not my idea of a relaxing journey. In the Galleries Club Lounge if my flight is delayed, I can simply pour another drink, grab a bite to eat and go with the flow. The lounges make the whole thing less stressful.

The Club Lounges are quite adequate for my needs and I’m certainly not going to fork out a fortune to get into the First lounges. Dare I say it, a few people here seem to be obsessed with their own self-importance. Each to their own, but I see no great advantage in having GGL status.

If I want luxury now and again then I can buy a First or Business ticket when I feel like it. That is why I have decided that Silver status suits me just fine.